People Powering Innovation: Where Preparation Meets Performance

At Weitz, innovation starts with people. Individuals who find smarter ways to solve challenges, improve collaboration, and elevate project performance every day. 

For Mark Zessin, Project Executive on the Sky Harbor Terminal 4 Baggage Handling System project, innovation is not just about technology. It is about creating processes that help teams work safer, smarter, and more efficiently in an active operational environment. The project is a strong example of how Weitz continues Building a Better Way by carefully coordinating construction activities while maintaining ongoing airport operations. 

Planning with Precision

Working closely with project teams and trade partners, Mark developed what he calls a “step plan,” an hour-by-hour breakdown of each evening’s work activities designed to create alignment before crews ever step onto the jobsite. By clearly defining tasks, sequencing work, and coordinating responsibilities in advance, the team can execute with greater precision and confidence. 

Looking beyond daily operations, Mark and his team plan work as far as six weeks ahead. Each phase provides project teams, trade partners, and the customer with full visibility into upcoming activities. This proactive approach reduces uncertainty and keeps the project moving safely and efficiently. 

“When everyone knows the plan down to the hour, the jobsite runs safer, smoother, and more predictably.” 

What makes the process especially effective is its flexibility. Every schedule includes contingency plans and built-in redundancy, allowing the team to quickly adapt when conditions change. By anticipating challenges before they happen, Mark and his team maintain momentum while keeping safety and productivity at the forefront. 

Driving Results Through Innovation

Impact has been felt across the project. Customers value the transparency and consistency, field teams benefit from clearer direction and reduced guesswork, and trade partners operate with stronger alignment and confidence. Through this orchestrated approach to time management, the team is also realizing Quantum Lean results by significantly reducing wasted time throughout project execution. The process has contributed to a 30-50% reduction in task time, helping teams complete work more efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality and coordination. 

Mark’s leadership reflects a broader mindset at Weitz. Innovation is not only about new tools or technologies, it is about empowering people to rethink how work gets done. This approach also reflects Weitz’s commitment to Performance with Absolute Reliability, ensuring that innovation directly supports the experience of customers, partners, and project teams alike. Through detailed planning, collaboration, and continuous improvement, teams are setting a higher standard for performance on one of the company’s most complex aviation projects.