2024 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Patrick Ducas, Ducas Construction

Three skills that you use every day in your position:

Communication, problem-solving, and forward-thinking. Whether collaborating with clients, navigating on-site challenges, or planning next steps, these skills keep our projects smooth and our team united.

Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders:

American Icon – The Story of Allen Mulally’s turn around of Ford Motors. 

Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less:

Listen, collaborate and be comfortable not having all the answers. 

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? 

I’m incredibly proud of our role as the design build contractor for the housing subdivision project at the U.S. Coast Guard base in Eastport, Maine. Leading the design team, we delivered the project ahead of schedule and under budget, despite challenges like COVID-19, rising material costs, and a limited workforce. This success is a testament to our team’s resilience and commitment to meeting critical needs.

What makes this nominee an Industry Leader?

“Patrick leads with a rare combination of vision and respect, knowing that our strength lies in collaboration. He’s built a culture of trust and grit that drives each project’s success.” - Annie Tremaine, senior project manager, Ducas Construction. 

What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it? 

Managing a large-scale project through COVID-19 was a major challenge. We overcame it by adopting flexible scheduling, prioritizing safety protocols, and staying transparent with our team and clients. This experience reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of trust in any successful project.