Walter Schroeder
“While completing proposals, and when releasing RFP’s for new projects, it’s always good to have a Gold Seal Certified employee creating these. Whether for estimating or project management, clients like to see that bidding companies have the Gold Seal behind them, it creates trust and enhances a company’s credibility. When I see someone with a Gold Seal I know they put in that hard work. You know that they’ve got experience and knowledge behind them.”
Walter Schroeder, GSC, Estimator and Project Manager
Walter is an Estimator and Project Manager. His job includes: the tendering stage, securing projects, starting and completing projects. His daily work involves all aspects of Project Management, including orders and schedules.
Walter began working in construction after completing his Architectural Drafting Certificate at Red River College. He then worked in drafting for several years in Manitoba. About 15 years ago, he obtained an offer to move to British Columbia, and that’s when he began estimating and managing projects. He discovered the Gold Seal Certification through his current employers. The owner of the company is a Gold Seal Certified Project Manager, as well as contractor. In the company, there are also many Gold Seal Superintendents. “I discovered an opportunity to get Gold Seal Certified through my company, 11 years ago. It took me a little bit of time to jump into it but I eventually did.”
Walter got his Estimators Gold Seal Certification in 2012, and earned his Project Management Gold Seal in 2016. “My current employer always hires Project Managers that are also qualified Estimators. When I started with them, I was doing both and wanted to make sure I was doing well. Due to my role and employment shift, I set myself a goal to make sure I got Gold Seal Certified in both fields.”
He continued, “the challenge that I faced with my estimating Gold Seal, was just before I had applied, they had changed the requirements from 3 years to 5, and so I had to wait a little longer to write my exam. With my Project Management Gold Seal, it was a smooth process. The main driving factor, however, for me to achieve everything I have thus far, was wanting to have the satisfaction of that designation behind my name.”
“I would always encourage someone to pursue their Gold Seal. At all times furthering your education is going to be beneficial, regardless if you write that exam or not. Gold Seal is well-known throughout the construction industry, so having that behind your name is fantastic!”