Layout Coordinator Andy Rose did not always envision a career in construction. But his commitment to quality and continuous improvement has led to exciting innovation opportunities for the team at Granger.
After graduating from the University of the West of England with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Business Management, Andy was searching for his passion. His love for rugby led him around the world to compete and coach for over 10 years. But in January of 2021, Andy decided on a different path: Carpentry.
“I didn’t want to start from scratch,” said Andy. “I wanted to do something I could work my way up in, but not necessarily on the physical side of things. I reached out to the local apprentice union, and they got me in contact with the right people. It was a self-started journey.”
The carpentry apprenticeship program led Andy to Granger Construction. During one of the apprentice interview panels, Andy caught the eye of Granger Director of Field Operations Tom Owens.
“During the interview, we realized Andy had a huge level of intensity, beyond what we typically see,” said Tom.
It quickly became clear that carpentry was Andy’s calling, and he progressed to the role of layout carpenter. Andy proved exceptional in this role. However, as Andy approached his final apprenticeship exam in December 2024, he faced a dilemma. Andy’s spouse was offered a career opportunity that would move his family to Nashville, Tennessee – a location outside Granger Construction’s self-perform service radius. Determined to find a solution, Tom Owens asked if Andy would be willing to stay with Granger and transition to a new, primarily remote position, leveraging Andy’s field and carpentry experience as well as his aptitude for technology and innovation. Andy accepted and became Granger Construction’s first Layout Coordinator.
With this role, Andy would transition to working more with Granger Construction’s Virtual Design and Construction and Drone Visual Capture teams, including VDC Drone Manager Nick Ross.
“I met Andy working on the Gun Lake Casino project,” said Nick. “My first impression was that he seemed down-to-earth and easy to talk to. But also, I could tell he was respected on the jobsite and really knew what he was doing.” Andy also showed an interest in learning more about how Granger utilized technology to improve quality, efficiency and the overall customer experience.
In his new role as Layout Coordinator, Andy would help support Nick by utilizing data captured from jobsites.
“This type of work is something Andy has expressed interest in since he figured out it existed, so we’re excited to give him the time to learn and shift responsibilities,” said Nick.
“Andy is going to help all of our layout teams and work toward supporting scanning services for our self-perform side,” said Tom Owens. “He is also planning to pursue his FAA license for flying drones.”
Andy has been described by his teammates as, “One of those guys that’s so competitive, there’s no way his projects won’t be successful.” Some of that competitive nature can be contributed to his former rugby career, which included over a decade of coaching and playing for teams including Zimbabwe Rugby International. Andy has also shown drive in his success as a small business owner of Rosey’s Biltong LLC, a cured meat snack that originated in South Africa.
When asked what he has valued most so far in his construction career journey, Andy noted, “I love taking nothing and making something. Working on the Gun Lake Casino project, it was really cool to one day be knee deep in the mud starting work, then be 18-stories in the air, pouring the finishing concrete.”
While Andy Rose’s happy attitude and infectious enthusiasm will be missed on Granger jobsites, the team is excited for Andy to take on an expanded leadership role.
“I really appreciate the way that management at Granger treats apprentices,” Andy shared. “They make us – have made me – feel like an important part of the company, not just a number.” Andy noted his excitement for the leadership and responsibility he would take on with his new role as Layout Coordinator.
