Get to Know Sales Engineer Intern Sam Creamer

I am currently working as a sales engineer intern in the SPG group of Spokane, WA. The focus of the SPG group is to enhance existing building’s mechanical systems to increase efficiency. My role in the SPG sales team is to assist in building estimates and proposals for potential projects. This also includes contacting vendors and subcontractors to get an accurate price on equipment and services.

I have been involved in the estimating process for several projects this summer including a food court remodel in Spokane, and a fire station renovation. I have enjoyed being able to see the “behind the scenes” of various buildings and how they operate through the estimating process. 

My first internship at McKinstry was as a project engineer intern where I learned about the operations management component of the construction industry. Comparatively, my current role as a sales engineer has shown me a different side of the business. Not only am I able to work in a more customer facing role but, with the knowledge gained last summer, I have been able to apply operations management processes to help me engage in the estimation process. I have focused more on value-add activities to ensure there is limited wasted time while working in the sales engineering area similar to the focus of a project management forward role. Having worked in multiple facets of the company has narrowed down my focus for my future learning opportunities as I would like to pursue a more sales focused role after my experiences this summer.  Furthermore, working at McKinstry has given me the experience of what it’s like to work for a company that truly puts their people first and I hope to continue with McKinstry on my journey of growing and learning throughout my career. 

In a world filled with wasted material, time, and money, it is refreshing to see a construction company focused on doing the opposite. I am proud to be a part of a team that focuses on the efficiencies and technology that improves the external environment of not only the world around us but the internal environment of the buildings we work on. It shows thoughtfulness not only in the construction process, but towards the people that work in every building we have the opportunity to improve. We continue to be a leader of change in all facets of the construction industry which I am excited to not only witness but learn to contribute to as well. I know that with McKinstry’s focus on their own employees, I will be able to build my own McKinstry family who will help me learn from mistakes, guide me in both my life and career, as well as support my fresh curiosity as I enter the post college world.