UP CLOSE: David Marino
Posted On: Oct. 11, 2015 12:00 AM CST
NEW YORK-BASED U.S. CONSTRUCTION LEADER
Marsh L.L.C.
PREVIOUS POSITION: Jericho, New York-based executive vice president for Aon Risk Solutions
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Employing my skills and experience gained over a 20-year insurance career. Helping contractors, developers and users of construction services develop most efficient insurance and risk financing programs for project and program risk.
CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY: An uptick in activity creates challenges for an organization to build high-quality projects in a timely and safe manner. I think firms with organizational focus can have excellent opportunities to excel in the face of these challenges. Another challenge is technology is pushing building higher, tunnels deeper, transit systems faster, so best-in-class contractors need to stay focused on emerging delivery methods and technology to stay ahead.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: I'm bullish on the industry. The U.S. economy is driving a lot of capital from overseas, particularly in real estate development.
FIRST INDUSTRY JOB: I started with (American International Group Inc.) ... I was first exposed to the construction industry while working at AIG.
WHAT SURPRISED ME: The construction industry is very generous with charitable giving. ... This industry plays an important role with local and regional causes.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: A ski instructor at a world-class ski resort.
HOBBIES: Hiking, biking and boating.
THING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME: I'm a particularly good sailor, but I have been frostbiting, which is winter sailing in dry suits. I've done that the last two seasons, racing 16-foot Hobie Cats.
WHEN I RETIRE: Somewhere near the water.
FAVORITE MEAL: The company is as important as any meal. I enjoy a good family barbecue.