Employee Spotlight: Fred Bates, Construction Manager

Successful construction projects depend on the people in the field who keep teams coordinated, schedules moving, and challenges from slowing down progress. This month’s Employee Spotlight features Fred Bates, Construction Manager at DeLauter.

Since joining the company, Fred has supported projects throughout the Midwest Region, navigating everything from demanding schedules to unpredictable weather conditions. His approach is rooted in communication, organization, flexibility, and a solution-focused mindset that helps keep projects moving forward.

We spoke with Fred about his experience at DeLauter, life on the road, the challenges of managing construction projects across multiple markets, and what he enjoys most about his role.

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

I’ve been with DeLauter for one year and one month. I joined DeLauter because Bill offered me a better opportunity than the position I was in previously.

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

I joined DeLauter as a Construction Manager, and that continues to be my role today.

What has been the biggest challenge traveling throughout the Midwest Region and working on various types of projects?

Dealing with the weather has been my biggest challenge while traveling throughout the Midwest Region. For example, last summer in Wichita, we had 32 inches of rain within 45 days. In Colorado Springs, we experienced snow, rain, and hail - all within a 24-hour period.

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

I’m usually the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. My days are spent consulting with subcontractors, coordinating schedules, and continuously updating my three-week look-ahead schedule as shipments, priorities, and project needs change.

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

Seeing a project come together, especially when it is completed ahead of schedule, is the most rewarding part of my job. Knowing how much time, effort, and hard work I put into the project makes that accomplishment even more satisfying.

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

DeLauter has expanded significantly since I started working here. I’ve stayed because of the great people in the field and the administration. I really enjoy working with such a great team. I also love traveling. I’m ready to go back to Colorado, Bill!

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

7 Brew in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On that particular project, it seemed like a new challenge came up every day. I’m proud to say that instead of making every little thing a problem, I made every little thing a solution.

What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in a role like yours?

A Construction Manager needs patience, flexibility, communication, and strong organizational skills. By organization, I mean being able to see the project from multiple levels, understand what needs to happen next, and schedule upcoming trades accordingly.

What advice would you give to someone new to DeLauter or just starting out in construction?

Listening and asking lots of questions will be your greatest tools. Also, never give up, even if you get 35 inches of rain in 45 days!

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

With as much traveling as this job allows, I enjoy venturing out and seeing the sights. I’ve visited Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Akron, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. I’ve also made it to pretty much every beach I could find along the way!

Fred’s experience reflects the adaptability and teamwork that help DeLauter projects move forward, even when each day brings a new challenge. His commitment to staying organized, communicating with project partners, and finding solutions in the field makes him a valuable part of the DeLauter team.

Thank you, Fred, for the hard work, dedication, and positive attitude you bring to every project.