David Florence: Lessons Learned and Continued Motivation

We had the chance to sit down with David Florence, Gray’s vice president of Pre-Construction Systems & Services, to talk about lessons learned, advice to pass along, and what keeps him motivated.

How do you feel about failure and challenges?

“Challenges motivate me to show up every day and figure it out. Failures, while painful and taken personally, mature me and focus me.”

What are your methods for handling adversity?

“Adversity is like a marathon—the first miles are easy, the middle miles are hard and lonely, and the late miles are all mental. You have to focus on one step at a time; just focus on the next step.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

“Humility and humor. I have to be humble to learn, and I have to have humor to keep it all in balance.”

If you could provide a young professional one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Work hard. Be focused. Be willing. Be patient.”

What guidance would you offer your younger self?

“Take more risk.”

What skills/qualities are necessary for success?

“A desire to learn. A self-reliance. An eager and inquisitive mind. Creativity. Intuition.”

Who has played a strong influence in your life and why?

“My father. My faith. My wife.”

In a word or two, what motivates you?

“The unknown.”

For more information about the Pre-Construction team and the services they provided, please visit https://www.gray.com/services/construction/pre-construction/.

If you would like insight into life at Gray and opportunities to join the team, please visit https://www.gray.com/careers/.