Building a Career in Construction: Collin’s Journey

For Collin LaFrance, construction wasn’t just a career choice—it was part of his DNA. His father ran a residential construction company since the 1990s, and with other family members in commercial contracting, Collin grew up immersed in the world of construction. From an early age, he was drawn to the pace, energy, and opportunities the industry offered.

By 15, Collin had already set his sights on becoming a project manager. Inspired by his uncle’s role in the field, he saw project management as the perfect combination of leadership, technical knowledge, and problem-solving. He enrolled at Dunwoody College of Technology and completed a two-year associate degree in construction project management—attending night classes while working hands-on in residential roofing during the day. “I liked being outside and I liked the work,” he says.

Before graduating, Collin was hired by Morcon Construction as a project engineer. That early opportunity gave him front-line experience in how projects are built—from scheduling and bid day prep to handling submittals and walking job sites. As a PE, he worked closely with experienced leaders on large-scale projects like the Mall of America Transit Hub and a number of projects at MSP International Airport.

“Working under Jason Preusser and Jeff Roerick gave me the chance to see two very different but effective management styles,” he says. “Watching how they handled owner relationships, managed details, and navigated challenges helped me figure out the kind of project manager I wanted to be. It was invaluable.”

Today, Collin serves as a project manager at Morcon, balancing active project oversight with estimating responsibilities. “No two days are the same,” he says. “Bid days are fast paced. Other days I’m fielding RFIs, processing change orders, coordinating with subcontractors, and reviewing plans.”

At any given time, he may be juggling 10 to 20 projects, so staying organized and responsive is crucial. “Communication is everything. You’ve got to be sharp with timing, details, and follow-through—it’s the name of the game in project management.”

 

One of Collin’s proudest accomplishments? Restoring a series of historic post offices in Iowa. “We were taking buildings from the 1930s or earlier and making them look brand new again,” he explains. “It was a creative challenge that really brought out the artistic side of the work.”

Now six years into his career at Morcon, Collin sees the industry evolving, with technology playing an increasingly vital role. “Efficiency will only become more important,” he says. “Tools like HH2 for daily reporting and our takeoff/accounting software have already streamlined our workflows. We’re always looking for new ways to improve.”

Advice for Anyone Considering a Career in Construction

For those thinking about a future in construction, Collin keeps it simple: focus on the fundamentals. “Communication and timing are everything,” he says. “Be responsive. Cross your T’s and dot your I’s. It might not sound exciting, but that’s how projects succeed.”

He also stresses the importance of teamwork: “Strong communication, efficiency, and a good attitude—those are what make a team successful. When problems come up, talk about them and solve them right away.”

His advice for newcomers? “Be real. Communicate early and often. And surround yourself with people who can show you the ropes. That’s how you grow.”

Why Morcon?

For Collin, Morcon’s reputation for integrity is what truly sets it apart. “Some firms play games—they don’t always care about their subs or even their clients,” he says. “At Morcon, we do the job right and want the project to succeed for everyone involved.”

That integrity extends to the culture, both in the office and on-site. “It’s light-hearted. People smile, they’re not crabby. It’s an inviting, supportive environment,” he says. “Everyone wants to help each other succeed.”

Perhaps the most impactful part of Collin’s journey has been the mentorship. “Being surrounded by people who’ve been in the industry for 10, 20, even 50 years has been huge for my development. The people around me have really shaped the way I work.”

Collin’s journey is a testament to where hard work, mentorship, and a passion for building can lead. As he continues to grow with Morcon, he’s not just managing projects—he’s helping shape the future of the industry.