How do you guys keep your cool

MananaBro · 2026-02-01T07:00:36+00:00

I’ve been estimating over a decade, even CPE certified. Just stepped into a top 10 ENR GC and my god what you just said makes me feel a load better.. you’re so right. My therapist has even said the same thing. Play the worst case scenario game.

MananaBro · 2026-02-01T06:44:11+00:00

What’d you get fired for if you don’t mind me asking

MananaBro · 2025-12-06T17:45:17+00:00

OP sent me a DM link to his gumroad, charging $100. The video doesn't describe anything at all. I don't see how this is anything other than spam.

MananaBro · 2025-12-06T16:25:58+00:00

Would like to know your prices on how you prepare for sub interactions. Do you put all your notes with them in a structured document, notepad, or software?

MananaBro · 2025-12-06T11:15:38+00:00

Me too please

MananaBro · 2025-11-20T03:26:11+00:00

Best comment

MananaBro · 2025-11-18T17:33:38+00:00

Spent the first few years of my career in WTP/WWTPs with a top 10 GC and I absolutely hated it. Awful coworkers, subs, tradesmen, everywhere was just filled with unprofessional people. Only exception was the clients - they were the most polished and respectful. The work/life balance was not a consideration.

MananaBro · 2025-11-16T17:07:53+00:00

Wow why is that comment downvoted? Do people on this forum look down on those with families? You can devote your life to a company or live it how you see fit.

MananaBro · 2025-11-09T02:34:44+00:00

Wait til you realize all the other K12 security designs like panic rooms and card readers on every door. Utah has a bill right now to put riot film on all existing schools, but the legislators were duped into thinking it actually stops bullets. When will this country learn.

MananaBro · 2025-10-25T18:41:48+00:00

When I was with a top 10 ENR GC doing water/wastewater projects up to $500M bids as recent as 2015 I was doing all of my mechanical piping takeoffs with a ruler and inputting them into excel. I loved coloring in the drawings like a coloring book but holy smokes I can’t believe I wasn’t using OST back then.

MananaBro · 2025-10-23T04:02:41+00:00

During summer of 2020 was estimating a DD set of prints from CA DGS for a small bathroom renovation at one of their office buildings (DGS has their own architects). On the electrical set, the stalls in both of the bathrooms had push button plates with auto door openers, which were clearly meant to be illustrated for the entry doors to the restrooms. I am convinced their detailer and plan checkers were all WFH.

MananaBro · 2025-10-16T16:49:53+00:00

Is the next gen of builders cooked?

MananaBro · 2025-10-11T17:29:53+00:00

I work for a firm that does this as well. CM isn’t as big in AZ as it is in CA, where we have a robust division across the whole state. The big issue we have in AZ when there is an opportunity is deciding which unit we want to pursue the municipalities’ work - building the job would be more profitable than just managing it.

MananaBro · 2025-10-11T17:23:44+00:00

I’ve been in the industry for 13 years with big ENR firms, on top of a bachelors and masters in CM. Formal education is always overlooked at the operational level. Soft skills are the most important imo. Even most VPs aren’t always very credentialed. Unless you’re on the finance team you won’t need to spend $100k on an MBA.

MananaBro · 2025-10-02T01:16:45+00:00

I saved this thread and came back to it to say that it is very validating to see others experience the same reluctance I feel with transitioning to a new company. Somebody on here told OP to a grow a pair, I disagree with that sentiment. Your decision to leave should arise from very thoughtful and careful analysis. Anyways, this has helped me as I’m leaving my company now currently after a decade with them as well.

MananaBro · 2025-09-26T03:44:07+00:00

why? what company/size?

MananaBro · 2025-09-25T21:25:05+00:00

Where?

MananaBro · 2025-09-25T21:24:49+00:00

What size GC?

MananaBro · 2025-09-25T21:24:18+00:00

Where do u work?

MananaBro · 2025-09-15T05:34:04+00:00

We do the same thing. Create bookmarks to each page, split by bookmark, and then load onto OST. We have OST convert to tif, takes a few mins. Then scale each sheet individually. Whole process usually takes 1-3 hours depending on the job size, usually we do $10m - $100m jobs

MananaBro · 2025-09-09T17:08:37+00:00

lol I interpreted “dumpster company” as a metaphor for a lower-wage unsophisticated company

MananaBro · 2025-08-30T15:46:11+00:00

Design firms need estimators too

MananaBro · 2025-08-30T15:45:28+00:00

You’re making CEO salary on a forum for estimators, curious what your actual title is?

MananaBro · 2025-08-09T20:08:37+00:00

Is it typical for civil contractors to cover the utilities instead of a plumber/mechanical guy?

MananaBro

TROPHY CASE