Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of welcoming Frank Lewery, a co-op from Drexel University for some exposure to the professional field of construction management. Frank joined us in the springtime to take on some responsibilities in the estimating department and assist in the bidding process for a handful of potential projects, some of which were awarded. Namely, Frank had the opportunity to work on the Holt Center @ Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem along with the S.T.E.M. Lab there as well. He played a vital role throughout the bidding process – evaluating the design documents, trade buyouts & scope evaluations, and daily interactions with our potential subcontractors.
Frank described the best part of his co-op was “the opportunity to experience the day to day operations of being an estimator and the daily responsibilities of working in the construction management field. Working with multiple projects from the time they were sent out to bid to the time of them being awarded helped create time management skills as well as how to work efficiently under a deadline. The responsibility I was given included delivering bids and receiving permits, among other critical tasks. Frank continues, “As a company, McDonald Building helped me experience the family type of workplace I hope to work in in the future. This co-op was extremely helpful for me to narrow down my career path and overall it was a great experience.”
This was Frank’s first co-op in a series of the required three and is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Frank is an avid ice hockey player and in addition to playing on the Drexel University team, he has served as Captain on numerous ice hockey squads in his hometown of Staten Island, NY and surrounding areas. Frank has volunteered for various organizations during his early college career including “Cook for a Friend” Soup Kitchen and relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy. He anticipates on graduating from Drexel in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
Says Brad Springer, Lead Estimator, “It was a great pleasure for myself and MBC to have Frank with us during his co-op experience. The experience always provides a different perspective of our work in an interesting manner. Whether being questions about construction and associated drawings or just overall company processes, Frank was always interested in expanding his knowledge and role in projects. We wish him all the luck with the reminder years at Drexel and hope to see him back at MBC.”
