challenge is finding people to staff the projects and professional craftsmen to build them,” King says. “There’s a lot of work in the marine industry, especially in the Pacific Rim, but finding enough people to manage and build it all is difficult.” King attributes this shortage to a cultural shift. “There used to be more folks who went into trades,” he reflects. “Now, many of those people are going to college or into tech instead. It really is a great career—it’s rewarding to know you built something for your country and community. I take great pride in showing my kids the bridges and wharves we’ve worked on.” INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION To address the labor shortage, Manson is taking proactive steps to engage young people and introduce them to opportunities in marine and civil construction. “We go to local high schools and have a strong program in the Bay Area,” King explains.“We’re trying to get more engaged here in Puget Sound as well. We attend college functions—it’s partly recruiting, but it’s also about educating people. We sponsor and attend career fairs to talk about our great business.” By emphasizing the tangible rewards and lasting impact of construction work, Manson hopes to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in the trades. INNOVATION IN GROUNDED EXPERIENCE Looking ahead, Manson is focused on integrating technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and collaboration without compromising the human expertise that defines the industry. “It seems like the industry answer is always technology, but it’s true,” King says. “We’re really learning how to apply it to our business. Construction has been doing things the same way for a long time, but we’re getting in line with new technology and figuring out how to make our business more efficient—and more engaging for the youth coming behind us.” 157 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 MANSON CONSTRUCTION CO.
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