An inspiring leader in the field
Yasmine : Can you tell us about your background and how you came to join DAWCO?
Andy : When I left school in 2015, one of my teachers advised me to take my CV directly to the Ericsson Global ICT Center site in Vaudreuil-Dorion, a data center. Two major companies were working there, including DAWCO. I went straight there. Since then, I've never left the company.
Yasmine : We can tell that you're very attached to DAWCO. Ten years is a great milestone. Congratulations! What motivates you most in your current role?
Andy : Today, I'm superintendent - it's all new to me. What motivates me is keeping an overview, making sure that nothing is missing, that everything is running smoothly and that the teams are safe. We also design with the customer, so communication is essential. This role pushes me to anticipate obstacles and optimize coordination.
Yasmine : You speak with passion, Andy. We can tell that you're really committed, both to the technical side of the project and to the human side of your team. Is there an outstanding project of which you are particularly proud?
Andy : Yes, my first mandate as foreman, at our customer AIM in the east end of Montreal, was particularly formative. I had the chance to work with Jean-Pierre Renaud, a former colleague who greatly influenced my management style. And of course, there's the REM project, on which I've been involved since 2020. I've contributed to several important phases, including the Panama, Rive-Sud and MSF Saint-Eustache stations. It's a complex project, but extremely rewarding.
Yasmine : Your determination is inspiring Andy! What's a typical day like for you on the site?
Andy : A typical day always starts with a health and safety meeting with everyone involved. Then, I make sure that the teams have what they need to go into the tunnel: equipment, materials, protective masks, etc. I manage the material requests with the teams. I manage material requests with the customer, maintain clear communication to ensure that the design runs smoothly, and make sure that inspections, follow-ups and coordination progress efficiently.
Yasmine : It's a well-oiled routine! We can see how central your role is to the smooth running of the project. What qualities do you think are essential to being a good superintendent?
Andy : You have to be observant, a good listener and a good communicator. You have to be able to anticipate issues, create synergy with the team, and above all, keep a clear vision to guide everyone in the right direction.
Yasmine : Andy, you emphasize essential human qualities. This is what defines your leadership and what enables you to mobilize your team effectively. How do you create good team cohesion with your workers?
Andy : The current team knows each other well - they've worked together before. We have weekly safety breaks to refocus together. The fact that we have a 4-day schedule, with the possibility of double shifts on Fridays, contributes to their motivation. And my foreman, Dany Chartrand, is very present for his guys. We try to remain accessible and human.
Yasmine : Your management is clearly based on trust and a good knowledge of your team. It's a solid approach that contributes to a great team dynamic. Have you taken the “Connais tes couleurs” training course?
Andy : Yes, I have, and I'm very blue. I like everything to be structured, well organized and up to date. I'm also a bit yellow. Thanks to the training, I've learned to adapt. Not everyone thinks like I do, so I try to get to the point with some people, or to go deeper with others.
Yasmine : I guessed your blue side. I'm blue too... It's an invaluable tool for good communication. What do you like to do to unwind outside work?
Andy : I spend a lot of time with my family, especially my son. We do sports, skiing, cycling... And in the summer, I coach his baseball team. Last year, we won a tournament and all the finals. It was incredible!
Yasmine : What a great commitment, Andy! You transmit your values through sport, it's wonderful. Tell us about your passions?
Andy : I played baseball until the age of 26-27 at an elite level, representing Quebec. For the past five years, I've been curling. And next week, I'm taking part in a provincial championship in Sherbrooke - it's my last year of eligibility!
Yasmine : Wow, what a great sporting career Andy has had! You're always pushing yourself, no matter what the discipline! If you had to sum up your DAWCO experience in one word, what would it be?
Andy : Rewarding. DAWCO trusted me right from the start. Every project, every challenge has allowed me to grow. It's a great source of pride to see plans transformed into concrete installations.
Yasmine : And it's well deserved. Thank you Andy for this interview - authentic, inspiring and just like you. See you soon!