From Firefighting to Construction: David Bertot’s Journey of Resilience and Growth

By DAVID BERTOT

To hear David’s full story, listen to Thriving in Construction, The Podcast

Some say my path into construction is as unique as it is inspiring.

From arriving in the U.S. without speaking English to working as a laborer, becoming a firefighter and paramedic, and ultimately building a career in construction, people tell me that my story is one of resilience, discipline and leadership.

From Laborer to Leader

My introduction to construction began at the bottom, working as a helper carrying pipes and doing whatever was needed onsite. Despite the tough start, I quickly learned the value of stepping up and taking responsibility, even when it wasn’t required.

Sometimes you don’t need qualifications. You just need common sense and people skills. I believe that this mindset turned me into a natural leader, managing small crews before officially moving into supervisory roles.

A Firefighter’s Heart

In search of purpose, I pursued firefighting and paramedicine. I was blessed that I thrived in training, even earning recognition as “Best Overall” at the fire academy. But while I loved the sense of urgency and community service, the emotional toll of the job proved heavy. Some images stay with me. Ultimately, my subconscious guided me back to construction – a field where I could still serve people, but through building and creating rather than responding to crises.

Discipline, Health and Daily Habits

One of the traits people tell me set me apart is my commitment to health and discipline. I follow a strict morning routine inspired by Robin Sharma’s 5 AM Club: exercise, meditation and reading before the workday begins.

When you wake up early, you’re already winning. For me, physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance are essential to navigating the unpredictable demands of construction.

What Makes a Great Superintendent?

For me, humility is at the heart of leadership. I believe a superintendent must respect the expertise of trade partners and learn from those who’ve spent decades mastering their craft. At the same time, accountability and preparation are non-negotiable. You have to know your ground, be ready ahead of the game and always listen. Construction is teamwork; success comes from bringing everyone together around a common goal.

Facing Challenges and Growing Stronger

I frequently, candidly share how challenging projects pushed me to the edge, sometimes making me question if construction was truly for me. Yet those same experiences built resilience and sharpened my ability to connect with people – even in the toughest situations.

I still have a heart, and I’m out there to persuade you to work on my team. This perspective, I believe, turns conflict into collaboration and setbacks into growth/

Documentation and Discipline

The importance of daily reports is critical. While they may seem routine, daily reports are critical for accountability, compliance and project success. Do the thing you dislike the most first; this will keep you disciplined in documentation and it will protect your teams from unnecessary disputes.

I like to think that my  story is a reminder that construction is not just about building structures. It’s about building people. From resilience and humility to discipline and teamwork, I am hopeful that my journey offers invaluable lessons for those in the construction industry.

David Bertot is a project superintendent with Lunacon Construction.