Navigating the Landscape of Retail Project Management: Strategies for Success

T.J. McKeever is a civil engineer with extensive experience in commercial project management. Over the past five years, he has been a valuable member of Brixmor Property Group, focusing on Retail Project Management within the Tri-State area, encompassing New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In his role, T.J. manages projects from the initial stages of cost estimation and due diligence to turnover and completion. He oversees project budgets and schedules, ensuring that every decision made during the building process is quantifiable and aligned with the project's goals. His expertise and attention to detail contribute significantly to successfully executing retail projects in a highly competitive market.

Through this article, T.J. McKeever shares his insights on effective retail project management, emphasizing the importance of utilizing technology tools like PlanGrid and Procore for tracking progress. He discusses risk management strategies and the role of digital twins in infrastructure projects. He advises young professionals, highlighting the value of on-site experience and proactive decision-making in navigating construction challenges.

Essential Tools for Tracking Project Progress

To ensure project milestones are met—most notably, opening on time—it's essential to stay updated on the latest project management technologies. My favorite tools include PlanGrid, Procore, Microsoft OneNote, eBuilder, and TrueLook Construction Site Cameras.

PlanGrid is a valuable software tool for drawing sheet management and schedule tracking. Its intuitive interface makes uploading drawing revisions throughout the project accessible. Procore is the market leader in construction project management software; approximately 90 percent of the general contractors we collaborate with already use it. This prevalence means it’s present on most of our projects, whether we like it or not. Procore is particularly beneficial for Site Superintendents, allowing them to update daily progress photos from the field and efficiently manage RFIs (Requests for Information) and submittals.

Microsoft OneNote is also an essential resource for project management, especially in our hybrid work environment. It excels at managing field notes, as all changes are saved to the cloud and accessed from job sites on tablets or the office. While these project management software tools are my primary go-to, I incorporate generative AI tools more frequently each week to enhance efficiency and streamline processes.

My Approach to Risk Management in Construction Projects

The best way to manage risk as an owner’s representative is to collaborate with trusted partners and vendors who prioritize integrity. When you hire the right architect or general contractor, the project tends to run smoothly, helping you avoid many common pitfalls of construction, such as permitting delays, unmet expectations, cost overruns, and utility issues.

While some level of risk is always present when putting a pencil to a blueprint or a shovel in the ground, minimizing risk exposure significantly increases the likelihood of completing the project on time and achieving the desired return on investment.

The regulatory environment is constantly evolving. For example, I dealt with a gas service moratorium in Westchester County, NY, affecting five retail centers for the past five years. It was finally lifted earlier this year, which was a considerable relief; however, many professionals in the area remain skeptical that the local utility company won’t reverse course and refuse new or expanded gas services again soon as attitudes shift around fossil fuels.

In a world of uncertainty, having the right players on your team is crucial to weather any storm.

Adapting to Unforeseen Circumstances in Project Management

Unforeseen circumstances are an inherent part of the construction landscape. Maintaining a healthy skepticism about what can go wrong helps prepare you as a project manager.

A recent example comes to mind. We had just completed a 7,000-square-foot ground-up retail building with two tenants when the electric utility company informed us that we needed to install a 7-foot-tall concrete "blast wall" around the electric transformer. The biggest challenge was that this blast wall would obstruct the visibility and curbside appeal of the bank tenant’s storefront.

Ultimately, we had to comply with the utility company's requirement to ensure the activation of electric service. However, we collaborated with our tenant to design the wall's exterior to align with the building's design features, incorporating red brick and additional aesthetic elements. We also added landscaping, including bushes, to enhance its visual appeal.

Had we contested the power company’s demand, it would have delayed the activation of permanent power for the building, pushing back the opening for both eager tenants. This experience taught us how to make the most of an unexpected situation.

The Impact of Digital Twins on Future Infrastructure Projects

As we advance into a future shaped by the Internet of Things (IoT), green technologies, and other innovative solutions, digital twins will play a crucial role in infrastructure projects. They allow developers and urban planners to visualize the potential impacts of their designs before construction begins and costs are incurred.

Having the flexibility to gather comprehensive information about an intended project in advance can significantly help us mitigate the unforeseen circumstances that often arise during construction. Unfortunately, we can never eliminate them. When dealing with the logistical challenges of infrastructure projects in densely populated or high-traffic areas, digital twins become invaluable. They assist us in understanding coordination issues, establishing temporary thoroughfares during construction, and identifying potential blind spots or gaps in our designs.

Advice for Young Professionals in Construction

Get out in the field! The best teacher is experienced; the quickest way to learn how things are built is to see it in person. As you progress in your career, you'll encounter fewer opportunities to work on-site and interact with real estate professionals who truly understand the technical aspects of construction. Use this to your advantage while you can.

Another valuable advice I can offer is: “Action breeds confidence.” You’re always better off deciding and following through rather than hesitating due to uncertainty. The quicker you take action, the faster you learn, and the more confident—and competent—you become.