Employee Spotlight: Mike Anderson, Project Manager

Meet Mike Anderson, Project Manager

Factor Design Build is unique in a number of ways. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing: the people. Every member of the Factor team shares a passion for creating inspired spaces that improve people’s lives.

Mike Anderson, one of our project managers, is the next team member in our series. When Mike joined the Factor team, he brought with him years of experience in managing projects, carpentry, woodworking, and more. He takes pride in every aspect of his craft, from a well-organized job site to a perfectly snug joint on a piece of custom-built furniture. We talked with Mike to learn more…

What attracted you to Factor Design Build?

“Before Factor Design Build, I was working for a design-build firm in DC and I knew I wanted to continue working in design-build when I moved to Colorado. What drew me to Factor Design Build was a combination of their aesthetic and company culture. I could tell after my first few conversations with them that they were a good group of people and it would be a fun place to work. It’s also important to me to feel good about what I’m creating so Factor was a no-brainer after seeing their portfolio.”

Is there a part of your role as a project manager that is your favorite? 

“Hmm, that’s a hard one. I like the problem solving that comes with each project. You never know what you’re going to get when you open a house up. Finding innovative solutions to make everything work is what keeps things interesting day-to-day.”

Do you have a favorite section of projects to work on?

“If I had to focus on one room, it’d be a kitchen remodel. I come from a cabinet making background, so there’s also a bit of nostalgia there. It also gives me the opportunity to flex my fine woodworking skills as it’s a high visibility/high traffic area and everything needs to look spot on. I also think the transformation you see in a kitchen can be the most drastic. It’s always an amazing before-and-after process!”

Will you share some advice for people looking to start a remodel process? 

“It is going to be stressful. There are going to be times that will be hard during the process. But if you hire the right people, they help alleviate that stress. That’s why I like design-build. We create a partnership. We are with you every step of the process and it eases the stress.”

What is your favorite travel destination? 

“If it’s a place I’ve been to before, I’d have to say Milford Sound, New Zealand. I lived and worked in Fiordland National Park, which was very remote, and gave me an opportunity to live a lifestyle I probably won’t experience again. I traveled around the South Island for 6 months and I would love to go back to those places someday. But if you mean places I want to go to in the future, I really would love to go to Patagonia or Norway someday… hopefully soon.”

What is your favorite movie?

“Breaking Away. It’s a cycling movie from the ’70s where the hometown kids compete against the university team in an annual cycling race. I like the underdog story and I used to be an endurance athlete, competing in cross-country and track & field, so I can relate to the training and lifestyle and anxiety that comes with racing.”