In this episode, I talk with Eric Meisgeier, Project Manager at Stacy and Witbeck, Inc., about why a project delivery strategy rooted in a project-first mindset is the key to successful infrastructure project management. We dive into how aligning teams, stakeholder engagement, and separating technical from financial decisions support progressive design-build workflows, keep projects on track, and build lasting trust.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Eric Meisgeier:
- What does a project delivery strategy rooted in a project-first mentality mean to you, and how do you put it into practice?
- How do you balance a project delivery strategy with the need to consider stakeholder engagement and community impacts?
- What strategies have you found most effective for building collaboration and keeping diverse stakeholders aligned in infrastructure project management?
- How do you separate technical discussions from financial ones to keep collaborative construction teams focused and productive?
- What advantages have you seen from progressive design-build and CMGC delivery methods in project performance and risk management?
- What do you see as one of the biggest pitfalls for project managers, and how can it be avoided through better project delivery strategy?
- How do you integrate mentoring and developing future professionals into your leadership style within infrastructure project teams?
- What is one final piece of advice you would give to project managers who want to build trust and consistently deliver successful projects through effective project delivery strategy?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About A Project Delivery Strategy that Drives Infrastructure Success:
- A project delivery strategy built on a project-first mentality means prioritizing the needs of the infrastructure project above personal or organizational interests so that progress moves forward smoothly. It requires anticipating risks, addressing program-level challenges such as right-of-way and permits, and creating proactive task forces that prevent delays.
- Communities are treated as essential stakeholders whose support directly shapes project outcomes. Consistent communication, attentive listening, and scheduling around local needs build trust and reduce resistance through strong stakeholder engagement.
- Collaboration strengthens when people humanize interactions, listen before acting, and avoid unproductive conversations. Momentum builds when empowered decision-makers meet regularly to solve problems together and keep the project moving.
- Technical discussions remain focused on engineering solutions without distraction from cost debates. Financial questions are handled in separate sessions, which allows technical experts to collaborate freely and maintain strong relationships.
- Progressive design-build and CMGC delivery methods provide extended preconstruction time to align goals, clarify requirements, and build relationships before execution. This preparation improves planning, reduces conflict, and enhances efficiency once construction begins.
- One of the biggest pitfalls for project managers is forcing rigid roles on team members without considering individual strengths. Success comes from adapting staffing plans, seeking input, and making timely decisions that support the team.
- Mentoring is integrated into leadership by empowering individuals to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and grow through real experiences. Training people to develop others expands leadership impact and creates lasting growth for the organization.
- Trust builds through empathy, active listening, and transparency. Sharing difficult news early and addressing it together strengthens credibility and keeps teams aligned in collaborative construction environments.
More Details in This Episode…
About Eric Meisgeier
Eric Meisgeier is a project manager at Stacy Witbeck with more than 30 years of experience in civil construction and nearly two decades dedicated to progressive delivery methods such as design-build, progressive design-build, CM/GC, and best-value procurements. He has led multi-phased, highly technical infrastructure projects in complex urban environments, consistently delivering them safely, on time, and with strong collaboration among owners, designers, and stakeholders.
Eric’s portfolio includes leadership roles on major transit and transportation projects such as the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project in Los Angeles, the Mid-Coast Corridor Program in San Diego, TriMet’s I-205 LRT Extension in Portland, and multiple bridge and highway improvements across Oregon and Washington. He is recognized for his ability to manage diverse teams, mitigate construction impacts, and deliver value-engineered solutions that improve efficiency and control costs.
Beyond project work, Eric was named the 2018 Minority Small Business Champion by the U.S. Small Business Administration. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for WTS San Diego and co-chairs the Transportation YOU committee, mentoring the next generation of transportation professionals.
Eric holds a B.S. in construction engineering management from Oregon State University. He is known for his collaborative leadership, stakeholder engagement, and commitment to advancing progressive delivery in the transit and transportation sectors.
About the Host:
Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM
Fiona Johann, PMP, joined The Engineering Management Institute as the strategic initiatives team leader in February 2025. With eight years of experience in developing leadership programs in an academic setting, she brings valuable expertise in planning and executing impactful initiatives. Fiona utilizes her PMP certification and program management skills to oversee events like PM AEC Connect and optimize internal processes for improved efficiency. Based in central North Carolina, she combines her strategic approach with a passion for driving successful outcomes at EMI.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success
Sources/References:
Stacy and Witbeck, Inc.
Connect with Eric Meisgeier on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
About Talent Matters:
Talent Matters helps you gain a competitive edge through your people. They understand that an organization rises or falls based on the effectiveness of its leaders and people. Their sole focus is to help you Select, Develop, and Retain high performers. When selecting people, Talent Matters ensures your interviews reveal the right behaviors to support strong hiring decisions. When developing leaders, their skill-based model and process unlock hesitancy and empower leaders to manage with boldness, compassion, and skill. This is your Performance Advantage. To chat directly with their team, visit talentmatters.net.
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