Scott Shifflett: A Leader in Construction Project Management

“Opus puts great effort into finding and retaining the right people," said Scott Shifflett, Director of Project Management. “That makes us stand out, along with our one-team, design-build approach, which brings tremendous value to clients and makes working so rewarding."

Given his 16-year tenure at Opus, Scott has witnessed this first-hand many times over.

He leads diverse teams of architects, engineers, and subcontractors to deliver projects across multiple sectors – industrial, institutional, retail, office and multifamily. Scott's days are filled managing project pursuits, design, construction and project activation – and people. Much of his time is spent helping teams plan proactively, develop creative solutions and exceed client satisfaction goals.

An Early Start Solving Problems

“In some ways, I started down this career path as a kid," said Scott. “I was a problem-solver. I liked to fidget with things and understand how they came together. That was my first taste of engineering, which ultimately led me to Iowa State University."

As a freshman, Scott enrolled in the University's undeclared engineering program. That allowed him to take courses that applied to all engineering fields (e.g., electrical, mechanical, construction, etc.) while working with a counselor to decide what field would be his focus.

“I knew that in addition to competencies in math and science, working well with teams would be important regardless of what field I chose. I liked working with people, and it seemed like the construction industry would offer a lot of opportunities to work with people more directly," he said.

And the rest is history. Scott achieved a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering. That, combined with his people-skills, set his career in motion.

A Well-Rounded Foundation

After college, Scott joined Weis Builders in Richfield, Minn., where he participated in the company's new graduate program.

“I was able to spend a few months working in different areas of the business, including estimating, project management and as a field engineer working on a jobsite," said Scott. “The rotation-based program helped me quickly gain exposure and learn how it all comes together, gaining a well-rounded foundation in the real world."

When the new graduate program concluded, Scott worked for Weis Builders as Field Project Manager for the Scheels retail store in Mankato.

Then, he noticed an opportunity at Opus.

“When I had a chance to join Opus, I jumped at it," Scott said. “I knew working at a truly-integrated design-builder would provide many opportunities to put my creative talents to good use."

Building a Diversified Portfolio of Pride

Scott joined Opus as an Associate Project Manager in 2006 and has worked his way through the project management ranks to his current position of Director. Along the way, he's worked on many projects in Minneapolis, St. Louis and Nashville.

He's managed a diversified portfolio of construction projects – from corporate headquarters and industrial buildings to schools and places of worship – even Army National Guard projects.

“There's simply no substitute for observing with your own eyes how foundations are poured, how steel is connected, and how the sequence of operations actually happens," said Scott. “You can't learn that just on a Gantt chart schedule. It takes hands-on, day-to-day learning in the field."

“All of the projects I've managed have helped broaden my experience. I truly appreciate having a range of experiences versus working on one type of project my whole career. It's made me a better project manager and a better leader."

His manager agrees.

“Scott's an amazing contributor to the culture at Opus," said Beth Duyvejonck, Regional Vice President of Construction. “He's a thoughtful leader, coach and mentor who builds high-commitment and high-functioning teams. He's also an expert construction partner to internal and external clients and is known for exceeding expectations."

When asked what he enjoys most about his job at Opus, Scott says its leading teams of people who genuinely care about solving problems for clients.

“It's gratifying to come up with a solution and see it go into action, either to create better value or avoid a problem. The sense of satisfaction from that is huge. I must say, it's also gratifying to see large buildings that my team and I worked on when driving down the interstate. I think we all get an enormous sense of pride from that," he said. “Seeing those buildings and our teams' accomplishments just never gets old."

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Scott is a member of the Design-Build Institute of America and the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

In his free time, Scott stays busy with his family and his hobbies. In particular, he enjoys being outdoors, hiking and fishing.

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Watch a Day in Scott's Life!

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