Stephen Dixon is a graduate from Virginia Tech with a Master’s degree in Instructional Design & Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. Stephen began his career in outside sales for an asphalt maintenance manufacturer, and later moved into construction as an Assistant Estimator. Eventually, he joined Barton Malow in 2025 to work on the general contracting side, specializing in the Mission Critical market. Learn more about Stephen’s career path and the interests that led him into estimating.
What is your role at Barton Malow and what does your day-to-day look like?
I am Preconstruction Manager at Barton Malow. My day-to-day depends on which stage of the project our team is currently in. At the start of a bid, my day is filled with communicating with subcontractors about their interest in the project, reviewing plans, and writing scopes of work.
Then I work with subcontractors to ensure that I fully understand what parts of the job they will be bidding on. This helps eliminate any potential scope gaps, ensuring that Barton Malow submits a complete and accurate bid. Once subcontractor proposals are received, I review them to find the most qualified subcontractor for each trade. I consider pricing, scope clarifications, similar project experience, staffing, etc. Finally, I work to complete all documentation required for the bid submission, such as client bid forms and cost backup. As a manager, I also work with our entire team to provide training and guidance where needed.
How did you end up choosing a career in construction?
I traveled a roundabout way into construction. After graduating from Virginia Tech, I didn’t know what I wanted to do professionally. After moving to Northern Virginia to be with my then-girlfriend, now wife, I accepted a job in outside sales for an asphalt maintenance manufacturer. However, I quickly realized that sales wasn’t for me, but I was doing high-level estimating, such as square footage of parking lots.
I’ve always been interested in math and numbers, so working with costs and takeoffs piqued my interest. I started applying for estimator positions in every industry and essentially manifested this career. I was hired as an Assistant Estimator, which launched my career into construction. I’ve since moved to the general contractor side of construction, with a specialty in data centers.
What makes working on Mission Critical projects unique compared to other types of construction?
The first unique aspect of Mission Critical is the rapid deadlines. Typically in this market, general contractors are given three weeks from RFP issuance to the bid deadline, which is extremely fast. I really enjoy this pace as it’s very competitive and does not allow for downtime.
Another aspect of Mission Critical projects that I enjoy is the complex MEP systems. Especially with the advancement of liquid cooling over the last few years, the mechanical and electrical contracts alone can be 60% – 70% of the entire cost of the project. Since I broke into the construction industry at an electrical company, I enjoy working on complex and large dollar value trades such as these.
Just For Fun
What’s Your Favorite Sports Team
Virginia Tech Hokies
Barton Blue or Malow Orange
Malow Orange
Salty, Sweet, or Sour?
Sweet
NFL or College Football?
Both. I’ll watch any football game. It doesn’t matter who’s playing!
Favorite board/card game?
Sequence or Settlers of Catan
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird
Is your desk messy or clean?
Clean
What personal skills or traits do you rely on most when working in Mission Critical construction, and how have they helped you succeed?
The top personality trait that helps me to succeed is the ability to remain calm and even-keeled under pressure. Mission Critical projects are very fast-paced and complex, so it’s important to keep my composure. As a preconstruction lead, setting this example for the team is very important. Showing confidence and composure can help the rest of the team feel the same way.
Being a problem solver and having the confidence to ask questions has also helped me to succeed. Data center technology is always changing and changing fast. A quote that resonates with me is from the movie The Pursuit of Happyness: “If you ask me a question, and I don’t know the answer, I’m gonna tell you that I don’t know. But bet you what. I know how to find the answer. And I will find the answer.” This is how I live every day, and it is an absolute necessity in the ever-changing scope of data center construction.
What stood out to you the most about Barton Malow compared to other available opportunities?
I am excited to join the Barton Malow team because of the new Mission Critical team. It’s intriguing to get in on the ground floor and help to grow the division. I take a lot of pride in seeing our Preconstruction team continue to grow and develop, and I am grateful that the Barton Malow culture allows us to really make it our own.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
It’s incredible to be able to have a small part in the data center world. In this digital age, data centers are involved in everything, and it’s great to be able to work with some of the world leaders in the industry: AWS, Meta, Microsoft, QTS, Equinix, etc.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing and why?
While at Virginia Tech, I worked for the athletic department doing live sports video production both for ACC Network broadcasts and in-venue productions on the jumbotron. As an avid sports fan, this would be a fun profession if the construction industry didn’t pan out.
How would you describe your career path at Barton Malow?
My path at Barton Malow is just beginning, as I joined the company in March 2025. I look forward to continuing to see the Mission Critical team grow, both in terms of project wins and personal development of team members. I have greatly enjoyed my time here so far and see myself continuing to rise through the organization in the preconstruction department.
Prior to getting into construction, what experience do you feel prepared you the most for your current role at Barton Malow?
I was raised in a small, rural town in Virginia. Both my dad’s side and my mom’s side of the family were farmers, and the principle of working hard with a can-do attitude was instilled in me from a very young age. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that those principles would lead to a job in data center construction, but I sure am grateful for those values as they have taken me far.
Sports + Entertainment PM: Zach Beiler
Zach Beiler brings his passion for sports and Florida’s vibrant culture to Barton Malow’s Sports + Entertainment market. As a UCF alumnus and Project Manager, Zach leads high-profile stadium and athletics projects in Orlando, building iconic venues that energize communities and inspire fans.
Construction Management Intern:
Joe Holland
One of the many interns Barton Malow welcomes each summer, Joe Holland was placed on the Football Operations Center project at the University of Virginia. As a student-athlete playing as an outside linebacker on UVA’s football team, Joe will use the end product bringing his internship full circle.
Construction Superintendent: Octavous Crosby
Octavous has been with Barton Malow for over 20 years, starting his career as a Carpenter Journeyman before transitioning into a role as Construction Superintendent. Octavous is passionate about making an impact on the communities served by the projects he has worked on.
Mission Critical Senior Operational Support Manager: Jordan Grimm
After serving in the United States Navy and growing up around his family’s sheet metal contracting business, a career in construction was a natural progression. Drawn to Barton Malow’s longevity and culture, Jordan joined the Mission Critical team to help shape its growth.
Safety Manager Steve Sisler
After working in residential construction an as an operator, Steve joined Barton Malow in 2020 as a Construction Safety Manager. With nearly a decade of experience, Steve helps provide guidance to make sure everyone makes it home safely.
Construction Project Manager Sydney Wilhelm
Sydney started out as a Business Manager before moving into construction project management and eventually joining Barton Malow in 2022. Since then, Sydney has worked on projects in various markets, partnering with teams to keep construction on schedule.