Granger Assistant Superintendent Nick Thomas began his career in an immersive way. As a student athlete playing football at Ferris State University and an intern with Granger Construction, Nick was always busy. Granger managed several projects on campus that he was able to work on during his internship, giving him a breadth of experience not many students get.
“During my internship years while attending FSU, I was able to work on many Granger projects on campus and the surrounding area. I learned a tremendous amount from all the different jobs I worked on, and from all the Granger personnel who took the time to help me develop and learn. Living on campus year-round, I was able to help with all the Granger jobs throughout the year. I would work on several jobs per week sometimes, which made for a very exciting time.”
Being a student athlete at FSU, working on the Center for Athletic Performance (CAP) project gave him the unique perspective of being on the construction management side as well as being an end-user of the building.
“I had a unique position during my years on the CAP project due to the relationship I had with my coaches and staff and the Granger team. If anyone from FSU needed something or had any questions, it allowed them to comfortably reach out to a familiar face and to get answers or solutions quickly,” said Nick. “The CAP project was the best possible project to start on as an intern. I had such a connection to the building as a football player at FSU, so I truly appreciated what it was going to provide the university and students. This understanding motivated me to get up and be excited for every early morning and long day.”
It would be hard to tell Nick’s story without mentioning that during this time, he was a part of the 2021 and 2022 National Championship Ferris State University football teams. For the first time in the university’s history, the football team won the 2021 Division II National Championship. Continuing their historic run, the team repeated this achievement in 2022, winning the championship for the second year in a row.
“Being part of the 2021 and 2022 National Championship teams is something that I will never forget. Winning was great, the trophies and rings are great, but what meant the most to me were the people I was able to share and celebrate the journey with. The coaching staff and all the guys on the team are all hard working, goal-oriented individuals that helped me grow into the person I am today. These teams provided me with some great friends; friends who stood in my wedding and will be by my side forever.”
Nick graduated from Ferris State University in 2023 with a degree in Construction Technology and Management and two championship rings. After graduating, Nick joined Granger full-time as a Project Engineer. After excelling in his internship and the Project Engineer role, Nick felt confident to take a jump in his career at the Westville Correctional Facility project. Westville is a $1.2 billion, 1.4 million square-foot project, making it the biggest correctional facility in Indiana, and in Granger history.
“I volunteered for the Westville Correctional Facility project to test my abilities on the biggest jobs, and working in a joint venture, to understand best practices throughout the industry. I took advantage of as many learning opportunities as possible —CPR, OSHA, First Aid, and rigging classes. I firmly believe knowledge is power and being consistent in my effort is the best way for me to learn. I continue to learn and grow in my role by trying new things and challenging myself.”
Nick has been on a team his whole life, whether it be on a national championship-winning football team or a construction project team delivering buildings that will serve communities for years to come. As a lifelong team player, Nick knows how important it is to work together toward a common goal. “There is no one part of the team that is more important than the sum of the project,” said Nick.
In Indiana, Nick continues to thrive. He was recently promoted to Assistant Superintendent, and has taken on more roles and responsibilities, continuing to follow in the footsteps of those who taught him.
Senior Project Manager Keith Ivkovich said, “Nick consistently approaches each task with a builder’s mindset, proactively identifying potential issues before they impact the project. This foresight allows us to find solutions efficiently and effectively. As his career has progressed, Nick has evolved into the role of Assistant Superintendent, where he applies his builder’s mindset daily in the field, collaborating with trade partners and managing the H7 Step Down Unit building. Nick is a true team player, always willing to take on additional responsibilities. His future is undoubtedly bright.”
