At Nunn Construction, our people are the driving force behind every successful project. In this edition of our “Day in the Life” series, we’re shining a spotlight on Joe McCormick, one of our dedicated Assistant Superintendents. Joe has been in construction for over 14 years and initially started with Nunn as a carpenter before progressing to his current role. From early morning site walks to navigating daily challenges with calm determination, Joe’s role is essential in keeping projects on track and teams motivated.
Starting the Day: Early Mornings & Proactive Planning
Joe’s workday begins at sunrise—often even earlier depending on the day’s needs. “When we have something big like a concrete pour, crews might be on site by 4 a.m.,” Joe shares. His first steps are strategic: checking emails, reviewing safety observations, and diving into the day’s planner board.
A typical morning involves ensuring all subcontractors are present and aligned with the day’s schedule. If critical team members are missing, swift communication follows—calls and emails to the Superintendent or Project Manager—to keep things on course.
Joe at COS Airport
The Role in Action: Bridging Planning and Execution
Transitioning from planning to boots-on-the-ground execution is where Joe excels. Through weekly pull-plan meetings and constant coordination with subcontractors, he ensures that every task moves forward efficiently and safely.
But as anyone in construction knows, even the best laid plans can face sudden obstacles. Joe describes it best:
“Daily though, things can arise as fast as these fighter jets next door to me right now.”
Whether it’s a schedule hiccup or an unforeseen site issue, his approach is steady—assess, ensure safety, and develop a solution-driven plan.
Joe Measuring the Floor to the Ceiling
Responsibilities That Keep the Jobsite Running Smoothly
Joe’s day revolves around two primary objectives: maintaining site safety and driving the schedule forward. This involves conducting walkthroughs, managing Quality Control Inspection Checklist (QCICL) inspections, and holding daily huddles and foreman meetings. His role supports the Superintendent and project team by tracking tools and equipment, managing safety protocols, and helping keep the jobsite well-organized for all trades.
Staying organized amidst a flurry of moving parts requires discipline. Joe relies on prioritizing emails, meticulously tracking schedule updates, and maintaining a forward-looking checklist to stay ahead of potential roadblocks.
Problem-Solving with Composure and Collaboration
When unexpected challenges arise—like critical subcontractors missing from site or weather disruptions—Joe’s calm and methodical approach shines. A recent example was navigating city approvals for construction dumpsters at RTA’s Office Renovation, a process that was new to him but is now a well-understood task in his toolkit.
He emphasizes the importance of staying level-headed under pressure:
“Staying calm on stressful days is something that grows better in time with confidence on site.”
The Human Side of Construction
Beyond schedules and inspections, Joe values the human connections formed on the jobsite. He believes relationship-building with subcontractors, owners, and fellow team members is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of his role.
Maintaining team morale is a priority, whether through a site BBQ or simple words of encouragement during meetings.
“Noticing the hard work people put in day in and day out goes a long way”
Joe at His Computer
Embracing Technology & Continuous Growth
Modern construction is increasingly digital, and Joe makes full use of tools like Procore and Bluebeam to streamline daily tasks—whether it’s reviewing drawings, verifying measurements, or conducting inspections.
Ongoing training, schedule management, and quality control deepen his understanding of every project. Joe’s philosophy is simple but effective:
“Learn from all trades. Try to learn something new every day.”
Why This Work Matters
For Joe, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing a jobsite evolve from the ground up. Watching months of hard work and coordination take shape into a finished project is both rewarding and humbling. But above all, he finds pride in ensuring everyone leaves the jobsite safe and healthy each day—a goal that reflects Nunn Construction’s core values. Joe reflects…
“Seeing everyone leave work healthy and happy may sound cliché, but it’s something that should never be taken for granted”
Fun Facts: A Glimpse into Joe’s Personality
- Coffee or Energy Drinks? Energy drinks like Bang and Reign (though he’s trying to cut back).
- Favorite Project Type? Ground-up new builds—challenging yet satisfying from start to finish.
- Dream Jobsite Superpower? The ability to see the future to prevent issues before they arise.