Meet Tam Samaras, Project Manager

Aug 05, 2016 | by Lisa Schaefer

We’re lucky to have Tam Samaras on our team! Tam recently joined us as a Project Manager, having started with our company in 2001 as an entry-level estimator. He returns to us with 16 years of experience in the painting industry and brings immense knowledge in construction and management. He holds an AA degree in Construction Management and has worked as a senior project manager, general manager, and division manager for other commercial painting companies and construction outfits in the Pacific Northwest.

But there’s much more to Tam than his great work ethic and career experience. He’s a family man who loves his community. “I enjoy spending time with my family and friends,” says Tam. “My kids are 16, 13, 7, and 3 years old and keep me and my wife of 17 years very busy with all of their interests and activities!”

The father of four combines family with serving his community. “I can usually be found on a soccer field or basketball court coaching one of my kids’ teams. What I enjoy most about coaching children is their willingness to learn and work hard. It’s amazing to watch the progress they make week to week and from season to season.”

Tam takes a similar stance on the painting industry. “The thing I enjoy most about the painting industry is watching an unfinished building turn into a finished product. It’s pretty amazing to watch a project go from steel, concrete, and drywall to a completely finished building.”

We find Tam’s leadership ability one of his strongest qualities. When not coaching games or managing projects, Tam serves as the VP of Operations on the Mukilteo Youth Soccer Club’s board of directors. “I had been coaching for the Mukilteo Soccer club for years and, while satisfied with what the club provided, I saw room for improvement. I’ve found that the main way to create change is to jump in and become involved. It’s been about four or five years since I joined the board, and we’ve made some amazing changes and progress as a club.”

Change and challenges definitely don’t scare Tam. When it comes to favorite projects, Tam says the bigger the better! He shows patience and perseverance during the most challenging moments. “One of my favorite projects I managed was Bellevue Towers, a pair of residential towers that included 651 units over a large commons area and amenity podium with three levels of parking below grade. The buildings are still the tallest in Bellevue at 43 stories each. The schedule, owner, and contractor expectations for a project at this magnitude made it unique and challenging, which I enjoyed.”

Thank you for all of your hard work, Tam! We appreciate everything you do for the Long Painting team.