In this episode, I talk with Eric Meisgeier, Project Manager at Stacy and Witbeck, Inc., about why a project delivery strategy rooted in a project-first mindset is the key to successful infrastructure project management. We dive into how aligning teams, stakeholder engagement, and separating technical from financial decisions support progressive design-build workflows, keep projects on track, and build lasting trust.
Engineering Quotes:



Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Eric Meisgeier:

What does a project delivery strategy rooted in a project-first mentality mean to you, and how do you put it into practice?
How do you balance a project delivery strategy with the need to consider stakeholder engagement and community impacts?
What strategies have you found most effective for building collaboration and keeping diverse stakeholders aligned in infrastructure project management?
How do you separate technical discussions from financial ones to keep collaborative construction teams focused and productive?
What advantages have you seen from progressive design-build and CMGC delivery methods in project performance and risk management?
What do you see as one of the biggest pitfalls for project managers, and how can it be avoided through better project delivery strategy?
How do you integrate mentoring and developing future professionals into your leadership style within infrastructure project teams?
What is one final piece of advice you would give to project managers who want to build trust and consistently deliver successful projects through effective project delivery strategy?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About A Project Delivery Strategy that Drives Infrastructure Success:


A project delivery strategy built on a project-first mentality means prioritizing the needs of the infrastructure project above personal or organizational interests so that progress moves forward smoothly. It requires anticipating risks, addressing program-level challenges such as right-of-way and permits, and creating proactive task forces that prevent delays.
Communities are treated as essential stakeholders whose support directly shapes project outcomes. Consistent communication, attentive listening, and scheduling around local needs build trust and reduce resistance through strong stakeholder engagement.
Collaboration strengthens when people humanize interactions, listen before acting, and avoid unproductive conversations. Momentum builds when empowered decision-makers meet regularly to solve problems together and keep the project moving.
Technical discussions remain focused on engineering solutions without distraction from cost debates. Financial questions are handled in separate sessions, which allows technical experts to collaborate freely and maintain strong relationships.
Progressive design-build and CMGC delivery methods provide extended preconstruction time to align goals, clarify requirements, and build relationships before execution. This preparation improves planning, reduces conflict, and enhances efficiency once construction begins.
One of the biggest pitfalls for project managers is forcing rigid roles on team members without considering individual strengths. Success comes from adapting staffing plans, seeking input, and making timely decisions that support the team.
Mentoring is integrated into leadership by empowering individuals to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and grow through real experiences. Training people to develop others expands leadership impact and creates lasting growth for the organization.
Trust builds through empathy, active listening, and transparency. Sharing difficult news early and addressing it together strengthens credibility and keeps teams aligned in collaborative constructi...