Meet Project Manager Chris Adams

Equal parts relationship builder, organizer, and communicator, with a dash of humor for good measure, Project Manager Chris Adams fosters effective and collaborative communication internally and with clients. In addition, Chris remains motivated to learn something new every day. This curiosity often leads to creative solutions for ISG clients. Let’s learn more about Chris, his recipe for project management success, and just for fun, who would play him in a Hollywood movie.

What's your secret recipe for rockin' at project management?

I come from a product management background, which gave me the opportunity to be involved in everything from sales and marketing to production scheduling, supply chain, and engineering management. My main clients in that role were fire station/EMS facilities and aircraft hangars, which provided me with direct expertise in ISG’s Government and Public Works markets. My experience with the A/E field comes from the “other side of the table” as a manufacturer, and occasionally as a subcontractor, which allows me to serve as a client advocate.

To be successful in project management, you need to be a strong communicator and relationship builder, and also have a dynamic background that I've been able to build through experience mentioned above. You need to have the ability to organize and manage the priorities of yourself and others, the flexibility to adjust on the fly. And, if you’re really good, the ability to anticipate issues before they arise. Finally, I find that you’ve got to have empathy, patience, and a good sense of humor.

What is the most important career lesson you have learned?

Relationships, both internally and externally, are the keys to success as an individual and company. As a Project Manager, I learned quickly that positive relationships internally foster effective communication, which leads to successful projects and a much more enjoyable work experience. My ISG plug is that with a concentrated focus on building relationships at every level, it makes my role really rewarding, as we are all constantly focused on the same goal.

Speaking of that good sense of humor, if Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

I think I’d go with John Krasinski because the Hollywood me should be taller and better looking. One of the TV or movie characters I feel I probably relate best to is his portrayal of Jim Halpert in “The Office,” so I think he could play the role. Naturally I’d choose Jenna Fischer to play the role of Employee Welfare Manager at ISG.

Fun fact: Chris and Jenny met at their first job (photo below), and 18 years later, work together again at ISG!

If you could switch lives with a cartoon character for a day, who would it be, and why?

I would probably choose to be Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz from my son Connor’s favorite cartoon “Phineas and Ferb.” He gets to spend all of his time inventing new ’inators and hanging out with his nemesis/best friend Perry the Platypus.

Much like Dr. Doofenshmirtz, Chris devises creative and ingenious solutions from ISG’s Mankato, Minnesota, office.

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