From Olympic Sport Shooter to Maintenance of Traffic Manager
From representing Team USA in the Olympics to leading transformative infrastructure projects, Brian Ballard's journey is truly one-of-a-kind. As he prepares for retirement this month, we celebrate his 28 years of impactful work at Flatiron.
From Marksmanship to Construction
Brian's father introduced him to shooting at the age of eight. By his teenage years, he was competing, culminating in a national championship win in 1977. After he graduated from college, he joined the US Army Marksmanship Unit which shaped not only his skills but also his character. While on active duty in the Army, he competed at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, placing 12th in trap shooting.
After eight years of military service, Brian transitioned to civilian life, managing shooting facilities in California. While managing one of the shooting facilities, he learned that their lease would not be renewed due to a toll road construction project, the Silverado project. Flatiron was one of the main contractors for the project. As he prepared to close the facility, Brian built connections with the Flatiron team, ultimately leading him to join the Silverado project team as an hourly employee.
Brian's Career at Flatiron
Brian's drive for continuous learning took him across North America, where he worked on transformative projects, taking on various roles from Superintendent, Linework Manager to Maintenance of Traffic Manager. He shared that the Port Mann Bridge in British Columbia and the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston, NC, stand out as particularly memorable projects for him.
Brian values the relationships he developed at Flatiron. For him, it is more than just a workplace. Over time, it evolved into a supportive community that fosters both personal and professional growth. He appreciates Flatiron's commitment to its people and the support he has received over nearly three decades.
Reflecting on his career, Brian shares valuable advice for those beginning their own journeys: "Embrace every opportunity, be honest about your abilities and communicate openly." His experiences have taught him that growth arises from both achievements and challenges.
As he prepares for retirement from his role as a Maintenance of Traffic Manager at the Hampton Road Bridge-Tunnel project in Norfolk, Va., Brian looks forward to cruising on his Harley, playing golf and pursuing his passions for hunting and fishing. Yet, he will deeply miss the people and teams that formed the backbone of his journey, carrying with him cherished memories of a fulfilling career marked by dedication, growth and an unwavering sense of community.
If you are looking for a career building complex and resilient projects in a collaborative environment, transform your career with Flatiron.
