My career has spanned two distinct industries - Financial Services & Commercial Construction. While seemingly different, the keys to success are similar. A strong leader must be able to:• Lead diverse teams• Listen/understand different points of view• Pay attention to detail• Creatively problem solve• Manage projects under tight timelinesMY PASSION FOR CONSTRUCTIONI acquired these skills as a young child working in my Dad’s entrepreneurial ventures (laundromats & photo finishing). I worked hard, solved tricky problems, and repaired equipment. What stuck out from that era was my passion for working with my hands. This passion continued to gnaw at me…In high school, I took a class in architectural drawing. In college, I worked at a lumber yard to help finance my education. And in my family, I’m known as the community handyman.LEADING DIVERSE TEAMSAfter working in Compliance in Financial Services, I was fortunate to be a casualty of the market downturn. During this time, I earned my Certificate in Construction Management from Wentworth and then shifted to Field Supervision for Chapman Construction. This new career was invigorating; I was excited to create something and using my hands as well as my brain. Eventually, I was drawn back to Financial Services. Over the past 6 years, I have built upon many of the skills I acquired at Chapman Construction and also moved into a leadership role.OUTSIDE OF WORKI’m a busy dad who is the “official” family project/business/finance manager. Raising two pre-teens has taught me flexibility, patience, and scheduling skills. I enjoy doing small projects around the house, creating things in the kitchen, and coaching my son’s soccer team.I am always interested in hearing from construction/real estate firms looking for a leader with strong project management and compliance skills.AKA: Christopher Elia, Ellia, EliasProject ManagementVendor ManagementTeam leadershipBudgetingReal EstateConstructionCompliance