Life on the Road: A Project Manager’s Journey with Hunt Electric

EAGAN, MN – NOVEMBER 2025 –

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a traveling project manager in the construction industry? On the latest episode of Hunt Electric’s Beyond the Breaker podcast, longtime project manager Alex Xu shares what life on the road looks like – from hauling a 26-foot trailer to building lasting relationships across the country.

Alex has been with Hunt Electric for 13 years, spending most of that time on long-term industrial projects, primarily in automotive facilities. He recalls starting with a beat-up Mazda SUV and gradually upgrading to a fully outfitted trailer with a mattress, couches, a TV, and all the comforts of home. “The key part of traveling is making it feel like home,” Alex says. “When I go home, there’s a warm meal waiting for me.”

Life on the road isn’t just about comfort – it’s about relationships and teamwork. Alex emphasizes that bonds formed with co-workers, local labor partners, and clients are critical to project success. “When we’re on the road together for a couple of years, that bond becomes more than just co-workers,” he says. “It’s about mutual respect and trust.”

Over the years, the support system for traveling project managers has evolved dramatically. From being largely on their own, today’s teams benefit from dedicated groups in purchasing, engineering, and virtual design and construction (VDC). “Knowing there’s a whole team at headquarters backing us up is a huge benefit,” Alex notes. “We’re not lone wolves anymore – we collaborate and plan with a full support network.”

Alex also shares insights for others considering a traveling project manager role. The lifestyle requires flexibility, patience, and strong teamwork. He encourages newcomers to embrace the human side of the job, building trust with both co-workers and clients while maintaining mutual respect.

Traveling for work also comes with unique challenges, especially during holiday shutdowns in the automotive industry. But for Alex, the rewards outweigh the struggles. He and his wife, who also works at Hunt Electric as a project designer, travel together, making their work-life experience a shared journey.

“The support from our team is the bread and butter of successful projects,” Alex says. “People want you to succeed – they’ve got your back. That culture of putting people first makes all the difference.”

From the long hours to the miles traveled, Alex’s story highlights not just the technical expertise required for industrial projects but also the human connections that make the job meaningful. It’s a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of construction, relationships, teamwork, and a sense of home can go a long way.

Interested in exploring a career as a Traveling Project Manager for Hunt Electric?  Check out our open positions!