Dave Pizzico

Dave is committed to seeing his clients’ building projects through from start to finish, and loves to see them thrilled with the end result. As the senior project manager, Dave’s attention to detail and ability to help clients visualize the end result make him great at what he does. When he’s not busy at work, he enjoys spending time relaxing with his wife and children. Dave has lived in the Philadelphia suburbs all his life, and enjoys sports, volunteering his carpentry skills to friends and family on the weekends, and vacationing down the shore in Ocean City, NJ.

How did you arrive at COCOON, what path brought you here?

After working for another Design Build firm for the last 10 years, I felt the need to grow and learn more about the industry and a friend/ former colleague of mine, Jim Ray, mentioned that COCOON was looking for Project Managers. Over the next few months I met with Chris multiple times and started with COCOON at the start of the New Year.

Who have you worked with in the past? And what have you done for them?

I worked for Thyssen Krupp, an elevator company, through a co-op program while finishing my last year of high school. I would work in the morning and then attended my classes in the afternoon. The day after graduation, I started full time as an Expeditor, applying for permits and copying plans for the Engineers. I then began to draft elevator plans and order parts. After some time, I was promoted to Assistant Field Superintendent, and eventually to Superintendent. My duties involved running projects, field crews, and installers. I would coordinate with general contractors for installation schedules. I was there for a total of five years and it was in this position that I honed my management skills.

When Thyssen Krupp asked me to relocate to Baltimore, I chose to stay in the area and work with my father’s construction company as a Carpenter’s Helper and later as a Carpenter.

Soon after, I ended up at a high-end Design Build firm. In this position, I was able to use all the skills that I learned in my previous positions. I started out working in the design department as a Draftsman. Then I moved to the construction department where I helped with permits and worked as a carpenter. I was then promoted to Superintendent. This involved running projects and assisting our project managers. I was there for a total of ten years. Little did I know that the friendships I built there would lead me to COCOON.

How long have you been doing what you do?

Since I was 18 years old.

What are you known for professionally, what do you have a knack for?

I am known as the guy who can juggle multiple things at once and who works well with others. People tell me that I am very detail-oriented.

What’s the one problem you are best at solving for your clients? What do your ideal clients say about you?
Clients have said that I have been helpful in translating plans into layman’s terms and helping them visualize what the finished product will look like. I’m also very sympathetic to their needs. I try to put myself in their shoes during the project.

What are you most passionate about professionally? What most excites you about your work & the contribution you can make?

I really enjoy seeing a project through from start to finish and love seeing homeowners happy with projects that I have been a part of creating.

What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy? What can’t you stop talking about?

My family and sports. GO BIRDS!

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

At home spending time with my family or at other family members’ homes enjoying diner or cooking out.

Where did you grow up and why aren’t you there now?

I grew up in Conshohocken, PA, and purchased my first home on 11th Ave in the same town when I was 21 years old. When I was 26, my sister set me up on a blind date with one of her coworkers named Randi. We met for drinks, started talking, and 3 years later I was asking a girl who grew up in the country to start a life with me and our Great Dane, Bishop. We looked for a home with more of a backyard and found it in King of Prussia, PA. We were married in September of 2009. On August 25, 2010 we had our first little girl named Brianna and on August 30, 2013 her little sister, Eliana was born. We are pretty comfortable where we are and the oldest is now going into middle school so we are staying in KOP for the time being.

In the end, how do you want to be remembered?

I would want to be remembered as someone who was down to Earth, genuine, and tried his best at whatever he attempted.

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?

I volunteer my carpentry skills on the weekends for friends and family.

Any nonprofits you love, & why?

Conshohocken United Methodist Church and the National MS Society. My wife was diagnosed with MS when we were dating. We have been blessed with clinical trials for different medications over the years. Thank the Lord she has been relatively limited with her symptoms. Finding a cure for MS is something that is near and dear to us.

Any awards or medals, or even medallions? Personal okay, too.

In high school, I was pretty good at sports and received trophies but I take the most pride in my “Perfect Attendance” awards because I believe it is important to have a strong work ethic and commit to whatever I am involved in.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

I would say sports and good food. Although, the Corona virus pandemic was a good test.

What is your favorite Movie?

Sports movies, Good Fellas and The Godfather.

What is your favorite TV Show or Series?

I can’t name just one! Law & Order, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Criminal Minds, and any good crime show.

What is a personal favorite quote?

“Sorry looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up.”

My Dad has it on a plaque in his office and I always liked it because it was short and simple and helps you keep things in perspective.

What is your favorite restaurant?

Olive Garden

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I haven’t really flown anywhere or been out of the country, but I do enjoy going to Ocean City, NJ to my parents’ shore house in the summer to get away.

What is a highlight or memorable story about working with COCOON?

During my first project at COCOON, Wes was a big help with framing. At one point he tried to pry the lid off of an ejector pit with a 2×4 while he was standing on it. Let’s just say, the 2×4 won.