Andrew Grusnick, PMP
Director of Project Management
Jervis B. Webb Company
Age: 36
- Alma Mater: BA: Oakland University; MBA: Broad College of Business, Michigan State University (2019)
- Favorite Aircraft: Airbus A380
- Favorite Book: The Things they Carried, Tim O'Brien
- Favorite TV Show: Michigan Out of Doors
- Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction
- Favorite Hobbies: Fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, just about anything outdoors.
Andrew Grusnick has been employed with the Jervis B. Webb Company since July 2013. He came aboard as a project manager and in two short years, was promoted to director of project management, thanks to his proven leadership skills that have made him an asset to the company and his peers.
No two days are ever the same, said Grusnick. “I enjoy the dynamic nature of the aviation industry and of project management. Working in airports is just interesting,” he said. “The first time you drive on the airside of an airport is an experience you won't forget. Being up close and personal with the aircraft is an awesome experience. From time to time when I am walking out on the tarmac, early in the morning or as the sun is setting, I look around and think `man I have a cool job.’"
While doing carpentry in 2009, Grusnick met a senior executive from Clark Construction. “He liked my work ethic and introduced me to some of his team at Washington Dulles International Airport, which included Clark's joint venture partner for several project, J. Roberts Inc.,” he said.
He later started working with J. Roberts on several JV projects with Clark at Dulles. “While there, one of the subcontractors I managed was Jervis B. Webb Company, which is now Daifuku,” he said. “When my wife and I decided to move back to Michigan in 2013, I reached out to some contacts at Webb, which lead to a role in its Project Management group.”
The aviation industry is appealing for a few different reasons, said Grusnick. “From a practical perspective, the work is very consistent and somewhat recession-proof, especially on the baggage-handling side of the business. Outside of that, aviation is just an interesting business to be a part of,” he said.
Grusnick’s projects at Dulles were memorable because they introduced him to the aviation industry, where he was part of a great team. “I also managed a project at Boston Logan Turner Construction, which was his first in baggage handling, which was very challenging,” he said. “We overcame a number of obstacles to make that a winning project.”
Working in airports is an exciting experience, said Grusnick. “The type of work that Daifuku does requires elaborate planning and careful execution to avoid impact to airport operations which may ultimately affect passengers,” he explained. “It is a high-stress industry, but also is extremely rewarding.”
Looking at the future of aviation, Grusnick would like to see the industry continue to prioritize the passenger experience. “I think things have improved in the past few years but there is still much room for improvement,” he stated. “Airline travel will grow more rapidly if the experience becomes more enjoyable for the average traveler.”
