Play GC / construction manager: float the job, own the schedule
Operators with field experience or CM degree who can run crews, bids, and cash flow between draws.
First dollar: Employee CM path: months after hire. Owner GC: after license, insurance, and first contracted job.
Exact steps. Ship the smallest unit of paid value before you gold-plate.
License/bonding path for your state. Shadow a GC or climb from super if you lack capital.
Know unit costs cold. Underbidding to win is how shops die.
Draw schedule, retainage, and change orders. Cash is the boss fight.
Reliable subs beat lowest bid. Protect reputation.
PM software, SOPs, and a project manager if you scale.
Related decks if this one is working or if you need a stronger wincon.
What you do on paper: Plan, budget, schedule, and supervise construction projects from bid to handoff; coordinate subs, inspections, and clients. As a GC/owner you carry the contract, mark up subcontracted work, and take project profit on top of a manager's salary.
Frequency: ~380,360 employed (BLS OEWS, 2025)