James Fretz

Student
Construction Management

James has a knack for networking and a passion for preserving historical structures. This powerful combination, paired with his applied technology education, is opening doors to valuable experiences including a rewarding summer internship, a mission-focused global experience, and a restoration project on the oldest state capitol in the nation.

TAKING THE LEAD: Q&A with James

HOW DOES CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT INSPIRE YOU?

Construction management and the overall construction industry is inspiring due to the leadership and organizational coordination needed to complete projects. There are many teams and leaders in construction, but what is most inspiring is watching folks come together to work as a team and new leaders emerge. As generations and technologies change, using traditional methods and employing technological advancements is interesting. This inspires me to be a life-long learner and leader in the workplace.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS?

Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers. This class often covers content that allows us to better understand the building systems around us. Once you learn the technologies and features of buildings, it becomes something that is hard to not notice and something that we can appreciate.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PROFESSOR.

Bradley Martin. His ability to connect with students, sharing lessons learned from owning a construction firm and various life lessons allows him to relay useful information to every student under his instruction.

DESCRIBE THE BEST TEAM YOU HAVE BEEN A PART OF AND WHAT MADE IT SO SUCCESSFUL?

I am proud of being a part of the 2023 GLB 299 class. We went to the Dominican Republic. Everyone was there to work and get the job done to build a house for a family. Before we traveled there, we raised money to purchase water filters to distribute, too. In a nation where 3,500 people a week seek emergency treatment for bacterial infection, I knew we were making a sustainable difference. We all had a clear view of the goal, and all the team members were looking to achieve it.

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF A PENN COLLEGE EDUCATION. HOW HAVE YOU WITNESSED THIS?

When I came to Penn College for an open house and listened to a student talk about the Construction Management major, I knew it was a rock-solid program with graduates that truly excelled in the workforce. Between my freshman and sophomore year, I worked directly with that student who I had met at that open house and had since graduated but is now a valued asset as an assistant project manager at the company I interned with. It was a full-circle connection!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ALL WHO HAVE INVESTED IN YOUR PENN COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?

Thank you for all you have done to make Penn College a modern learning environment that allows us students to continue the legacy of a hands-on technical education, equips us to be leaders in industry, and makes us marketable to more employers than we can ever imagine.

Guaranteed Momentum:

"My dream job is to work for a contractor or government department focusing on maintaining and preserving historical and culturally important structures and sites. Through the support of my instructors, Career Services staff members, and other faculty, I feel supported to pursue my interests and have been given the proper guidance to successfully network and build connections to get me to where I want to be."

James Fretz

In the Media: Building PA Podcast

Check out the Building PA Podcast with PCT Construction Management student James Fretz.

Building PA Podcast

Penn College News:

Construction management team earns success at national event

March 21, 2025

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Construction Management Association was a top finisher in the Associated Builders and Contractors annual Construction…

Industry partners honor construction management students

April 23, 2024

Penn College’s Construction Management Advisory Committee met this month, and as part of their business selected recipients for several Construction Management…

Students’ hearts, eyes opened through Dominican mission trip

October 24, 2023

A few had never flown or been outside of the United States. For some, not even beyond Pennsylvania or any farther south than Virginia. And if any of their good…

Foundation Dinner & Auction raises over $140K for scholarships

October 17, 2023

The 14th Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation Dinner & Auction raised a total of $141,000 for student scholarships at the college. Held at Penn…