David Vepraskas is a constructive industry executive based in Lakemont, Georgia. He has over 25 years of experience managing projects and teams in commercial and industrial construction projects. He has built a career guiding large-scale builds from planning to completion, managing teams, budgets, and schedules to make sure projects are delivered efficiently and to high standards. His expertise includes healthcare facilities, data centers, and labs.
Throughout his career, David progressed through every level of construction management, giving me a better understanding of the industry. He is known for his focus on planning, communication, and collaboration, which helps teams anticipate challenges, avoid expensive mistakes, and maintain high-quality results. David’s leadership style focuses on clarity, accountability, and supporting his teams so they can do their best work.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He’s also a board member for the Mechanical Contractors Association of Georgia and participates in a men’s Bible study in Rabun County. Outside of work, he is an avid off-road sports enthusiast and owns a vast collection of Toyota Land Cruisers. He’s a proud husband and father to three teenage boys, with whom he travels and plays sports on a regular basis. He also likes to fit in a round of golf during his spare time.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I typically start my day early. I review projects and find the top priorities that need the most attention. I spend the morning focused on planning, problem-solving, and preparing for meetings or site visits. Afternoons are usually when I connect with project teams, clients, or partners to make sure work is getting done on schedule. I also set aside time to anticipate potential challenges and make adjustments before they become bigger problems. At the end of the workday, I look at what I accomplished and plan for tomorrow because it helps me stay organized and productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by discussing project ideas with team members to make sure they’re clear and practical. Then I break them down into smaller, manageable steps so they don’t feel overwhelming. I like to test parts of the idea on a small scale before committing 100%, which helps catch problems early. Throughout the process, I make sure everyone involved knows what they’re supposed to do and what the overall goal is. Good communication and steady follow-up help turn concepts into real results.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Technology in construction is really exciting right now. Tools that let us plan, model, and detect issues before reaching the job site save time and reduce errors. Prefabrication is growing, letting large pieces be built off-site under controlled conditions and installed properly. These trends improve safety, quality, and speed, and I think they’ll continue to dominate how we work in the industry.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I set clear priorities at the start of each day. Knowing the top two or three things that must get done helps me focus and make decisions more efficiently. I also reflect at the end of the day to see what worked and what needs to change. This habit keeps me on track and ensures small issues don’t become bigger problems.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to have patience and embrace the learning process. Early in your career, it’s easy to want quick wins, but consistent effort builds stronger skills and experience. Relationships are also super important. Mentors, colleagues, and clients can provide guidance and opportunities that you can’t get anywhere else. Finally, it’s important to be resilient because not every project or decision will be executed perfectly, and that’s okay.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Honestly, being able to say “no” is one of the most important leadership skills, even though it doesn’t get enough credit. In construction, there’s a huge push to take on absolutely everything. But the truth is, if you overcommit, your work quality will suffer, and your team will burn out. We get much better outcomes when we stick to projects that play to our strengths instead of trying to do too much.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I’m always checking in on how projects are going and tweaking the plan. I think keeping an eye on things regularly helps us spot problems while they’re still small and make sure everyone’s moving in the right direction. I’d tell anyone to do the same thing with their personal or work goals. Doing a quick check-up often keeps your momentum up and prevents tiny hiccups from turning into big disasters.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I pause and try to focus on the tasks that really matter at the moment. Breaking big tasks into smaller pieces makes them feel manageable and helps me start moving again. Sometimes I go for a walk or take a break to clear my mind. Outside of work, if I need to blow off steam, I’ll spend some quality time with my sons and wife. Family is a big part of my life. Every time work gets hard, I remind myself that I’m doing the hard work to support my family so we can have a comfortable life together. That brings me back to focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Staying curious and always asking questions is a big part of how I’ve grown. Seriously, just figuring out why we do things and how the whole process actually works gives me the insights I need to make better calls. Plus, it shows my team and clients that I’m actually invested in finding the best way forward. Over time, that curiosity builds trust, which is huge for strong relationships and opening up new doors in my career.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the extensive planning and coordination needed for a large-scale project, which unfortunately led to delays and heightened stress. I fixed this by restructuring the team, clearly defining our priorities, and implementing more effective progress tracking systems. The experience taught me about the critical importance of meticulous planning, transparent communication, and regular check-ins. Consequently, I now ensure that I allocate significant time for preparation to prevent complications and keep projects running smoothly.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Focus on mastering a core service before expanding your offerings. When your work is reliable and high-quality, clients trust you, and opportunities grow naturally. Once you’ve built credibility in one area, you can branch into related services. Starting small and excelling in a niche typically leads to bigger growth later on.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Construction project management tools like Procore help me keep all project information in one place. It helps teams access drawings, schedules, and updates so everyone is on the same page. I also use it to track tasks, issues, and changes as they happen. This makes planning easier, reduces errors, and keeps work running efficiently. It’s a simple way to make sure the whole team stays organized and coordinated.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently bought a few books and magazines about off-road sports. I’m a huge fan of off-roading, and I’ve been doing it for years. I own an entire collection of Toyota Land Cruisers, and my boys and I go on overlanding trips regularly. I also own a few dirtbikes. Even though I’d considered myself advanced in the sport, I enjoy collecting these books to get new ideas on techniques and find ways to make our trips better. It’s a small investment in my hobby, but it’s completely worth it.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book I’ve gotten a lot of value from is 4WD Driving Skills: A Manual for On and Off Road Travel by Vic Widman. It has a ton of practical tips for handling vehicles in challenging terrain, from basic techniques to advanced maneuvers. I’ve used the lessons in the book on my own off-roading trips, and it’s helped me handle trails safely and confidently. I also share what I learn with my sons on our overlanding trips, which makes our adventures safer and more fun. It’s a book that combines skill-building with real-world application, and I keep going back to it for reference.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched the Expedition Overland series, which follows teams going on long-distance overlanding trips on challenging terrain. I really liked it because it captures the problem-solving, teamwork, and planning that make off-roading so rewarding. Seeing how the teams handle unexpected obstacles and tough trails reminded me of similar challenges I face on my own trips with my boys. It’s inspiring to see people push their boundaries, stay resourceful, and enjoy the experience, which is exactly what I love about overlanding and off-roading.
Key learnings
- Clear planning & communication are essential for project success
- Breaking big goals into smaller steps makes hard things manageable
- Staying curious and asking questions builds trust and opens opportunities
- Learning from mistakes strengthens leadership and improves processes
- Focusing on core strengths and quality creates long-term growth opportunities