Construction sites are often thought of as controlled chaos. That’s why having a leader who can keep things on schedule, manage a team, and solve problems is crucial to any project.

Justin Zila is one of those individuals who has the leadership and problem-solving skills to manage a complex project from start to finish. Working as a foreman for Kidwell, Zila was put to the test on a project that required retrofitting Musco lighting systems on existing poles that were 78 feet in the air.

To make the project even more challenging, these poles had active cell towers on them, so a great deal of communication and coordination were required to ensure everything was done safely and correctly.

Zila and his team managed the project with the utmost care, ensuring that every safety protocol was observed and that the project was completed in a timely manner. While there were a few delays along the way, Zila and his team were able to pull together and complete the project, which resulted in a visually impressive lighting outcome.

Complex Problems Need Complex Solutions

The first step in the project was to remove the old lights from the poles and replace them with the new ones. This required Zila and his team to work at a height of 78 feet, which presented its own set of challenges.

“We had to maneuver an aerial lift around the football field to get up that high,” Zila said. “There are currently active cell towers on all four of the light poles, so we had to coordinate with the cell companies on getting approval to work on their poles. And we had to maneuver the man lift bucket around those cell towers and make sure we didn’t damage them in any way.”

Since the project involved retrofitting the lighting system on existing poles, there was an added layer of complexity in determining the right techniques and materials to use. Zila and his team had to come up with innovative solutions to ensure a seamless installation process.

“We came up with the idea to run a ratchet strap around the pole first, tighten it down, and that would allow us to manipulate the bracket in the right angle and get it square with the football field,” Zila said. “That helped significantly speed up our process.”

In addition to the technical challenges, the project also faced weather-related delays. Strong winds and unfavorable weather conditions made it difficult to work at such heights.

“It seemed like every day we tried to work, the wind was blowing 20-30 miles an hour,” Zila said. “When you’re working at 78 feet in the air, it gets pretty wobbly.”

Despite these obstacles, Zila and his team persevered and managed to complete the project within a reasonable timeframe. Effective communication and coordination among the project team played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.

“We kept everyone in the loop on what was going on and made sure everyone was aware of the project timeline and any approvals needed from the cell companies,” Zila said. “We all worked together to ensure a smooth and efficient process.”

Local Pride

Reflecting on the project, Zila takes pride in successfully installing the Musco lighting system on retrofit poles. It was a challenging endeavor that required creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

“The thing I’m most proud of is installing a Musco lighting system that we’ve never done before on a retrofit pole and making everything look really, really good,” Zila said. “Getting to fire up the lights and see the color-changing lights work was pretty awesome.”

Zila’s leadership and problem-solving skills were instrumental in completing this complex project. Despite the challenges and delays, he and his team were able to deliver a visually impressive lighting outcome, ensuring the football field was properly illuminated for future games and events.

With his experience and expertise, Zila continues to be a valuable asset to Kidwell, successfully managing construction projects and overcoming obstacles along the way.