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Heroes of Custom One: Zack O’ Grady – Project Manager

In May, we introduced our latest newsletter series, Heroes of Custom One Homes. We love this opportunity to sing the praises of our team! They sustain our business, day after day, and deserve endless credit for their hard work.

Today, we continue with an introduction to one of our Project Managers, the talented Zack O’ Grady!

Name: Zack O’Grady
Title: Project Manager
Years at Custom One: 1 Year
Years in the Industry: 9 years in management, and an additional five as a laborer/carpenter

What is your brief professional history?
I started out as a trim carpenter at a family-owned business. I then transitioned into a carpenter/assistant project manager position for a small general contractor in the metro area. After college, I took a job as a project manager for a company called Permasteelisa that finishes the exterior façade of skyscrapers. I worked on projects all over the country, in California on Red Building, NYC on 8 Spruce Street, in Oklahoma City on Devon Energy Tower, Seattle on Stadium Place West, and Arlington Virginia on Rosslyn Central Place. Upon getting my MBA, I transitioned into residential construction and have spent four years in the industry with custom home builders.

How did you get into the custom home building industry?
I started in the custom home building industry because of my passion for residential homes; I love how each project and family’s space is unique.

What is your favorite part of your job? 
My favorite part of my job is seeing the end product and the homeowner’s excitement about their new space!

How do you overcome challenges or problem-solve in your position? 
I often problem-solve through onsite meetings with the parties involved to review, coordinate, and resolve issues that arise.

What design trend are you digging right now? 
I like that reclaimed wood, and stained millwork are slowly coming back in style.

What’s your design style? 
Modern Rustic.

What do you wish people knew about your job or industry? 
Home building is a complicated, always evolving process which can be stressful at times, but is always rewarding in the end.

What’s your biggest work quirk or what are you known for around the office? 
I’m known around the office by my nickname, Senior (field nickname).

Where can you be found outside of work?  
I enjoy being anywhere in the outdoors.

What are your hobbies? 
My hobbies include hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, woodwork, and spending time with my family.

Do you have a pet? If so, tell us about them:
I have a four-year-old black lab/pitbull mix named Marvin.

Twins or Vikings? 
Vikings

Summer or winter? 
Winter

Lake or ocean? 
Lake

Traveler or homebody? 
Traveler

Ice cream or hamburgers? 
Hamburgers

Name your favorite meal or Twin Cities restaurant: 
Butcher and the Boar