Hayden Zaiser

Meet Hayden Zaiser, Assistant Superintendent and this month's Hard Hat Hang Up!

How did you get into the construction industry?

As with most of us in construction, my career started out building Legos in my living room and helping my father with weekend projects. I then had the opportunity to take an engineering course in high school which introduced me to the project management portion of construction. I followed my interest in the subject into college and worked as an intern with CCG until I began my career following my 2022 graduation.

What do you like most about being an Assistant Superintendent?

I enjoy how much I can learn in each day I am on site. Between my conversations with industry professionals, and my time spent ensuring details, specifications, and safety practices are followed, I try to take every minute I can to absorb the information around me. Being able to use some of that information when problem solving, makes the reward of keeping the project moving smoothly well worth the effort.

What's something you learned during your internship with Chesapeake that school could never have taught you?

One thing I learned, that was not an item I had previously thought of, was the amount of reliance architects and engineers place on General Contractors and Subcontractors. Not only are we responsible for ensuring that the trades on site are following all contract documents presented to us by the owner and architect, but we are also undertaking the responsibility of ensuring that any clashes found between the contract documents are reviewed and addressed by all of those involved. It quickly became clear that without General Contractors, a jobsite would not have a complete team.

What is one piece of advice you would give to interns in the construction industry?

One piece of advice I would give to interns is to pay attention to detail, take pride in your work, and in the words of Nate Heiner “be a sponge”. All construction projects require precision and accuracy, and even small errors can have significant consequences. By focusing on these details, you not only demonstrate your dedication to the project but also contribute to the overall success and the reputation of the company. Additionally, attention to detail can help you identify and address potential issues before they escalate. This shows your proactive approach and the pride you have for your own personal reputation. One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to “be a sponge”. We don’t often realize how much knowledge is in the people who are around us. Sometimes it takes asking questions, paying attention to others as they attack problems, and really watching closely as subcontractors work to gain the most out of your internship. The more information you can absorb the better.

What is your favorite thing about working at Chesapeake?

Chesapeake offices and trailers provide all employees the opportunity to reach out for help, advice, and general conversation no matter what time of day. Everyone seems to have a willingness to help those around them not only improve but strive to be the best they can be. If a door is open, anyone is welcome through, and any question can be answered. I truly enjoy that I always have someone at Chesapeake that I can call.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

When I am not at work, I am almost always trying to push my limits in the outdoors. I have found that if I don’t get my energy out on the jobsite, I must find another outlet. Whether that be mountain biking, surfing, or snowboarding I try to stay as active as I can. I have also recently purchased my first home which made for a lot of work on renovations. To say it simply, I do my best to stay busy.