We’re thrilled to introduce Kyle Zastrow, Beeler Construction’s newest Senior Project Manager. With 14 years of construction industry experience and a unique perspective from working on both the contractor and owner side, Kyle brings invaluable insight to our team. His expertise in healthcare construction, combined with his passion for mentoring and process improvement, makes him an excellent addition to the Beeler family. Get to know Kyle more.
Time with Beeler Construction: 2 Months
Years in Construction Industry: 14 Years
Certifications: OSHA 30, Healthcare Construction Certifications, ICRA Certification, NFPA 80 Fire Door Inspection Certificate
Q: What does a typical day look like in your role at Beeler Construction?
A: Being the “new guy”, I have spent the first few months learning the “how” and “why” of the Beeler Way, using my past experiences to look at current processes and providing insight on where efficiencies and improvements are possible in the day-to-day. I am getting incorporated in the preconstruction phase of several projects, providing SD budgets and proposals for small opportunities as I “get my feet wet” with the team. I am also using this opportunity to share my experience to help mentor and provide insight to other team members who may be up against new opportunities and to help give guidance on how to approach situations or opportunities to be efficient with their time and available resources.
Q: What drew you to a career in commercial construction, and how did you end up at Beeler Construction?
A: I have always loved to build things. Growing up on a farm, I was always helping my grandpa fix what’s broken to keep things moving in the day-to-day hustle. I also would help him with small home remodel projects, which started my love for construction. I decided to go into college looking at engineering, not sure what exactly at the start, but following a few internships, it solidified my love for construction and seeing things get built. The most rewarding part is seeing spaces/buildings being used by the community, whether that be schools, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, etc. All the spaces are used to provide something for someone in the community, so having the ability to directly impact that with the infrastructure and physical spaces built is very rewarding. I came to Beeler Construction through my connection with Dave Beeler. I knew Dave for several years through my prior roles and built a great relationship with him whenever we ran into one another. Beeler also was one of the contractors I utilized when working on the owner facilities side and got to know several of the office and field personnel. They all shared the same passion, vision, dedication and Beeler Way in their day-to-day activities. Their attitude and dedication to their craft really stuck out to me and when an opportunity arose that gave me the opportunity to join the Beeler team, I knew that I would be joining a team that shared many of the same characteristics I look to implement and convey in my personal and professional life every day.
Q: What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on, and what made it memorable?
A: I think the most challenging projects I have worked on have been in the healthcare industry, particularly pediatric hospitals, with the extra attention to detail and facility requirements involved. I often like to say that if you can manage work in healthcare, you can manage any other type of work out there. When working in healthcare, you are not only responsible for the construction activities but ensuring those activities do not adversely affect the public and staff within the facilities around you. Many of the projects are within occupied spaces, in some cases very high risk spaces, that you have to plan out the infection control, phasing, shutdowns, noise, etc. to be as least impactful to the people around you. Working in healthcare can have its stress and high expectations, but the most memorable part is seeing the spaces being used to provide healing, safety, comfort, and a safe space for those who really need it. People who are in a healthcare setting are often not there by choice, they are there because they, or someone they care about, need to be there. Being a part of something that allows for that healing to happen is most memorable of all.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Beeler Construction?
A: The atmosphere at Beeler is amazing. Everyone is in it as a team and collaboration is key, using past experiences to help each other grow and become better, both personally and professionally. The team is easy to work with and easy to talk to, which brings a personal connection with individuals, which can be hard to find in this kind of industry. There isn’t an “all about me” approach and everyone is in it together. They also foster relationships with their clients, ensuring that the Beeler Way is part of everything they do, every day. The teamwork, collaboration and feeling of “being part of it” is really what I enjoy about coming to work every day.
Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about me in my prior roles?
A: I bring a unique perspective to my role, as I have spent time in both the contractor and owner role. I spent about (8) years at a healthcare facility on the general contractor side, then spent about (5) years on the owner side at that same healthcare facility. It gave me the opportunity to see projects through both the owner and contractor lens, which has helped me think through not only the lifecycle of the physical project itself, but also what it takes to maintain those spaces and systems once you “hand over the keys”. It allowed me to see where some of the challenges can present themselves post-construction that can be brought forward in the early planning stages of a project to improve longevity of the spaces and equipment with how the facilities personnel need to access and maintain the systems within those spaces. I also have a good amount of background in compliance requirements around system infrastructure, again being on both the contractor and owner side, that forces me to think through some of the “forgotten things” around wall, door, damper ratings that are often around the perimeter of a project space that might not be captured in a space redesign, but are always things discovered later on that often have schedule and cost impacts to the project. Being able to account, or at least raise those questions, at the onset of a project can help everyone in the long run from both a schedule and cost perspective on projects.
Q: If you could describe the Beeler Construction team in three words, what would they be?
A: Driven, Passionate, Dedicated
Q: Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
A: Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family: My wife Rachel, and my three beautiful kiddos (Bodhi (6), Jasper (1) and Elowyn (3 months)). I love to hunt and fish (open and ice) and am an avid sports fan, both playing and watching. I enjoy a good bourbon or Busch Lite and some grilled food, while sitting on a folding chair!
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: In high school, I was unique. I was a farm kid, a 4-sport athlete and was also heavily involved in fine arts, being part of jazz band, marching band, swing choir and A cappella choir. I didn’t really fall into any of the usual “cliques” that kids have nowadays. 😊
Q: Favorite Local Restaurant or Favorite Food?
A: My favorite local restaurant/watering hole is Bilda’s Friess Lake Pub. I have known the owners for 14+ years and they have some of the best food: smoked meats, fish fry, cheese curds, etc. and they also have unique beers and bourbons available that you won’t typically find out in the middle of the country.
Q: Favorite Vacation Destination?
Favorite vacation destination would have to be Jamaica. The people, atmosphere and “take it easy” was what made that destination one of the best times I have had on a vacation. Hoping to go back there in the future!
Kyle’s blend of technical expertise, hands-on experience from both sides of construction projects, and genuine passion for the work makes him an asset to the Beeler Construction team. We’re excited to see the impact he’ll continue to make as he grows with our company. Welcome to the team, Kyle!