15601 N. 50th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254-1600 Home: (602) 358-8152 | Cell: 602-418-4225
SCHEDULE SPECIFIC
Project Scheduler with experience in industrial, governmental and various commercial construction. Adept in impact/delay analyses, risk analysis and shutdown/turnaround scheduling and reporting.
Software trainer for Primavera, Oracle. Database developer, Business intelligence report write and data miner. Worked in 43 states and around the world.
Qualifications
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Arbitrator/mediator |
General Experience
Project Controls & Scheduling Consultant 1992 – 2023 Independent Consultant Now Vision Consultants, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ (home base)
Primavera Systems, Inc Solution Provider
Oracle University Trainer
Technical Advisor and Trainer for 4-state Primavera Value-Added Reseller
Helped/trained staff (Partial Companies List Below)
Testifying delay analysis expert and American Arbitration Association Arbitrator/Mediator
Worked as advisor and Scheduler on from $100,000 to $300m in 1964 dollars
Construction Arbitrator, Mediator and Testifying Expert Witness (30 years)
Speaker at industry conferences
Industries:
Power, cogeneration, shutdown/turnaround
Nuclear waste mediation, weapons disposal
Wastewater/water, oil & gas
Industrial, cement, coal, minerals processing steel, aluminum, refractories
Commercial, casinos, hotels, office bldgs.
Airports
Transportation, dams, prisons Semiconductor fabs
Specific Scheduling Experience
Brought to Arizona by construction consulting firm for Construction Claims Analysis and scheduling experience
Engineering designer and senior Project Manager for large multi-disciplined industrial & process engineering firm, bought-out by Bechtel
Senior project manager for a large international process plant and process systems supplier out of New York
Manager of a project management and administration department for the Dallas office of a process equipment manufacturer with worldwide offices
Senior project manager and vice president of an industrial and heavy highway ENR 300 general contractor and License Holder
Senior PM/VP of a construction consulting firm major claims and delay analysis.
Authored white papers at Primavera Conferences now on various web venues such as PlanningPlanet.com
Taught scheduling classes for USACE and scheduling/P6 worldwide for British Petroleum
Started Vision Consultants, LLC
Client List:
US Army Corps of Engineers Westinghouse's WIPP Site Intel Corporation Falcone Brothers Construction (current) Granite Construction Jaynes Corporation Greiner, Inc. Joe E. Woods and SWC Talley Defense Systems Catholic Healthcare West John Corallo Engineers Sundt Corporation PCL Civil Contractors Ratheon Services Nevada Johnson Controls Los Alamos National Labs Sandia National Labs | Cameron Construction Bradbury Stamm Construction Wisconsin Electric Power Company Milwaukee Metro Sewer District Maricopa Department of Transportation, KJM & Associates, PM tec, Inc., Penta Engineers, Phoenix Process Engineering, Western Data Systems, High-Point Schaer (now Pinnacle One), Abacus Project Management, Francis Contractors (FCI), COMTE Project Management, M. Greenberg Construction, Kiewit Kitchell Corporation / CEM |
White Sands Missile Test Site Ames Construction
Motorola FMC Jetway Systems | Schuff Steel |
Computer Software Knowledge:
Primavera P6 (through current release) Microsoft Project
Risk Analysis Software Asta Powerproject Phoenix Project Manager Deltek Acumen Fuse Oracle BI
MS Office+ Visio + Access (through 2016) Corel WordPerfect
Change Inspector Steelray software/utilities ScheduleReader
Mind Mapping Software (Cause-and-Effect Analysis & Root Cause) Adobe Cloud Suite
Dragon Naturally Speak 14 FileMaker (through version 18) dBase (2019)
SQL
JavaScript Office Timeline
Techsmith Snagit and Camtasia Smartdraw
Various Database BI Report Writers Edraw
Over 50 Years as a Professional Engineer, General Contractor (Sr. PM, VP), Industrial Designer, Management/Expert Witness, Primavera Project Controls Consultant, Implementation Lead, Manager and Director, Primavera Certified Instructor.
CONSULTANT
Implement Primavera Software Systems within Companies, Agencies, & Enterprises.
CPM Scheduling Expert, Instructor, Mentor, Schedule Creator/Reviewer
Primavera Solution Provider & Certified Instructor (Primavera Instructor)
Preparation of Manuals, procedures, specifications, & technical graphics
Construction Claims Expert Witness and Impact/Delay Analysis Expert
Construction Industry Arbitrator - American Arbitration Association (29 years)
Database expert (FileMaker, Access, SQL) and report designer (Crystal & InfoMaker)
INDUSTRIES/PROJECT TYPES
Processing Plants (Minerals Industry - Continuous/batch processing - Materials Handling)
Oil & Gas
Waste Water/Water Plants
Coal - ROM & Washing - Coal Firing
Electric Power - Coal, gas, oil fired & cogeneration
Heavy Commercial & Light Commercial
Jails/Prisons
Resorts & Casinos
Airports & peripheral facilities
Heavy & Highway - Roads & Structures
Locks & Dams
CHRONOLOGY
Consultant — Professional Services 1992 — Present
Primavera Consultant, Implementer & Instructor (Worldwide)
Served as Primavera Dealer Primavera Instructor/Consultant
Worked with over 150 Companies/Agencies providing contractual services
Engineering & Construction Consultant/Expert Witness
Consultant/Sr. PM
CPM Scheduling/Delay Analysis Expert (US-Wide)
Expert Witness (largest Claim in excess of $32M)
Developed Several Analysis Database Systems for CPM Process Plant Layout and Design (Mechanical, Structural, Process Flow)
Engineering Group Management and Drawing Release
Follow jobs to the field as Eng. Rep.
CPM scheduling using Mainframe & PC Computer
Managed small and large Processing Plant Projects
Interfaced with other Engineering Companies
Drafted Technical Specifications
Head of Scheduling and Controls (Primavera)
Internal Claims Expert & Arbitrator
Managed 3 Wastewater/Power Plant Projects and Heavy Highway
Project Closer
Managed 11 PMs and 2 PAs overseeing all company projects
Redesigned their Project Procedures Manual and Trained
Managed the Company's Mini Computer and terminals
Helped integrate US Practices into a European Business Culture
Developed Process Equipment/Plant Proposals
Coordinated Plant Requirements with their other offices
Introduced Scheduling and Project Controls into US Office
Worked on various projects and new technology worldwide
Trained other Draftsmen and Engineers in various subjects
PROJECT TYPES
Hotels, Medical Facilities, Casinos
Chip manufacturing
Industrial, Process, Manufacturing
Rail, Airports, River Terminals and Ocean Ports
Jails
Heavy & Highway
Power & Oil/Gas
Etc.
EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL
AZ Civil
Structural & Mechanical Degrees – Washington University
PMI Member (20+ years)
Member of Oracle University - Primavera Certified
Hydraulics Systems Design
Piping Design
PROJECT EXPERIENCE AS EMPLOYEE
Project Owner | Year | Description | My Job Title |
Permanente | 1979 | Longhorn Preheater Expansion | Sr. PM |
General Portland | 1979 | Lebec Preheater Expansion | Sr. PM |
Cementos Tolteca | 1977 | Turnkey Cement Plant | Sr. PM - PC |
Lone Star Industries | 1977 | Plant Expansion | Sr. PM |
Camargo Correa | 1976 | Brazilian Cement Industry Project | Engineering Manager |
General Portland | 1976 | New Plant in Texas | Sr. PM - PC |
River Cement | 1976 | Emissions Reduction Project - EPA | Sr. PM |
Gresik Cement | 1975 | Indonesia – Major Plant Expansion | Sr. PM – PC |
Martin Marietta | 1975 | Plant Improvements | PM – Eng. Mgr. |
Martin Marietta | 1975 | Roberta, AL - EPA and Major Exp | PM – PC |
Hawaiian Cement | 1974 | Basalt Handling Project | PM – Eng. Mgr. |
Lake Ontario Cement | 1974 | Major Plant Study | PM – Analyst |
Martin Marietta | 1973 | Major Plant Expansion | PM |
River Cement | 1972 | Coal mill & Kiln Firing System Project | PM – Eng. Mrg. |
Peabody Coal | 1971 | R.O.M. new Facility | Engineering Manager |
Hawaiian Cement | 1970 | New Processing Line | Eng. Mgr. – PC |
Martin Marietta | 1970 | New Raw Milling System | Eng. Mgr. – PC |
Martin Marietta | 1968 | New (Last) Wet Process Plant - Maine | Eng. Mgr. – PC |
Pacific Cement & Aggregates | 1968 | 30 mile overland conveyor & Ship Loading | Eng. Mgr. – PC |
Martin Marietta | 1967 | Plant Mods. & Improvements | Field Eng. – PC |
General Portland | 1966 | Major Plant Study of Trinity Division - Texas | PM – Analyst |
Utah Portland | 1965 | Complete New Raw processing & Feed System | Eng. |
Douglas Seegmiller, Poole, Tinnin & Martin, Attorney
“Lawyers have several common complaints about experts: (1) that they are not prompt, (2) that they do not anticipate how their opinions might be attacked by other parties, and (3) that they fail to appreciate the need to explain their opinions in simple, understandable terms. None of these complaints apply to Gordon.”
“In addition to his technical skills, Gordon recognizes that the role of an expert in litigation is to communicate his ideas in a simple, effective manner.”
Edward F. Mitchell, Attorney
“During the course of my association with Mr. Aronson, I observed his unusual range of skills, both administrative and technical. He has an acute sense of what important steps
may be taken at the moment to prevent difficulty downstream. He has, during my association with him, demonstrated excellent skills in identifying future risks and documenting current related problems. His record-keeping is impeccable…”
“He is one of the only persons I know who have the breath of knowledge and common sense to apply his engineering expertise to legal and accounting problems with consistent, competent, and exceptionally gratifying results.”
Christine K. Barrett, Las Vegas Valley Water District
“His extraordinary knowledge of Primavera Products and their features, combined with his breath of experience in the engineering field, have made our business meetings move quickly through the matters at hand. In our brainstorming sessions, he usually identifies issues I have overlooked and offers more than one option for addressing a system requirement. During this time he has oriented himself to the various interests and needs of the different departments within the district.”
Walter Laidlaw, President, Claudius Peters, Inc.
“During his employment Mr. Aronson’s administrative abilities, valued input, and intimate knowledge of contract management made him an extremely valuable employee.”
Charles P. Guess, P.E., High-Point Schaer
“Gordon exhibited enormous knowledge about the Construction Industry as we analyzed the various construction claims. He was always very generous with sharing this knowledge as key questions would arise on the projects.”
Laurence Hampton, P.E., High-Point Schaer
“Mr. Aronson’s experience in engineering, both in the field and the office, provides him valuable insight into the claims consulting services. He has a tremendous ability to see both the big picture and the details which relate to complex issues of dispute. His ability to deal with schedule related matters is most noteworthy. His skills regarding computer analysis and programming are equally important.”
David H. Gartshore, Jordan, Keeler & Seligman, Attorney
“Gordon was a specialist in CPM scheduling and delay impact analysis as well as the primary expert for evaluating cases, … In working together Gordon demonstrated a truly remarkable talent for getting to the heart of some very complex and difficult construction issues and, as a result of his analyses, making a very valuable contribution towards a plan to resolve these claims. … Gordon is a highly motivated, very competent construction claims consultant.”
Thomas N. Frisby, Frisby & Assoc., Attorney
“Gordon is technically superior, especially in the mechanical trades. His penchant for detail is exceptional. He is the quintessential engineering manager, and he is obviously very conscientious. He works hard – very hard.”
As A Claims Consultant
Sacramento County Jail, Sacramento, CA (approximately 1-year) - $19.9 Million
Claim filed by the Contractor, Bechtel Corporation, for direct and delay damages on $75.7 million multi-story County Jail facility in the center of downtown Sacramento. Retained by the architectural firm of Helmuth, Obata and Kassebaum (HOK), through CNA their Errors and Omissions Insurance carrier. My position was Senior Consultant. I directed all of the delay analysis, loss of productivity analysis and review of all the impacts and specific issues. There were over 3000 issues from RFIs and other documents to deal review and analyze. As as-built schedule was reconstructed from contemporaneous documentation and a But-For style analysis was made. All issues were read, considered, quantified and applied if deemed pertinent. Deposition,
settled.
Seattle Convention Center, Seattle Washington (approximately 14 months) - $27.8 Million Claim filed by the Contractor, Paschen Contractors, Inc., for direct and delay damages recovery on a $100 Million convention center project in downtown Seattle. Retained by the Owner and Architect. Was brought in from Phoenix to conduct the delay analysis as Senior Consultant. The claim consisted of over 6500 issues via RFIs and other forms of notification. All issues were reviewed and retained in the analysis if deemed pertinent and substantial. Deposition, settled.
Cabrillo Beach Marina, Port of Los Angeles (approximately 11 months) - $3.7 Million
Claim filed by Crowley Constructors, Inc, for work performed as the water-side contractor on a new $22 million boat harbor project. I conducted all fact-finding investigation, constructed an as-built schedule and performed a delay analysis, as well as a cost analysis and testified on the basis of our analyses. Retained by Crawley Maritime, Inc. Position was Senior Consultant.
Depositions, attended opposing depositions, settled by order of court. Total litigation had lasted over 5-years and cost over original contract amounts. I was brought-in late to try to help bring to conclusion.
Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff, AZ (approximately 4-5 months) - $4 million
Claim levied by the Contractor, Sletten Construction, on the delays experienced during construction of a new high school. The client was Project Control, on behalf of the Flagstaff School District. Claim mostly dismissed, with small payment. Position Project Manager.
Harvey’s Resort Hotel and Casino, Lake Tahoe, NV (approximately 8-months) - $6 million Assisted the Contractor, Q & D Construction, research and develop its claim for the work they did on the interior construction/renovation of the hotel’s casinos and restaurants. The claim was against the Contractor’s architect in a Design-Build Contract for failure to perform and provide an efficient design. Their work product, far beyond the bid scope, caused delays and extra costs to the Contractor, Q & D. Case settled just prior to arbitration hearing. Position was Project Manager. Deposition, settled.
Phoenix International Raceways, Phoenix, AZ (approximately 7-months) - $750K
We were retained by the steel supplier/erector to develop a claim for delay and extra material cost damages. The steel erector, our client, withheld facts that surfaced under oath in depositions. The case settled, mostly in favor of the owner, due to lies told by our client. It shows that you must be totally open and truthful with your attorney and consultant. Settled.
Pima County Prison, Tucson, AZ (approximately 4-months) - $600K
We were retained by the mechanical contractor to assert a delay and disruption claim. Case settled just prior to trial. Position was Project Manager. Deposition, settled.
Light Rail Project in Los Angeles, Ongoing Assignment over 1-1/2 years
I was part of the presenting team that won over other major claims firms, such as O’Brien Kretzberg, giving this work assignment to High Point Schaer and allowing the opening of an LA office. I worked out of this office of approximately 1-1/2 years while developing analyses and rebuttals to contractor claims on two subway stations in downtown LA.
As Vision Consultants
Highschool, Joseph City, AZ
The City, through the high school hired Vision to review what they believed to be “shotty” work and incomplete or incorrect work performed by the general contractor, who refused to fix and/or complete the work. We evaluated the work and created detail reports
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that were then used to negotiate (mediate) with the contractor and finally reach a settlement. Estimated value was
$1.5 million. Settled.
Major New Toll Road, Orange County, CA through URS Consultants.
Provided delay analysis services to URS Engineers who were the Oversight group to Orange County on the $870 million plus project to build 17-miles of new Toll Highway. The specific claim I was involved with was the Contractors, a large consortium, claim for delay damages due to an injunction involving a section of the project due to environmental reasons. This was an analysis of the merits of the Contractor’s claim and an evaluation of concurrent delays that might have offset all or part of the Contractor’s delay claim. It also involved the theory of the Contractor’s Right to Early Completion. The Claim was finally settled. I worked on this claim off-and-on for about 13 months.
City of Phoenix Multiple-site Cross-Generation Recreational Facilities
I assisted Forcon Engineers to make a survey and assessment of the asserted deficiencies in the constructed project by Forcon’s client, the general Contractor. I produced a book that evaluated and if possible rebutted the deficiencies asserted by the City of Phoenix. This book was used to negotiate away most of the claims, except for a few which were the contractor’s fault. The plans used for construction were to a great part deficient and ambiguous. Settled.
I am currently preparing a claim for Yearout Mechanical in Albuquerque, NM Department of the Navy – Trident Motor Storage Facility – Camp Navajo, Bellmont, AZ
Lamb Engineering & Construction Co., out of Salt Lake City, UT sued the navy for both Delay issues and direct costs. I was hire by the Arizona USPFO to Analyze and defend the Navy against the Delay portion of the Lawsuit. The delay costs were the major
part of Lamb’s claim. Shortly after my analysis and report was delivered to Lamb’s attorney (provided by the bonding company), Lamb’s delay case in its entirety was dropped. This saved the navy further defense costs and exposure to Lamb’s claim cost.
For My Employer
City of Santa Fe, NM, Waste Water Treatment Plant
Developed a claim headed for Federal Court based on improper fabrication of major process concrete and epoxy-lined piping, that caused major delays and disruption to the construction of this plant. It also involved improper specifications and review of shop drawings. I acted as both a percipient and expert witness. Supplier went into bankruptcy during litigation. Finally settled for about $2 million plus removal of previously charged liquidated damages. I was Project Manager, having taken over for prior PM who was removed. The collection and analysis of evidence became part of a highly technical and forensic investigation.
City of Durango, CO, Waste Water Treatment Plant
I assisted the PM and others to develop a large delay and direct cost claim against the City of Durango. It was settled in our favor. Amount unknown.
As An Independent
Fossil Fuel Power Plant, Mechanical Piping, Grants, NM
I was hired by the supplier and installer of basalt-lined pipe through their attorney in Albuquerque to act as an expert witness to the fact that they supplied and performed the job within industry standards and did not participate in the delays of the project. I did the analysis, was deposed and testified in Federal Court. Decision was almost a 50-50 split decision by the Judge.
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