In the bustling world of construction where precision and collaboration are key, two Turner Superintendents, Pat Haddigan and Peter Murawski, have found a harmonious blend between their professional lives and a unique hobby: beekeeping. Their stories intertwine to illustrate how the principles governing construction and beekeeping are remarkably similar, emphasizing meticulous planning, teamwork, and sustainability.
Pat’s venture into beekeeping was sparked by Peter’s passion for the craft. Peter, a fourth-generation beekeeper, introduced Pat to the intricate world of bees and honey-making. Pat recalls, “It was Peter’s enthusiasm and the fascinating process of beekeeping that drew me in. His knowledge, rooted in generations of beekeeping, inspired me to take up this endeavor.” Through Peter’s mentorship, Pat embarked on his beekeeping journey, initially with skepticism but soon with growing interest and commitment. Peter, embodying a bridge between his heritage and his passion, says, “Beekeeping is in my blood, passed down through generations. Sharing this with Pat was sharing a part of who I am.”
As they advance in their careers at Turner, their beekeeping ventures flourish in parallel. Pat, spearheading significant tenant improvement projects, saw a reflection of his work’s complexity in beekeeping. “Managing a construction site and a bee colony are surprisingly similar — both require a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the ecosystem you’re working within,” he notes.
Peter’s experience mirrors this sentiment. “Scaling from one hive to nearly thirty was like managing multiple construction projects. Each colony, like each project, has its unique challenges and demands a tailored approach,” he reflects on his beekeeping expansion.
The journey isn’t without its hurdles. Pat discusses the challenge of Varroa mites, a parasite destructive to bees, drawing parallels to construction obstacles. “Monitoring for Varroa mites requires the same vigilance we apply in construction to ensure everything is up to standard,” Pat emphasizes the importance of proactive problem-solving in both arena
Peter underscores the strategic aspect of beekeeping, which he equates to project management in construction. “Beekeeping, like construction, demands a strategy. You’re constantly planning, adapting, and preparing for what’s next,” he explains, drawing on his extensive experience to highlight the importance of flexibility and forward-thinking.
The analogy of bees to construction roles comes naturally to both. Pat remarks, “If honeybees were part of the construction team, they’d be the builders, working with unmatched precision and teamwork.” Peter, with his own opinion, adds, “I see them more as engineers, meticulously organizing and executing their tasks, from nursing the young to guarding the hive.” This shared perspective highlights their admiration for bees’ organizational skills and collective effort, mirroring the collaborative spirit found in construction sites.
