Spotlighting Our XLers in the Field: Brian Arseneaau

At XL Construction, we take pride in celebrating the incredible people who help shape our projects, our teams, and our industry. Our XLers In the Field series is a dedicated team member spotlight, offering unique insights into our projects and the people who help make them possible.

In this installment, we’re talking with Brian Arseneau, Project Manager at Washington Unified School District’s Elkhorn Village in Sacramento, Calif.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction? What do you enjoy most about it?

“I first learned about the construction industry in high school. I took an Introduction to Construction class where we learned about building materials and general construction methods. Half the class time was spent in the classroom while the other half was spent on campus examining real world conditions. The class piqued my interest in problem-solving and critical thinking and led me to major in Construction Management at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). It was something that I really enjoyed, and I liked the idea of seeing something that you’ve worked on being built in the real world. It piqued my interest way back then and is something I still love about what I do now.”

How did you land in Project Management at XL?

“As part of my coursework at Cal Poly, I completed a community service construction project. Working alongside my classmates, we installed a brand-new low-maintenance landscape at a residence for an individual with special needs. During the 10-week semester, we used class time to develop the construction schedule, set the budget, and order materials. XL Construction sponsored the project, covering the cost of materials and tool rentals. 

The experience gave me an early look at the full lifecycle of a construction project, from preconstruction planning and budgeting to execution in the field. It was a cool insight into what I’m doing now, on a much smaller scale. 

Thanks to XL’s sponsorship, I learned a little about XL’s work and culture, and I definitely thought “oh yeah, I want to pursue that.” After being introduced to a Project Executive by a family friend who worked at XL, I went through the interview process and joined the team. It’s all worked out so far. As far as project management goes, I like being able to plan and solve problems, working with a team and, you know, helping people grow.”

Which project are you currently working on? Tell us about it. 

“I am currently wrapping up the Elkhorn Village Modernization Project for Washington Unified School District, in West Sacramento. XL has been on site since July 2025. In addition to new site work, full modernization of all buildings and partial structural upgrades, we partnered with TimberQuest (TQ) to install seven prefabricated mass timber buildings. We’re actually delivering the project about a month and a half early, so it’ll be ready for students on their first day of school in August 2026. We’re excited to host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in early August.” 

You’ve been with XL for a decade. How have you seen the construction industry change since the early 2010s?

“I think the biggest change I’ve seen is the evolution of technology and its everyday uses. When I first started, we didn’t have drone flights for timelapses or 3D scanning. In the past couple of years, we’ve started to use fun tools like Matterport scans – they’re used to track existing conditions, pull site dimensions and locate items or MEP that may have been covered by walls during construction! 

In Sacramento, particularly in the education space, I’ve seen a noticeable shift in the level of competition. There used to be a fairly consistent group of contractors going after the same projects, but over time that group has grown. Now, you’re seeing larger contractors enter pursuits they historically may not have considered. It’s been interesting to see that evolution and how competitive it has become.”

What’s your favorite XL Core Competency and why?

“My favorite Core Competency is People Builder. I’m an Enneagram 7, so I really enjoy working with teams and helping people grow. As a Project Manager, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is mentoring engineers and assistant project managers as they gain experience and build confidence. It’s fun to watch people develop, whether it’s on our project or later in their careers. We have a great group here in Sacramento, and being able to support the next generation coming up in the industry is something I really enjoy.”

What do you most enjoy about working in the Sacramento Office?

“We have a great office culture! We have a tight-knit group that’s been consistently working in Sacramento for the better part of seven or eight years. We all integrate well together, and I’ve worked with just about everybody, which really helps when there’s a specific job. I know that regardless of the superintendent I get to work with, we’re going to knock it out of the park. We enjoy coming to work. The instances there are a lot of people in the office, it’s kind of almost like a family reunion. We’re just excited to see each other, to catch up, and it’s a lot of fun.”

How do you like to spend your time outside the office? What might people be surprised to find out about you?

“Outside of work, I spend the majority of my time with family. I have three kids and a wife, so it takes up a lot of my time. But I’m a very avid soccer fan, and a huge Arsenal supporter. I’m very excited about the FIFA World Cup happening right now and following the matches is taking up a lot of my time. I also like to go golfing. 

A surprising fact that people might not know is that I recently got my 19th and 20th tattoos!”

Stay tuned for the next installment of the XLers In the Field series!