What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
A common misconception about the industry is that construction firms are treated as commodities rather than as professional partners. The expertise on the preconstruction side is a true asset for project owners and should be fully leveraged during planning and execution to maximize efficiency and outcomes.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
One of the biggest challenges right now is integrating technology, including AI, across teams with varying levels of knowledge and skill sets. It’s important to ensure everyone can work efficiently while maintaining a collaborative environment and keeping the team connected, even as we adopt new tools and processes.
What keeps you up at night?
What keeps me up at night is the fast response time owners expect and making sure we provide professional, accurate, and thorough answers. Technology has amplified this challenge by increasing the speed at which information and decisions are needed.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Our ABC membership helps by promoting our company and creating valuable local connections with subcontractors and vendors. It also raises the Wagman name through award submissions and recognition within the industry.
What do you look forward to each day?
I look forward to working with the team each day; putting together proposals and bids, winning projects, and collaborating to achieve the best outcomes.
What are you like to work for?
According to his team, Jim leads by example; hardworking, fair, and approachable. They note that he brings extensive knowledge to the department and is committed to helping them learn and grow. His employees describe working with him as enjoyable and engaging; he challenges them to think critically while creating a work environment they genuinely look forward to being part of every day.
What do you do for fun?
Jim is a sports fanatic who enjoys attending multiple sporting events most weekends. He’s also an avid Washington Commanders fan.
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
I wish I had learned earlier how to manage work-life balance and set clearer boundaries between work and home, a lesson I’m still refining even after 30 years in the industry.
What was your first job?
Jim’s first job was working on a farm, where he baled and stacked hay and drove tractors.