Nick Gallagher
Job Title: Project Manager
Company: Sunland Construction
Location: Austin, Texas
Age: 27
Years on the Job: 6
Interests: Spending time with family and friends, going to the lake, attending concerts, and woodworking
While earning his degree in construction science from Texas A&M University, Nick Gallagher worked multiple internships on wind farms and solar farms. Learning about the design, construction, and operation of wind turbines, solar tracking systems, the underground collection system, and substations inspired him to pursue a career in the renewable energy industry.
Gallagher, who was born and raised in Austin, Texas, also joined the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, where he learned, practiced, and developed critical leadership skills.
“Professionally, on-the-job training with experienced superintendents and project managers provided an applied understanding of field operations,” he says. “Managerial skills were obtained through formal leadership workshops, project management and scheduling courses, and installation training from product manufacturers.”
The knowledge and leadership skills he learned in college are the foundation of his career, he says.
“Working in the field with craft workers, tradesmen, and superintendents provided real-world experience and taught me how to be a more effective construction manager,” he says.
For example, he helped establish a new renewable energy division from the ground up, and he now contributes as a subject matter expert for wind, solar, and battery storage projects. His key responsibilities include client outreach, estimating, assistance with marketing, business, and financial planning.
“My favorite parts of my job include helping my peers learn about renewable energy projects and helping to establish this new division,” he says.
To communicate with his team, who are located from the Rockies to the East Coast, he uses Web-based collaboration tools and video conferencing.
“Technology is incredibly important to maintain communication and collaborate,” he says.
Eventually, he sees himself as a higher-level leader in its renewable energy division. To reach this goal, he will help establish sustainable business practices, pursue viable new market opportunities, identify and overcome future challenges, and continuously hone skills for advancement.
