Member Spotlight

9/21/2021

Tyler Chicoine, President - Elect

Job/Industry questions:

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

I get to the office at about 6:30 am each morning, with most of my time spent there in Milford. I also spend time on current job sites directing our staff or going out and visiting potential job sites that we are looking to bid. Like many others in this industry, I am available via phone at all hours.

What do you like most about your job?

The people. I have had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and I take a lot of pride in being able to contribute to the personal, mental, physical, and financial growth of our employees and their families. Additionally, I have met people from hundreds of firms across the Midwest and within the DOT systems.

What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

Across the industry, the biggest challenge is finding and retaining quality employees. Our company is fortunate to have a low turnover rate, and with that, we also must balance our project work with the number of people we have available.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

Garcia-Chicoine is a family-owned business that was founded when I was eight years old. I had pursued a career in investment banking after college. I had been in the financial industry for ten years, when my father sat me down and said now was the time if I wanted to join the company, I said yes without hesitation.

What is your favorite moment of your career so far? Favorite project?

My involvement with AGC Nebraska has been a consistent highlight of my career in the construction industry. I joined the board in 2007 and served as Chapter President in 2011. My father had previously served as President in 1996, so that was a very proud moment for myself, my father, and our firm.

What are your hopes for our industry?

My hope is that we continue to work on finding an increasing and sustainable funding source for the future projects that will be necessary. Across the country, the industry is hoping that the Legislatures will take our needs seriously and provide the right solution for us all.

If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

Background:

What did you want to be when growing up?

What was the first job you ever had?

I worked at Union Bank and Trust during my freshman year of college in their student intern program. From there, I continued towards a career in investment banking for 10 years until I transitioned to Garcia-Chicoine in 2000.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

Be on time, and don't take sick days, commit to your employer. Your employer is counting on you to be there.

Miscellaneous:

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

I am able to multitask well but could benefit from knowing where to be most present when something is a top priority.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife Jessica and I have three children, and two of them recently have moved out of state for career and college. So, we are looking forward to spending quality time with our youngest over the next couple of years. Jessica and I love to travel, we were married in Charleston SC, and like to get back to the area often.