Project Manager Al McAuliffe joined Siena Construction in 2013. In his management role, Al has overseen planning, execution, and delivery of many complex, high visibility spaces for clients throughout Greater Boston: Life Sciences (Entrada Therapeutics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Foundation Medicine), Higher Education (Merrimack College, Suffolk University), and base building infrastructure (Lincoln Property’s office-to-lab conversion at 535-545 Boylston Street in Downtown Boston.

We recently asked Al to share his work/life experiences and how he applies his knowledge, skill, and do-it-yourself motivations to his project management. Thanks for all you do for Siena, Al!

What was your first job ever, and what did you learn?

I was a paperboy when I was in middle school. It taught me commitment at a young age to show up to work and complete my route on schedule.

How did you choose construction as a career path?

When I was in high school, my family was putting an addition on our house. With my father’s and uncle’s guidance, one of my brothers and I worked almost every weekend for a year to build a two story addition.

What’s your favorite or most memorable project you worked on? What made it special/unique? 

Entrada Therapeutics at One Design Center in the Seaport. The project team involved during that 11 month project made the process enjoyable, running smoothly with very few challenges. The design team at SMMA was excellent to work with; the owner and owner’s PM understood the construction process to make timely decisions; and the subcontractor foreman got along. I was the full-time on-site project manager for that one and I enjoy managing projects that are being completed right in front of me.

What do you like best about working at Siena?

Everyone who works at Siena is dedicated to the success and reputation of the company. That pushes all of us to maintain a high standard and quality of work.

What is the favorite piece of advice you ever received?

Change your own oil. My dad taught me mechanic skills when I got my first car – a manual 1996 white Ford F-150 single cab with an 8 foot bed. The engine bay was simple and accessible, so I learned how to keep that truck running as parts started to fail. We even did a head gasket replacement job when I was in college. I still do all the work on my cars myself. I think this taught me to be self-sufficient –  whenever I need something done, I enjoy learning how to do it myself.

What advice would you give someone just starting in construction?

Spend time in the field. The knowledge you gain from being on-site daily is indispensable. Witnessing how a project comes together helps when developing schedules and estimates. You also learn how to communicate with all disciplines on a project, subcontractors, designers, and owners.

If you weren’t in construction, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

Owning and operating a taco truck or working in the ski industry.

Work-life balance is important in a stressful, demanding industry like construction. How do you enjoy your spare time?

I enjoy skiing, fishing, golfing, hiking, traveling or any reason to enjoy the outdoors.

What’s a small thing that instantly makes your workday better?

Strong coffee!

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Al’s Favorites

TV Show –  Band of Brothers

Music – Classic Rock and Hard Rock

Area Restaurants – Aldon & Harlow, Gustazo, Tavern at the End of the World

Vacation Getaway – Either a ski-trip out west or somewhere tropical with my wife.

Hidden Talent –  I’m a pretty good cook.