Two Paths, One Vision for Consor’s Oregon Construction Services Team
Collaboration, a core value at Consor, forms the foundation of our teammates’ partnerships, workflow, and daily work life.
This is exemplified in the dynamic between District Manager of Construction Management Jay Hedberg, CCM, and Principal Construction Project Manager Chad Maxwell, PE. Keep reading to learn how their unique journeys came together to form a powerful partnership. Together, they rapidly expanded a successful construction services (CS) team built on a shared vision, commitment to collaboration, and mutual trust.
Jay, drawn to math and science, had dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer. But after an inspiring conversation at a career fair, he decided to pursue cost estimating for a contractor. Realizing he enjoyed the hands-on nature of construction, Jay transitioned to field engineer and found his career rapidly advancing to superintendent, and eventually beginning his tenure as a construction manager.
Chad, on the other hand, grew up around construction. He entered the industry right after high school to support his dad on projects, but Chad realized it wasn’t his long-term goal. He returned to school for civil engineering and started work as a transportation design engineer. But, like so many others, Chad was still searching for the right fit—something that aligned more closely with his strengths and aspirations. Feeling constrained by the office structure and disconnected from the tangible outcomes of construction, Chad transitioned into construction inspection and then construction management, which offered the perfect blend for his work style.
Jay and Chad both joined Consor within months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when opportunities for in-person collaboration were scarce. Though both worked on projects for the same client, they didn’t cross paths until a chance meeting on a project site. They discovered they brought complementary skills to the table—Jay with his background on the contractor side and Chad with his expertise in design standards and construction.
Through their continued collaboration over the past three years, Jay and Chad have set a high standard that’s been instrumental in expanding Consor’s CS team in Oregon. Accelerated by their partnership, this group has grown to more than 50 team members in the five years since inception.
3 Keys to Their Team’s Success
Shared Vision
Jay and Chad’s shared vision underpins the development of Consor’s CS team in Oregon. “Consor has given us an opportunity to participate in decision-making, making sure our input shapes real outcomes for our team, client partners, and communities,” Jay notes. “We recognized early on that our client partners need a team that could adapt quickly, offer diverse perspectives, and consistently deliver, so that’s what we built.”
With an average of 12 new hires each year, their team has focused on intentional integration and a team-first mentality. Chad adds, “Much of this growth has come from existing Consor team member recommendations, which has created a strong, cohesive unit. It’s not just about skills—it’s about bringing in people who share our drive and commitment to working together.” This approach has drawn like-minded team members and allowed this CS team to scale and be agile to client partners’ needs as they evolve.
Commitment to Collaboration
A strength of Jay and Chad’s collaboration is putting together their distinct skill sets to find the best possible solutions. Typically, construction engineering and inspection work is siloed. However, the team meets biweekly despite working across different locations, creating a forum where members are excited to share ideas, challenges, and lessons learned. Jay mentions, “Our combined backgrounds, local insights, and varying perspectives help us figure out the best way forward.”
Jay has structured these meetings to allow each team member to contribute, rather than merely “reporting down.” Chad adds, “That allows us to focus on finding the best solutions when challenges arise.” This approach allows the team to prioritize our clients’ and projects’ needs and deliver the best outcome.
Mutual Trust
Relying on each other’s unique expertise creates valuable efficiencies and fosters team trust. Jay recalls, “Chad’s knowledge of ODOT standards was something our team needed. His willingness to share his knowledge for better project results garnered respect throughout the team.” Jay adds, “He quickly became a mentor for our new team members.”
Because of their knowledge-sharing culture, teammates aren’t afraid to ask questions or seek advice. Chad mentions, “We constantly bounce ideas off each other to find the best solutions.” With their members spread across Oregon for projects, these open lines of communication and diverse experiences become even more vital in navigating challenges as they arise. “Our team shares the same drive for project results, and we trust their ability to deliver,” says Chad, underscoring the deep trust that fuels their collective success.
Jay and Chad’s partnership serves as a case study in how collaboration can drive exceptional results. Their leadership has been instrumental in diversifying our client base, expanding our geographic reach, and building a team where every member feels valued, empowered, and appreciated. Consor is grateful to have such dynamic and personable leaders charting our path into the future!
Curious about opportunities to work on Jay and Chad’s team? Explore open positions.
