Built Through Experience: An Employee Spotlight Q&A with DeLauter Southeast Division Project Manager, Nick Tappen

From supporting projects to leading them, Nick’s growth reflects what’s possible when you step up, stay organized, and take ownership.

At DeLauter, strong projects are built on strong communication, organization, and trust. Nick Tappen plays a key role in making that happen every day.

From starting as an Assistant Project Manager to now leading projects and serving as a key point of communication, Nick represents the next generation of leadership helping drive DeLauter’s continued growth.

How long have you been with DeLauter, and what first brought you to the company?

“I’ve been with DeLauter for almost 3 years. I was looking to get into the construction industry after college, saw an ad online that DeLauter was hiring, and decided to reach out.”

How has your role at DeLauter evolved since you first started?

“When I first joined DeLauter, I came on as an Assistant Project Manager, focusing mainly on supporting the Project Manager. As I grew into the Project Manager role, I’m now much more involved in day to day project planning, coordinating with teams, and leading problem solving efforts that keep our projects moving forward.”

What has been the biggest change as your responsibilities have grown?

“As Project Manager, I’m the primary point of communication. It is my responsibility to make sure the client’s needs and expectations are clearly understood by the field team and that the field team’s needs, challenges, and progress are communicated effectively with the client.”

What does a typical day look like for you in your current position?

“My typical day as a Project Manager involves checking in with the Superintendent daily to make sure the field team has everything they need and that any issues are addressed quickly. I also work closely with our trade partners to ensure they understand expectations and schedule. I also handle the administrative side of the project including submittals, RFIs, and weekly progress reporting to ensure the project stays organized and on track.”

What do you find most rewarding about your role and the work you support?

“Being able to turn our client’s vision into a reality. To be able to complete a project and be able to take a step back and say ‘we built that’ is the most rewarding part.”

How has DeLauter evolved since you first started, and what has kept you here over the years?

“The biggest change I’ve seen has been the growth of our Southeast Division. When I started, the Southeast Division was just the Florida Division and only handled projects in Florida. Now, we handle projects across the Southeast. What’s kept me here through all the growth is the tight knit, supportive culture DeLauter has been able to maintain.”

What’s one project, initiative, or accomplishment you’re especially proud of during your time at DeLauter?

“I’m proud of how much I’ve grown as a Project Manager. From taking on larger scopes to managing more complex schedules and becoming someone the team can rely on.”

What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in an office-based role like yours?

“Communication and organization are critical skills for being successful in an office based role. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the office, but the more organized you can be, the easier it becomes to stay on top of tasks.”

What advice would you give to someone new to DeLauter or just starting out in a corporate or office position?

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We operate as a team for a reason; no one has all the answers. The more you communicate and ask questions, the more you’ll learn and the more confident you’ll become.”

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

“When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my fiancé, or out on the golf course.”

Interested in joining the team?

At DeLauter, careers are built the same way our projects are. With trust, communication, and the opportunity to grow into bigger roles over time.

If you are looking for a place where you can learn, take ownership, and be part of a team that supports each other, we would love to connect.

Explore open roles and learn more about working at DeLauter on our Careers page.