Transitioning Careers
I transitioned to a role as a project manager for a general contractor in the D.C. area. Although I gained valuable experience, the routine soon became monotonous, akin to Groundhog Day. The opportunity to work in Guam presented itself as a unique challenge, and Planate was in need of a Project Manager for a role there. I applied, and a month later, my wife and I relocated to Guam. This move has been an adventure, a rewarding learning experience, and a decision I do not regret. Transitioning from D.C. to Guam in the dead of winter made the tropical environment feel like a vacation. Few places offer the luxury of walking to the beach before work or diving on a Wednesday evening.
Life in Guam
Living in Guam has been incredible. We reside about five minutes from the beach and have formed a close-knit group of friends on the island. Our time is mostly spent outdoors, exploring the island’s offerings. There is always a festival or backyard BBQ happening. The Chamorro people are the friendliest and most hospitable I have ever met. Beach BBQs often result in invitations to join and immediate inclusion in the family. The sense of community and support structure on Guam is unparalleled. Although it is extremely remote, and conveniences from the mainland are harder to come by, I quickly realized that most modern conveniences are distractions. When the internet goes out, we hike; when the power is off, we head to the beach.
Professional Challenges and Achievements
As the Project Manager on the Typhoon Mawar Recovery project at Andersen Air Force Base, my responsibilities include managing third-party submittal reviews, RFI coordination, required design drawings, estimating, scheduling, and technical site assessments. We collaborate closely with the Global Technical Support Centre at Planate to deliver tailored design solutions and material reviews in a fast paced, post-disaster environment. My role involves coordinating between the client, field team, and our reach-back support to ensure timely, quality product delivery. My on-site admin and engineering teams are the backbone of our operation, making my job significantly easier, and I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.
Unique Challenges in Guam
Working in Guam comes with unique challenges. The environment is unforgiving, demanding careful consideration during the design process. Seismic events and frequent typhoons limit material choices and affect construction speed. Structures are typically designed to withstand 210 mph winds, and corrosion is a constant concern. Guam’s isolation means longer shipping times, higher prices, and a smaller workforce. While other companies struggle to find qualified engineers and staff, Planate’s Subic office is strategically positioned to provide technical expertise and project management personnel efficiently.
Key Projects and Community Impact
We are currently working on over 100 buildings at Andersen Air Force Base, with the flagship project being the Child Development Center (CDC). While most of our work focuses on weatherproofing building envelopes, the CDC project involves a complete interior renovation. The building required 24/7 support to ensure construction was completed in time for students’ return. Planate was involved in all construction phases, and the project was successfully completed on schedule.
Planate’s presence in Guam significantly contributes to the rehabilitation of Andersen Air Force Base by utilizing and expanding the local workforce. We inject revenue into the local economy and strive to hire locally whenever possible. Guam is rapidly developing, with the refurbishment of AAFB and new ] construction at Camp Blaz. Planate aims to be part of these initiatives, continuing to expand our Guam office with local hires. Additionally, we engage in community outreach, supporting local schools. For example, during STEM week, we volunteered at Simon Sanches High School to promote careers in STEM fields.
Future Outlook and Expansion
We have successfully completed two major projects centered around the typhoon recovery effort. The first team assessed over 100 buildings across AAFB to develop the recovery effort’s scope of work. The recovery team followed, providing engineering support during construction. This ongoing effort has seen the Planate team play a pivotal role in delivering quality construction projects at AAFB over the past year. Our performance has earned us a reputation for high performance on the island.
In Guam, I foresee Planate not only expanding in scale but also in scope. Over the next decade, there will be opportunities to broaden our services, enhance our third-party inspection capacity, and become the prime contract holder for larger projects. There may also be opportunities to test and prove our construction capabilities.
Support from the Philippines Office
Our Philippines-based offices are our lifeline, enabling us to react rapidly across the Asia Pacific region. Our Global Technical Support Center engineers are constantly on call and frequently augment our onisland capabilities. Whether we need a detailed drawing, a complicated estimate, or an as-built, the center provides support almost overnight. Their positive impact on this project is immeasurable. Additionally, much of our administrative project management staff comes from the SEAC office.
The primary advantage of our Asia Pacific team is their ability to rapidly respond to any issue. While other field teams wait for their project controls or design teams to wake up, our Philippines team is already solving problems and finding solutions. Our consistent quality and service are rooted in our people, who include world-class leadership, design professionals, and administrators. Through rational deployments, our Philippines staff gains visibility and on-ground experience on each project, preventing our design team from working “in a bubble.” They understand the unique considerations of each locality because they have experienced them firsthand. Our excellent communication across teams ensures continuous visibility and control over our product output.
Outstanding work in Guam. Thanks so much to SEAC!