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Member Spotlight: Nolan Day

By CSI Chicago Chapter posted 05-17-2021 12:02 PM

  

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Nolan Day, CSI, CDT, LEED AP

President

Day Architectural Marketing

Joined CSI Chicago: 8/2015

 



Provide a brief description of your professional career.

I started was a carpenter's apprentice at age 15 and eventually moved up to Assistant Superintendent for CL Peck by the time I graduated college. I worked on major projects such as the L.A. World Trade Center and Bonaventure hotel and have always had a keen eye for innovative construction methods and materials. After I finished playing professional football and rugby, I opted for a career in the building material industry with the Hilti company. Having worked in Europe and the Middle East my family and I settled in Illinois after a promotion with ITW brought us here from my native SoCal.

 

What is your most memorable construction project you worked on and why?

I worked on the Hoover Dam visitor center and parking garage instructing crews how to install and test 130' post tensioned rock bolts. Hanging in a basket 600 feet over the Colorado River in Black Canyon at

eye level with soaring eagles was incredible. I won some money in Vegas too!

What are some challenges you face in the industry?

Upholding the architectural integrity of quality specifications including interior finishes such as natural stone, quartz, tile, and resinous flooring...dodging the dreaded "VE stage".

 

What has been your biggest benefit of being a CSI Chicago member?

Learning opportunities by far. From one on ones with our design professionals, to the many wonderful presentations over the last 20 years keep you sharp.

 

Tell us three interesting things about You that we would not learn from your LinkedIn profile.

  1. I met my wonderful wife at age 7 and still torment her today.
  2. I have visited over 70 countries and have a goal of visiting 100.
  3. I was Walt Disney's paperboy in the 1960s

 

If you could pass on one piece of advice to future industry professionals, what would that be?

Although you are a small part of it, take pride in the projects you are involved with.

 

Do you utilize any business tools or products that makes your work life better, easier or more efficient that you would recommend to fellow members?

If you are not using some of the tools for leads on Linkedin advanced search, you might be just touching the tip of the project's iceberg. Salesforce, ACT and other CRM systems are your friend if you use them. I have consolidated a rolodex from each of the last 4 decades into a spreadsheet, but sadly all those before the late 90s rarely had email addresses.
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