As an Assistant Project Manager at Nunn Construction, Coleman Fairburn begins his day the same way many in the industry do—early. Arriving on-site by 7:00 AM, Coleman jumps into action by checking emails, calls, and messages, and coordinating with his project teams to make sure there are no fires to put out. But from there, no two days are alike. And that’s exactly what he loves most about the job.
“Each day is different, which is one of my favorite things about my role”
Grounded on Site and in the Details
While much of his role could be handled from the office, Coleman prefers to be out in the field, close to the work and immersed in the daily rhythm of each project. He handles a variety of responsibilities depending on the phase—everything from managing submittals and RFIs to tracking schedule updates and pricing changes. His day may also include project buyout, punch list walks, or helping drive a smooth closeout process.
But perhaps what sets Coleman apart is his commitment to proactive on-site quality control.
“I walk the job almost every 1–2 hours to make sure everything is going in per the contract documents and to Nunn’s quality standards,” he says. “Catching things in the field before they become an issue saves everyone time and work.”
Coleman at Fire Station #24
Building in Real-Time
Currently, Coleman is helping manage two important projects: COS Fire Station #24 and the new Ent Credit Union branch in Alamosa, CO. On Fire Station #24, he supports as both Project Engineer and Assistant Project Manager. For Ent Credit Union, he’s fully leading the charge—balancing both Project Manager and Project Engineer responsibilities alongside his Superintendent.
Regardless of project type or team structure, Coleman collaborates closely with a mix of internal team members, subcontractors, design teams, and owners. He thrives on maintaining strong communication lines and tailoring his style to meet different partners where they’re at.
“Some may prefer phone calls over emails, while others may be more likely to attend meetings if there’s a small incentive (such as donuts). Instead of trying to change others’ behavior, I’ve found greater success by meeting people where they’re at and adapting my approach to align with their preferences.”
Fire Station #24 Team | Left to Right (Coleman Fairburn, Cole Albright, Larry Haas & Dave Smith)
Keeping Projects on Track
One of Coleman’s biggest priorities? Staying ahead of procurement challenges. He’s seen firsthand how missing a delivery window can ripple through a schedule—and he’s proactive about monitoring lead times and coordinating logistics early.
A Problem-Solver at Heart
When delivery of a transformer critical to powering a building was unexpectedly delayed until 2026, Coleman didn’t wait around or avoid the issue. He sprang into action—working with the owner, CSU, and his electrical subcontractor to find an alternative solution. That kind of initiative kept the project on track and highlights his resourceful mindset.
“Leveraging connections and relationships to find an alternative solution helped keep the project on schedule”
Growing at Nunn
Since joining Nunn, Coleman has embraced the company’s growth-oriented culture. He credits mentors on Nunn teams he’s worked with like Cole Albright and Michael Gallagher for investing in his development, encouraging him to ask questions, and involving him in new experiences.
“They’ve…taken the time to make sure I’m a part of all the behind the scenes of the project and get the experience.”
He’s also taken full advantage of Nunn’s robust training and evaluation programs, monthly PE/PM meetings, and professional growth opportunities.
Coleman at Subcontractor Appreciation Lunch at Fire Station #24
Advice for Aspiring APMs
Coleman encourages others entering the industry to stay curious and lean into discomfort.
“The places you’ve never been before are where the growth happens. It’s OK to not be perfect, but learning from your mistakes is crucial to being a successful APM.”
And his best productivity tool? A humble spiral notebook. It’s where he captures to-do lists, lessons learned, and meeting notes—all in one place.
Coleman Working
Staying Connected to the Community
At the end of the day, what keeps Coleman motivated is seeing the tangible impact of Nunn’s work across Colorado.
“Schools, municipal buildings… all have a direct connection to the people that live and work here. It’s incredibly rewarding to drive around Colorado Springs and think about all the hard work that Nunn has put in towards building a better community.”