01/23/2024
Matt Jaroszewicz is an estimator at Connolly Brothers, a role he has fulfilled for more than 10 years, following 15 years at Suffolk Construction and William A. Berry & Son. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Northeastern University and resides in Danvers, Mass. with his wife, three daughters, and two dogs, Wanda and Yuki.
Can you tell us a bit about your work as an estimator here at Connolly?
"I tend to do a lot of the bid jobs, so I estimate most of the competitive bids and then I also bid out anything that Connolly designs. It's a lot of going through the drawings with the subcontractors and making sure everything is covered – that we've addressed every component of the building – and that the trades have priced it out accurately. That way, we compare disciplines 'apples to apples' so they are all confident that they are getting a fair look, and the owner is confident that they will get the best price for the project."
What do you like about doing this work at Connolly?
"Especially on design-build projects, it's great to be able to ask questions about the project and have everyone (the design, construction, and accounting teams) under one roof. It makes it a true team effort, and it brings up points that people working in silos might not think of, which adds value to the client and helps ensure that the estimated cost of the project will be accurate. Everyone here respects everyone else's role in the process, so questions are always welcomed, and you learn something new every day, especially as technologies evolve."
How do some of your previous roles inform your work today?
"Personally, I don't know how you could be a good estimator without having been on the project management side of things for a while. Having been out in the field helps in terms of understanding what it takes to construct something or how difficult certain project elements may be."
What do you like to do outside of work?
"I like to get outside, whether that's snowboarding in the winter, going to the beach in the summer, or working in the garden. I certainly do like our family vacations in the summer and during school vacations. A few years ago, we enjoyed a trip to Poland, where my mother grew up, and I still have a lot of family over there."
What makes a great estimator?
"It's about having a deep understanding of construction and being very detail-oriented. Anything can be drawn, but you need to know if it can be built that way. And then it's about the relationships with subcontractors and being able to work together with them. I like putting together a bid, and I pride myself on being thorough. At Connolly, we ask enough pertinent questions in the early stages to get it right."
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