This edition of Counterpart pits CEO vs. CFO, boss against boss, mano a mano.
Both Chip and Marc are long-term Rafn employees who have risen to their positions through hard work, dedication, and visionary leadership. They both bleed Rafn Green and always do what’s in the company’s best interest, but how similar are they really? Read on to find out!
Number of years at Rafn?
Chip: Almost 25 years (August).
Marc: Almost 25 years (May).
What is the best thing about construction?
Chip: People and buildings, what could be better? We have a company of great people, which allows us to build some great projects and have fun doing it.
Marc: Right now, I’m enjoying the variety of tasks I’m involved in. Earlier in my career, I was doing more monotonous type accounting tasks. But now, I like the challenge of dealing with all the different issues with running a company that pop up on a daily basis. My day NEVER goes as planned!
Who would play you in a movie?
Chip: Kyle Chandler.
Marc: I have no idea… but I’d love to know who others think should play me!
Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Chip: Foam factory in high school. Big blocks of foam would come in, be moved to the CNC machines, and be cut into different shapes to meet the order.
Marc: I worked at Blockbuster Video during the summers while in college. It was fun watching all the people come in to return videos right before the midnight deadline… in their pajamas.
Favorite musician?
Chip: Too many to name… Pearl Jam, Zac Brown Band, Shaboozey; I enjoy all types of music.
Marc: I like a wide variety of music from Elton John to Pink Floyd… and everything in between.
Favorite sport?
Chip: Used to be basketball, now it’s football.
Marc: Skiing (it’s much less frustrating than golf).
One sport you would never try?
Chip: Skydiving.
Marc: Skydiving (I’ve heard about too many scary instances of chute deployment issues).
Talent you wish you had?
Chip: Guitar player.
Marc: I really wish I could play the piano. At some point, I might even decide to pick it up!
What is your hidden talent?
Chip: I know how to play the saxophone. Played the Alto, Tenor, and Baritone, but it has been a long time!
Marc: I was awesome at Jarts (lawn darts) growing up. Those of you under the age of 40 may have to google that because they became illegal many years ago due to safety issues!
Last movie you liked so much you watched it twice?
Chip: None… other than maybe “Christmas Vacation”. I only watch movies once, but “F1 The Movie” is great!
Marc: I loved “The Martian” with Matt Damon. I’ve probably watched it four or five times over the years.
Who was your childhood hero?
Chip: Jim Zorn and Steve Largent.
Marc: Probably Superman.
Which Rafn Brand Promise do you most relate to?
Chip: “Own the Process.” Drive to take care of our clients by looking ahead, planning, and working the plan. We have great checklists for our process, always updated with the lessons we’ve learned. Running through our checklists prepares us for owning the process.
Marc: “The Real Value of Experience.” If we can achieve our goal of making the construction experience awesome for all parties involved, including the owner, architect, subcontractors, etc… the sky’s the limit for Rafn Company!
Best piece of advice for someone starting out / considering the construction industry?
Chip: Put the time in, do the hard work, help wherever you can, and work to impress everyone you work with.
Marc: Whether you plan for a career in the construction industry or you just fall into it as I did, it is a great industry to be involved in. Whether you’re interested in a skilled trade, project management, accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, business development, or technology… there’s something for everyone. I encourage anyone interested to intern at a construction company in high school or college and try different positions to see what role you might be interested in!