Colorado State University’s Department of Construction Management shines the graduating senior spotlight on Adam Zbozien, a first-generation, non-traditional student, and military veteran, who grew up in Waterford, Michigan, where most of his family still resides.

Zbozien’s father was a carpenter working on local jobsites. Zbozien would occasionally help him with woodworking projects, honing his skills and developing his interest in construction. As neither of his parents finished college, Zbozien thought it was never to be an option for him.

After high school, Zbozien moved out to be on his own, “stumbling” from restaurant to restaurant as a cook but never finding job satisfaction. In March of 2001, he decided to join the U.S. Army.

Shortly after Zbozien arrived at his first duty station at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, the tragic events of September 11 happened – and the world changed. This was the beginning of several overseas deployments throughout his military career.

Post-military choices

After transitioning from the military, Zbozien didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do. He took a few months off to figure out his passion. Having done construction and woodworking in the past, he decided to start a small handyman business, working on small projects like decks, remodels, and general plumbing.

A few months in, he was getting swamped and had to contract out for some projects. “I was good at the actual work,” said Zbozien, “but highly ignorant of the business side of it all. After working for free on several projects because of poor estimating, I started to get discouraged and decided to pursue other employment.” He ended up working various jobs throughout the Front Range and Wyoming.

“One day while installing a water system in a crawlspace littered with mice skeletons and spiders,” he said, “I decided to choose another path!” He used his G.I. bill to pursue a college degree. It was something he hadn’t dreamed possible.

Higher education pathway

He attended community college to ease back into the school rhythm. After two years, he completed his associate’s degree in construction. He liked both the field of study and the sense of accomplishment so much, he decided to transfer to CSU to pursue his bachelor’s degree.

According to Zbozien, “There have been enough obstacles throughout this journey to make a movie! First off, with any government benefit, there is paperwork – and I mean a ton of documents and regulations to navigate just to get enrolled. Once you get through that, then the fun begins!”

Being a father of 4, ranging in ages from 5 to 18, is challenging enough. One thing Zbozien learned, especially after his internship, is that attending school is far more taxing than working a full-time job. He learned while doing his internship that it was nice to go home, and leave work at work.

Conversely, most of the homework from class has to be done at home. “However,”he said, “with four kids, three dogs, and a cat, when I walk in the door, my energy has to be divided amongst them all. Working on assignments has been extremely challenging, when I have children asking me for help every few minutes with their homework, and when I have my own to do.”

Zbozien expresses gratitude for his wife, who was extremely supportive with all the late nights and weekends he spent behind the computer. She encouraged his decision to return to higher education, and was a champion in pushing him to “be my best.” Over the last three years, countless hospital visits, COVID, car accidents, deaths of friends, and identity theft have all been challenges that Zbozien has faced. Nevertheless, he held to the words of General George Patton, Jr., “Through perseverance, study, and eternal desire, any man can become great.”

Bright future

Roche Constructors is where Zbozien had the opportunity to serve in a six-month internship as a project engineer. He worked on nine projects, from school remodels to ground-up construction.

Additionally, he shadowed another project engineer at the company, learning how to implement change-order requests, RFIs, and participating in the day-to-day operations on different job sites. However, it was the people with whom he had the privilege to work that made the internship memorable. He is grateful to continue working with these professionals in the future, since the company hired him to begin his career with them, once he graduates.

Zbozien is grateful for all he gained at CSU. “I absolutely believe that my time at CSU has prepared me for a career and the construction industry,” said Zbozien. “One important lesson I have learned over the last few years at CSU is that it is not just about having an education, but also the importance of industry, and the value of making new friends.”

Zbozien expressed appreciation for not only the instructors in construction management, but also the student club events. He especially enjoyed the jobsite tours with the ABC student club. One that stands out particularly was the tour of the Amazon warehouse under construction in Loveland.

“The massive building was very impressive,” said Zbozien, “due to the sheer size and scale of this undertaking. Seeing this building under construction and some of the industry’s ‘ins and outs’ was a lot of fun.”

As for personal accomplishments, Zbozien adamantly believes that “just finishing the program is a reward in itself.” And regarding future goals, he said, “After graduation, I plan to start working as a project engineer at Roche Constructors, while pursuing a superintendent position in the next few years. My long-term goal is to settle into the industry as a superintendent, get as much experience possible, and try to have fun while doing it.”

Zbozien also offers advice to those following in his footsteps, “A small piece of advice for newer students starting their CM journey is to stay as organized as possible with your time,” he said. “A tracking tool or a daily or weekly planner is essential to keep track of events and due dates. Most of all, have fun with the clubs, CM Cares, and local site tours; this helps make new friends, and lets you enjoy the ride!”

The Department of Construction Management is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.