If success is to be measured not so much by the position one holds in life but by the obstacles which he has overcome, Curtis Tiritas is the face of success.

As a 27-year veteran with PCL and Nordic PCL Construction, Curtis is a project manager that has always looked at the opportunities in the tragedies he has faced. At the age of 16, Curtis’s father passed away from cancer, leaving his younger brother and him to be raised by a single mom. While construction was not a career familiar to his family, a neighbor who worked for PCL introduced him to the industry. As a laborer and later PCL intern, Curtis had the opportunity to learn from the best. Wayne Melnyk, Ernie Benson, Al Troppmann, and Dale Kane were some of the PCL legends that influenced him to see construction was his path forward. Curtis shares that he knew PCL Construction was the home he was seeking when, “upon graduation (from Montana State University), I received an offer letter signed by every person in the Denver District.”  It is these moments that make our company both unique and endear Curtis to sharing his passion for the work.

After nine years with the PCL Denver office, Curtis heard of opportunities in Hawaii. Engaged to his girlfriend at the time, he carefully contemplated the 3,300-mile relocation. Four kids later and a successful 18-year marriage in Hawaii, Curtis has been an integral part of our growing district. With over 40+ projects under his belt including the Four Seasons Ko Olina, Kona Village, and numerous healthcare jobs with Special Projects, he consistently brings a positive energy and outlook to every job. His drive stems from sharing his expertise with all NPCL team members as he supports Claire Thompson in managing the departments’ current workload and pursuit of new work. His ability to always find the silver lining speaks volumes to his character and perseverance. In fact, it is this inner strength that helped guide him and his family to rebuild their Oahu home when it was burned by renters. At the time, Curtis had moved his family to the Big Island as he successfully completed Kona Village.

Today, with a newly rebuilt home and the recent birth of his fourth child, Curtis finds joy both at home and in the office. He is proof positive that even in the midst of adversity, lies opportunity — it’s simply a matter of value and mindset.