Due Diligence: Getting to Know Christopher Scala
Our next “Due Diligence: Getting To Know…” employee spotlight is on: Senior Director Christopher (Chris) Scala in New York City.
Macro: What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
Chris: I was the captain of both my high school track team (hurdler and long jumper) and math team. I guess that means I’m quick with complicated problems.
Macro: How did your background or studies prepare you for the work you do now?
Chris: I’m a third-generation engineer. My grandfather had NYC Operating Engineer License #1. Ever since I could walk, building has been part of my life. In high school and college, I worked in construction, learning hands on, and studied engineering in college for formal training. These two methods complement each other. You need to understand how things fit together to effectively manage others doing the same.
Macro: What song is always on your playlist when you need to focus or hype yourself up?
Chris: My playlist, if anything, is eclectic. I switch back and forth between 70’s pop and 80’s punk, Johnny Cash and if my daughters are around, Taylor Swift. If I were stranded on a desert island, my playlist of choice would have to be the Violent Femmes.
Macro: What’s a skill you’ve developed (or are working on) that you didn’t expect would be important in this field?
Chris: Patience and avoiding jumping to conclusions. When you hear of a problem or see something wrong, you need to take a breath and do your research. What went wrong? Was there an issue with the construction documents? Was the approved submittal in conflict with contract documents? Was it an employee error or simple miscommunication? To fix an issue and prevent it from happening again, it’s best to take the time to identify the causes behind the actual issue.
Macro: If you weren’t working in this field, what do you think you’d be doing?
Chris: I would have been a career military officer or professional lacrosse referee. Both are stressful and involve being in the line of fire.
Macro: What’s something you’ve learned at Macro that has shifted how you approach your projects or clients?
Chris: The Macro style of management and leadership. We strive to build a team. When there is a problem – because, let’s face it, in this industry, it’s inevitable – we work on resolving it equitably and expeditiously and avoid finger pointing. Our aim is always to watch out for the client.
Macro: What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Chris: A family trip to Italy with my wife and crew of five great kids. We’re hoping to go in 2027 when my oldest finishes his Naval commitment. Watch out Amalfi Coast – the Scalas are coming!
Macro: How do you define success in your role or in a project?
Chris: Simple. Success is defined by the outcome of the project. If the project is successful and the client is satisfied, then I know I’ve done my job. No matter how good I think I am, or how hard I’ve worked, if the project isn’t successful then there was room for improvement.
Macro: What’s something you’ve done that you’re proud of but don’t get to talk about often?
Chris: I left my 100-year-old family business and had my first job interview at 45 years old. The CM firm that hired me knew my work as a subcontractor but took a chance on me moving up the food chain and running a complete project on my own. I had my own doubts, but when I picked up the ENR Healthcare Project of the Year award in 2015, I knew I could do anything in the construction world.
Macro: What’s a piece of professional advice or feedback that stuck with you?
Chris: Take a minute before responding to anything. Sometimes, listening (2 ears, 1 mouth) and understanding where the question/problem originated, is as important as the question/problem.
Macro: If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional, what would it be?
Chris: Trust, but verify. Double (and sometimes triple) check using alternative sources to ensure that whatever information you pass along is correct and accurate – even if it means physically looking at the subject yourself. You can find just about any code book or reference in my office at 900T – stop by anytime!
