Featured Department: Operations Leadership

A carefully nurtured culture of collaboration and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence are at the heart of Brubacher’s success as an industry-leading utility, paving, and excavation company, guiding our ability to deliver an uncommonly refreshing experience to every client. Our entire leadership team is deeply dedicated to proactively building this culture. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Chief Operating Officer (COO) Melvin P. and his many contributions to shaping the Brubacher experience for our team and clients.

Melvin’s approach combines decades of experience, a deep commitment to people, a clear focus on risk mitigation, and enhancing safety in all aspects of our operations—all of which align seamlessly with Brubacher’s core values. With a career spanning projects across the United States and beyond, Melvin has also honed a skill set that balances technical expertise with his deep understanding of people and relationships, which is critical for managers within the complex world of site construction project management.

Melvin’s journey to becoming COO of Brubacher is marked by diverse experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. After earning a degree in civil engineering from MIT, he knew his passion was not in traditional engineering but in the dynamic field of commercial construction. Noting that he naturally gravitates toward large, complex projects that challenge him to think critically and lead effectively, Melvin shared, “I’ve always loved seeing things come together and contributing to how complicated projects go from plans to reality.”

His early career days were spent in estimating for a family-owned contractor, which allowed him to work on large-scale construction projects like the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Later, he went on to lead operations at a precast concrete firm and then a specialty division at an internationally known ceiling products manufacturer. Through all of these diverse experiences, Melvin embraced every opportunity to lead with integrity and embrace collaboration. Along the way, mentors instilled in him the importance of listening, problem-solving, and prioritizing teamwork.

Then, seven years ago, Melvin joined Brubacher, drawn by the company’s commitment to people and excellence. “I didn’t know much about sitework when I started. Our world of excavating and site development construction projects was new to me,” Melvin recalled, “but I was drawn to Brubacher’s focus on building strong teams and creating an environment where employees can thrive.”

Leading Operations with a Collaborative Spirit and Heart for Servicetion project planning. “Minimizing risk is a big part of my job,” he shared. “That includes reviewing contracts, setting strategic goals, and ensuring our teams have the resources they need to succeed.” A typical day might involve strategic discussions about upcoming projects, reviewing operational data, or collaborating with team members across departments. Melvin is quick to emphasize the importance of collaboration in construction management, noting that effective site planning and site preparation require seamless coordination between estimating, operations, and field teams.

“Construction is a relationship-driven business. Whether it’s with customers, employees, or departments within the company, the key to success is working together toward a common goal.” – Melvin P., Chief Operating Officer

Melvin’s approach to leadership is grounded in humility and service. Inspired by his father, who ran a small trucking company and worked holidays so employees could spend time with family, Melvin strives to support his team in meaningful ways. “I never want my team to see me as just ‘the boss,'” he noted. “My role is to remove obstacles so they can do their best work.” At Brubacher, this means fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered. From mentoring managers to providing guidance on site preparation and construction safety, Melvin sees his role as a coach and advocate.

An Emphasis on Safety as a Value

Melvin’s approach to safety underscores his broader leadership style: collaborative, supportive, and focused on empowering others to succeed. As we often share, safety is a cornerstone of Brubacher’s site construction operations, and a recent organizational change reflects its importance as a value we live every day. Our newly hired Safety Director, Andy G., will report directly to Melvin, signaling an even deeper integration of construction safety into Brubacher’s operational strategy.

Describing safety as a partnership, as opposed to simply a monitored metric, Melvin shared, “We’re not looking for safety to be a separate department or function—it’s part of everything we do. Andy’s role will involve partnering with our teams to anticipate challenges and address them proactively, ensuring we minimize risks and protect our people.”

There is no question that Melvin P.’s leadership is an excellent example of what makes Brubacher a trusted partner for site development services and a supportive workplace for our team members. When asked about a little-known fact about his role or being involved in company leadership more generally, Melvin shared that he wishes more people realized just how central the Brubacher team’s wellbeing is in every decision-making process. He said, “It’s important to remember that leadership in construction management isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about people. You must focus on motivating and supporting your team to achieve the best outcomes. At Brubacher, we’re not just completing projects. We are building relationships, ensuring safety, and creating a legacy of doing things correctly.”

For his dedication to teamwork, focus on relationships, and strategic vision, which are integral to the company’s success, we offer a resounding THANK YOU to Melvin. The entire Brubacher team appreciates his efforts in building a legacy and Shaping the World We Live In.