General Superintendent - Lessons in Leadership and How to Future Proof Your Career with Mitch McDonald

Mitchell McDonald · General Superintendent · XL Construction

In this episode, we are joined by Mitch McDonald, General Superintendent at XL Construction, as he shares his fascinating journey from a third-generation construction family to leading major projects. Mitch dives into his early life, growing up on a dairy farm, and how those experiences shaped his work ethic and career in construction. We explore Mitch's rapid rise in the industry, his transition from field to office roles, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. He offers insightful advice on balancing work-life rhythms, the importance of mentorship, and how young professionals can navigate their careers in construction. Mitch also discusses the future of the construction industry, emphasizing the critical need for skilled labor and the potential career paths for those entering the field. This episode is packed with wisdom and practical guidance for anyone interested in or already part of the construction industry. Takeaways Raising your hand and asking…

Tools this guest actually uses: iPad. See the database →

1. 00:00Intro
2. 01:00Third generation superintendent raised on a dairy farm
3. 13:32Joining Lusardi Construction as a carpenter in 1997
4. 19:44Raising his hand for his first schedule
5. 22:15Guiding older tradesmen instead of ordering them
6. 26:55Bleeding Lusardi red and missing his son's first year
7. 33:13The skill shift into general superintendent
8. 45:58How the pandemic broke America's work culture
9. 54:03Mentoring only works when the pupil seeks it
10. 1:01:34Selling the trades over a four year degree

Timestamps are from the recording and may drift a minute or two from the published edit.

"A really good superintendent does not direct or order or tell. A really good superintendent guides."

Mitchell McDonald · 23:32

"The skill set that you need as a successful senior superintendent is 80% technical skills and 20% soft skills."

Mitchell McDonald · 33:13

"You graduate from high school, you start an apprenticeship with the carpenters union, and we pay you and teach you at the same time. When you're done in five years, you will be making more money than engineers or architects."

Mitchell McDonald · 1:01:34