He Works for Someone Else But Thinks Like an Owner | Nicholas Verzicco

Not every great career story starts with owning the company. In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur, Pat Miller switches things up to spotlight the other side of the journey building a name for yourself while working for someone else. Her guest is Nicholas Verzicco, who runs the construction management staffing division for New Jersey at Actalent (formerly Aerotech), placing hundreds of professionals with general contractors, subcontractors, and AEC firms. A five-time President's Club winner, Nicholas shares how a chance conversation with a former college classmate led him into an industry he never studied for recruiting and how he's built a thriving career in construction staffing just seven years out of college.

Nicholas opens up about his path from Monmouth University, where he studied finance through the Educational Opportunity Fund program, to landing his first staffing role through a simple breakfast conversation and a willingness to take a chance on something unfamiliar. He and Pat dig into networking, mentorship, and what it really takes for young professionals to stand out in a competitive industry like construction.

What You'll Learn Why networking and relationships can completely redirect your career path

How AI is being used (and not used) in construction staffing and estimating and why human trust still matters

Why "blue collar" skills remain valuable and future-proof, even in an AI-driven world

The importance of mentorship for the next generation entering the workforce

Why energy, effort, and enthusiasm can set you apart in any role

How giving back  through mentorship programs and organizations like Professional Women in Construction (PWC) helps open doors for the next generation

Why staying true to yourself and tuning out critics is essential to long-term success

About Nicholas Verzicco Nicholas Verzicco runs the construction management staffing division for New Jersey at Actalent, where he places professionals including project managers, superintendents, assistant project managers, and estimators with general contractors, subcontractors, and AEC firms. He has placed hundreds of people in the industry and has won the President's Club for five consecutive years. Nicholas is originally from Mays Landing, New Jersey, and attended Monmouth University through the Educational Opportunity Fund program, earning a degree in finance while serving as president of his Student Government Association, senior class president, and p