Chris LiPira

Meet Chris LiPira – Senior Project Manager and this month’s Hard Hat Hang Up.

How did you get into the construction industry?

Since a young kid, I’ve always been drawn to construction.  Watching the individual materials be put together to become something totally different was always fascinating to me. During college and briefly afterwards I worked part time and over the summers as a carpenter for a custom builder/home improvement contractor.  I then landed a job as a PE for a construction management firm.  My carrier path took me into the field as a superintendent to build a few projects before pivoting and moving to a PM role. 

What do you like most about being a Senior Project Manager?

I enjoy being the team aspect.  Throughout the course of any project, there are always challenges that come up and obstacles that need to be overcome in order for the project to be successful.  Working together as a team to get ahead of potential obstacles and overcome the challenges that get in our way is very rewarding.

What do you like most about the culture at Chesapeake?

My favorite aspect of the culture at CCG is the support.  At all levels everyone wants to create an environment that contributes to the success of each individual and help everyone to grow and achieve their goals.     

What has been a favorite project you’ve worked on recently?

I don’t know if I’d call it recently, but I’d have to say 1111 Light Street.  This job was very challenging and was a lot of firsts for me.  First high-rise out of the ground, post-tension structure, w/ deep excavation on a zero-lot line.  The project was in residential neighborhood in downtown Baltimore with almost no laydown area.  We needed to have constant coordination meetings to schedule daily deliveries and ensure materials were on-site as needed to facilitate the flow of construction.        

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

These days the majority of my time outside of work is spent with my kids.  I have three daughters and they have very busy social calendars.  They are involved in soccer, basketball, softball, swimming, dance and gymnastics.  Running them between practices and games for these take a lot of time, but its very fulfilling to watch their enjoyment and skills grow with their experience.