Meet the Team is a blog series highlighting the amazing individuals of ZELUS. Every month, you’ll get to know a little bit about what drives us personally and professionally. And maybe even a few quirks here and there.
This month, meet Ron Nauta. Exposure to the construction industry at an early age and a passion for data brought Ron to where he is today — and it continues to help him drive ZELUS forward each and every day.
So, let’s learn a little bit more about Ron and what makes him tick…
What’s your role at ZELUS?
I am the Director of VDC/BIM, where my main responsibilities include creating and analyzing key project indicators to maximize efficiencies, ensuring project engagement methods are ever-evolving to best satisfy client needs, and identifying opportunities for new services. I also work closely with HR to recruit and retain talent.
What’s been your favorite project at ZELUS and why?
My favorite project is more of a broad initiative, which is the development and build out of our entire VDC division. As this division grows, it allows us to be creative as a team and develop innovative ways of solving unique modeling and coordination problems.
What’s been the most valuable thing you’ve learned since joining ZELUS?
I’ve gotten a lot of takeaways from truly understanding how our world and work environment can change so quickly and learning how to overcome the challenges presented by those changes.
What’s one technology in your field you geek out over the most?
For me, it’s all about data collection. Data collection technology really helps us better understand trends within the industry.
What drew you to this industry?
Growing up, I was always exposed and attracted to the construction industry. Both my father and grandfather were journeyman electricians by trade and I always loved the creation and building of commercial and residential properties. Then, when construction technology really started to take off and improve I grew more passionate about the technological aspect of the industry.
Where did you grow up and what were your early years like?
Most of my childhood was spent in a small town in northern New Mexico called Los Alamos. But, my early years were exciting and ever changing. My father worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 611), so we were provided great opportunities to travel and see many different parts of the country.
Did your upbringing influence your career choice at all?
Absolutely. Most of the male figures in my childhood were in the construction industry, so I spent most of my childhood close to the industry. I’ve always admired them for what they had to overcome within their careers, specifically because they didn’t have the construction technology we have today. That inspires me to create a solution that ensures our skilled laborers can overcome past and current challenges.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve in the next year?
On a personal level, I’d really like to learn Spanish. This was something my wife and I always wanted to do together because we’re both from New Mexico, where Spanish is commonly spoken, and it’s also part of her heritage.