Plateau Excavation

Plateau People – Darren DuPont, Assistant Project Manager

With a strong foundation built on people, quality craftsmanship, and innovation, Plateau Excavation has become a leader in tackling advanced, large-scale and complex site development projects, but it is our people that truly make the difference and have moved the company forward.

  • How many years have you been at Plateau Excavation? 7 Months
  • What’s your job title? Asst. Project Manager
  • What exactly do you do at our company? In my current role, I’m in charge of managing daily project control activities ranging from procurement, tracking material, reviewing and writing RFI’s, assisting with CO’s, submittals and interpreting drawings to ensure material is onsite in a timely manner per our need and or schedule. In addition, managing our subcontractors and any changes that may occur that veer away from our initial contract. While supporting the needs of our clients, I put effort in ensuring the safety of our crews if anything is seen, happens or is needed.
  • So far, what has been your favorite project? SK Hyundai Battery Plant, because it’s the only one I’ve been on thus far.
  • How would you describe your team or the people you work with? If I could use one word to describe the team that I work with it would be “experienced”. It seems to be a motto of “one team one dream” here at PEI, and so far, we are exceeding our milestones and raising the bar for our own expectations. When it come to the people I work with, that’s simple – FAMILY. Everyone here is genuine, cultured and at times it doesn’t even feel like work.
  • What advice would you provide to someone interested in getting into this industry? Have patience. In the construction world, so many things change rapidly on a day-to-day basis, and you can become overwhelmed with tasks easily. Learn to be organized and efficient with your time because your plan today may not be your plan tomorrow. One of my professors told me in college years ago – Order your priorities and obey the logic.
  • What is your favorite aspect about your job, Plateau, or the industry? My favorite aspect about my job is seeing the progress and changes every day. I come to work especially from my contributions. No day is the same, so it’s hard to become bored. I love the fact that I can be inside or outside at my leisure and being trusted to do my job, without being micro-managed.
  • What drew you to Plateau originally? I felt like Plateau’s vision and purpose of what they are trying to accomplish in this industry aligned with my vision, goals and needs. I met with Ryan Duke and Joe Davis initially, and it just felt good talking with them about Plateau’s processes, and direction they are headed. I figured if the other people who worked for the company were anything like them, I couldn’t go wrong with my decision. – and I didn’t. This is was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made in my career, with opportunities to grow. I hope to retire from here one day.
  • What is something unique about you (a fun fact) that few people are aware of? I’ve had 8 addresses in a ten-year span moving around the US on different projects. I’m a thrill seeker- I’ve skydived, whitewater rafted the Savegre River in Costa Rica, and absolutely love to fish! Oh, and I’m a new dad, so I may not be seeking as much anymore.

Have patience. In the construction world, so many things change rapidly on a day-to-day basis, and you can become overwhelmed with tasks easily. Learn to be organized and efficient with your time because your plan today may not be your plan tomorrow. One of my professors told me in college years ago – Order your priorities and obey the logic.