Constructing Careers: Growth with Nicholas Conde
At ECI, we know that our success isn’t just about the buildings we construct—it’s about the people who bring those projects to life. That’s why we’re proud to showcase the talented individuals who make our company what it is. In this Employee Spotlight series, we introduce you to the hardworking professionals who embody our core values and drive our success.
This month, we’re featuring Nicholas Conde, an Assistant Project Manager, whose dedication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork have made a lasting impact on our projects and company culture.
Inside Nicholas’s Role
When Nicholas Conde joined ECI as an Assistant Project Manager eight months ago, he wasn’t just stepping into a new role—he was stepping into a team-driven culture that thrives on collaboration and growth. With a background in finance and a deep-rooted interest in construction, Nicholas has quickly found his place in an industry that turns blueprints into reality.
“My dad was in construction growing up—he was an electrical contractor—so it was always something I had a little bit of an interest in,” Nicholas shares. “As I started working different jobs, I kept finding myself drawn to real estate and the process of taking plans on paper and turning them into real buildings.”
Bridging the Gaps and Keeping Projects Moving
As an Assistant Project Manager, Nicholas plays a key role in ensuring projects stay on track by coordinating between the project manager and the superintendent. “For the most part, our job is to manage the project,” he explains. “We assist in filling the gaps to make sure no problems come up.”
From setting up contracts to coordinating with subcontractors, scheduling, and keeping owners informed, Nicholas handles a variety of moving parts. The toughest challenge? Juggling multiple responsibilities at once. “The hardest part is just managing so many different things and people at one time,” he says. “There’s a lot going on, and you have to keep everything moving to meet timelines.” But the most rewarding aspect? “It’s really nice to be outside of the office sometimes and actually see what we’re building.”
Hands-On Growth and a Supportive Team
Coming from a finance background, Nicholas knew he wanted an environment that would allow him to learn by doing. “I really wanted a place that would support me growing in this role,” he says. “Getting to actually do things, get my hands dirty, and see what’s going on has been really helpful. That’s something ECI prioritizes—they let you focus on areas you want to grow in and really support you.”
And that support doesn’t just come from leadership—it’s embedded in ECI’s culture. “A lot of companies say they’re team-oriented, but here, it’s truly the culture,” Nicholas emphasizes. “Even Chris, our Founder, is approachable. You can go up to him, schedule a meeting, and have a conversation. There’s a lot of collaboration, mentorship, and a focus on teaching us the best ways to do things.”
Taking on Bigger Responsibilities
In less than a year, Nicholas has already made a significant impact, taking on larger responsibilities in several projects. “It’s been really cool to, even so early on, play a big part in how the projects are going,” he says. “Especially with different personnel changes, I’ve had the opportunity to step up and fill different roles.” One standout experience has been working on the Christian Brothers Automotive project in Dripping Springs, where he’s taken on expanded responsibilities. “It’s been a really cool experience to step up a little more.”
A Future of Growth
With ECI’s ongoing expansion, Nicholas is excited about what’s ahead. “There’s been a lot of growth already—just in the eight months I’ve been here,” he says. “I’m looking forward to seeing how that continues and how I grow with the company.”
His biggest takeaway for anyone considering joining ECI? “Teamwork is the most important thing here. The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the estimating team, the field team, and the collaboration that happens every day. Our job is to communicate and handle anything that arises, and that’s what makes everything run smoothly.”
With his drive, adaptability, and appreciation for the construction process, Nicholas is building more than just structures—he’s building a promising career at ECI.
Join the ECI Team
We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our growing team. If you’re interested in a career in commercial construction, check out our careers page to learn more about opportunities at ECI.
Stay tuned for more employee spotlights, and follow us on LinkedIn to meet the incredible individuals behind our projects.
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Engen Contracting Inc.
A full-service general contractor specializing in commercial construction, ECI brings a strong reputation for building quality projects that are competitively priced, a commitment to quality craftsmanship, professionalism, and building trusting relationships to every project we undertake.