14. The Right-Of-Way Rodeo with April Seleska

This episode of Too Big to Fail features a detailed and inspiring conversation with host Angel Tavera and guest Senior Project Manager April Seleska, providing a raw look at her climb to leadership, the challenges of high-profile utility projects, and the dedication required to succeed as a woman in construction. April's journey is far from typical. It begins in the competitive world of Texas rodeo, where she was an active barrel racer until 2013, a background that forged her relentless work ethic.

Her professional career saw her make significant pivots: from early jobs managing a barn and working in a cleaners, she transitioned into a plumbing business, then spent a decade in IT at AutoNation. When she returned to construction, she dove into utility work with a "baptism by fire" mentality, learning the complexities of the industry by sheer will and determination. Her ascent to Senior Project Manager at Moss Utilities is a testament to her capabilities. April details the extraordinary responsibility that comes with the role, which previously included not just project management but also overseeing billings, accounts receivable, collections, and even coordinating company events.

She emphasizes that her success is built on humility—never being afraid to ask questions—and mutual respect, which is the foundation of her strong relationships with field superintendents like Julio and Jose. A key focus is the management of high-profile data center projects, which she is frequently trusted with. April explains the massive impact of these jobs, noting the unprecedented safety requirements and the operational challenges of handling plans that are "ever-changing." She stresses the need for constant, meticulous engagement, detailing her process of marking up plans daily based on field reports to avoid costly mistakes like installing the wrong-sized pipe.

Ultimately, April's story is one of fierce dedication, setting an incredible example, and finding the necessary work-life balance after years of intense commitment.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Former Moss County Horseman
• (00:00:29) - A message for women in construction
• (00:01:23) - Workaholics: China Spring and More
• (00:03:11) - Tyler Wade on His Hobby
• (00:05:15) - Moss Community Clay Shooting
• (00:07:48) - Work Experience in Construction
• (00:12:12) - Moss Utilities: A Different Culture
• (00:15:24) - A message about the field
• (00:17:15) - Jose Rodriguez on Julio's
• (00:19:28) - Data Centers: Safety Standards
• (00:22:36) - Know Where the Pipe Is at on a Job
• (00:24:26) - Pushing the Data Center Through Rogers O'Brien
• (00:25:55) - Meet the Women in Construction