Pat Rumpza: Truly Leading by Example

“I'm not a super vocal person," said Pat Rumpza with a smile. “That's not how I approach working with people. I try to lead by example and hope that they will emulate what they see."

And they do.

“Through his actions, Pat inspires others to strive to do their best," said John Williams, Vice President of Construction and Pat's manager. “He's intelligent and thoughtful – the kind of person who thinks before he speaks and thinks before he acts. He simply says what needs to be said and remains calm. People trust him."

As Senior Project Manager, Pat manages construction projects through city approvals, design collaboration, budget development, scheduling, bidding, estimating, subcontractor management and project closeout.

“My job is to manage our full team action list," Pat said. “I make sure there's someone assigned to everything that needs to be done and ensure it gets done."

Pat works closely with the project's design, development and construction team members, while overseeing the project management team.

“As project managers using the design-build model, we put our personal stamp on every project we manage. We help drive design and constructability decisions, and that has a big impact on project outcomes. It's really cool to drive around town and see projects I've been involved in and know that they were influenced by my work."

Gaining Experience First-Hand & Establishing Credibility

After high school, Pat went to Iowa State University and was drawn to engineering since he was good at science and math.

“During my first semester, I really liked a presentation given by the Construction Engineering department. That presentation – and the fact I enjoy building things with my hands – drew me toward construction. I went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering. That choice was reinforced early in my career during a couple internships. I enjoyed what I was doing, and I still do."

Pat joined Opus right after graduating from Iowa State in 2013 as an Associate Project Manager. In 2017 he was promoted to Project Manager and in 2022 to Senior Project Manager.

When Opus recruited Pat, he insisted on having his first assignment in the field so he could see how the work comes together.

“He was adamant about understanding how things happen on the jobsite and wanted to get his hands and boots dirty," said Beth Duyvejonck, Regional Vice President of Construction. “For a year and a half he worked onsite at The Nic on Fifth project in downtown Minneapolis. He gained a deep understanding of the construction process, established credibility with field associates and developed skills that have made him an exceptional leader."

Some other key projects that Pat managed include Cherne Industries, Renewal by Andersen, Oxbō Mixed-Use, Sanctuary Business Center, The Maven on Broadway and Our Lady of Grace Activity Center.

“I've been with Opus my whole career after college," he said. “It's hard to imagine having a better mix of people. We have a culture of respect. There are a lot of very smart and talented people working here. From day one, I have always had managers who I respect and hold in high regard."

New Market – No Problem

Today Pat is managing construction of the largest multifamily development Opus has underway at this time – the ARI on Fourth Apartments. This 323-unit project is our first in Tucson, Ariz. Pat is based in Minneapolis, so he's leading the project team remotely most of the time.

“This is a high-profile project in a new market with a very tight schedule," said Richard Chazal, Director of Project Management. “Honestly, it's going better than I ever could have hoped. The team is over the moon, thrilled to be working under Pat's leadership. He is not excitable, which is a rarity in construction. He can take very contentious issues with a lot of strong personalities – many of whom are older, with more experience – and navigate through in a really productive manner."

Pat's ability to build trust has contributed greatly to helping Opus overcome the natural challenges of building in a new market.

“It is a win for Opus because we've paired a high potential, high performing project manager on one of our most significant projects," said Beth.

John agrees. “We all have a very high level of confidence in Pat. He is well-respected, fair and wouldn't ask others to do anything that he wouldn't do or hasn't done himself. He does a great job, and the team follows."

Always looking for a better way, Pat is the Minneapolis/Des Moines champion for our Lean Community of Practice, which makes recommendations for process improvements. He is also a member of the Opus Scholarship Committee, which annually awards scholarships to future leaders.

***

In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University, Pat holds a Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure in Architectural Engineering and is a LEED Accredited Professional for Building Design and Construction.

For his alma mater, Pat helped develop the curriculum for the Construction Engineering Capstone Program, which has guest lecturers, like Pat, speak to students and make connections between what they are learning in the classroom and the real world.

Pat is a member of the Opus Foundation Action Team for the Minneapolis office and is a frequent blood donor, he says, “because I'm healthy and I can."

In his free time, you'll find Pat outdoors with his wife Alexandria and dog, Sonny, hiking, running, biking and playing basketball. He also enjoys tackling renovation and improvement projects in his house and is an avid follower of Minnesota professional sports teams and, of course, the Iowa State Cyclones.

***

Our associates are talented, dedicated and knowledgeable. They streamline complex projects and always deliver value to clients. Read more profiles of our team.

• More about Ari on Fourth