Career Archives - 51�Թ�

51�Թ� Advances STEM at NSBE 2026 Annual Convention

Javier Contreras Salinas — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:44:45 +0000

Advancing STEM Through Opportunity

51�Թ� looks forward to attending the , March 18-22, 2026, and exhibiting at booth 2480. The event will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The convention brings together engineering students, industry professionals and organizations focused on expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

What is the National Society of Black Engineers?

The National Society of Black Engineers is one of the largest student-governed engineering organizations in the United States. The organization works to increase the recruitment, retention and success of Black and other minority engineers in academia and industry. The annual convention serves as a central gathering for networking, career development, leadership training and community engagement across engineering disciplines.

Connecting With Future Leaders

NSBE provides an important space for students and young professionals to explore careers, expand networks and learn from industry partners. 51�Թ� is proud to support that mission and connect with the next generation of engineering talent.

Visit 51�Թ� at Booth #2480

Attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #2480 to meet the 51�Թ� team, learn about internships and full-time opportunities and discover how to build a career delivering projects that matter.

Build Your Future with 51�Թ�

Our people play an integral role in building the future at 51�Թ�. Learn more about 51�Թ�’ career paths, culture and current opportunities.

Build Your Future with 51�Թ�

The post 51�Թ� Advances STEM at NSBE 2026 Annual Convention appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Women in Construction Week: Building Careers, Community and the Future of Construction

Courtney Gwynn — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Women at 51�Թ� play a variety of roles across projects and operations, leading teams, solving complex challenges and helping to shape the future of the company. Women in Construction Week provides an opportunity to celebrate those contributions and highlight the many paths women take to build meaningful, successful careers at 51�Թ�.

Expanding Opportunities for Women in Construction

At 51�Թ�, empowering our people means creating opportunities for growth, leadership and innovation at every level of the organization. From jobsite to the boardroom, each person is supported with the tools, mentorship and trust needed to thrive in an industry that continues to evolve.

As more women enter and advance within the construction industry, they are not only building projects; they are helping transform the industry itself. Through diverse perspectives, strong leadership and a commitment to excellence, they are redefining what is possible and inspiring the next generation of builders.

Women in Construction Week is a time to reflect on that progress and recommit to fostering an environment where everyone has opportunity to succeed. Empowering people strengthens teams, elevates performance and helps shape a stronger future for the industry. 51�Թ� invests in its people by providing hands-on experience, strong benefits and clear paths for career growth.

“51�Թ� has supported my growth in construction by pushing me to do better, to be better, providing me with all the support and the trainings that I need to make it.”
– Launi Melendrez, General Foreman | 51�Թ�

Support, Growth and Leadership

Support is a cornerstone of success at 51�Թ�. Women across the company consistently point to mentorship, training and teamwork as key factors in their professional growth. From daily planning and safety discussions to formal leadership development programs, 51�Թ�’ teams work together to create environments where people can succeed.

For women in craft roles, that support often translates into tangible career milestones, such as earning certifications, stepping into foreman and general foreman positions or leading crews on complex scopes of work. For women in engineering and management roles, it means gaining hands-on project experience, building leadership skills and contributing to major decisions that shape project outcomes.

51�Թ� also takes pride in celebrating the achievements of women across the company, including leaders like Tiffany Mok, named an ENR Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional, whose career reflects the impact of technical excellence, mentorship and community engagement.

Representation That Strengthens the Construction Industry

Visibility plays a critical role in attracting the next generation of talent. Seeing women thriving in construction and engineering helps redefine perceptions in the industry. Outside of day-to-day operations, Women in Construction Week provides a dedicated opportunity for 51�Թ� to share these stories and showcase the women who help drive its projects and teams forward. As featured in , women across 51�Թ� continue to help shape the way the company builds, leads and delivers projects that serve communities nationwide.

Beyond Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction Week is both a celebration and a commitment. 51�Թ� believes the future of construction depends on empowering its people and creating workplaces where a variety of perspectives are valued and where everyone has the opportunity to grow and lead. 51�Թ� is committed to supporting women in construction through meaningful career development, mentorship and a culture built on respect, collaboration and opportunity. By investing in its people, 51�Թ� strengthens its teams and helps drive innovation across projects and the industry.

To the women of 51�Թ�, thank you for your expertise, leadership and dedication. You are building more than projects. You are helping to shape careers, strengthen communities and transform the future of construction.

Build Your Future with 51�Թ�

Women play an integral role in building the future at 51�Թ�. Learn more about 51�Թ�’ career paths, culture and current opportunities.

Build Your Future with 51�Թ�

The post Women in Construction Week: Building Careers, Community and the Future of Construction appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Building Leadership Excellence with 51�Թ�’ LeaderFlow Graduates

Ammy Huynh — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:13:18 +0000

51�Թ� brought together team members from across regional offices for the a non-profit initiative designed to strengthen leadership skills and foster collaboration across the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. This program underscores 51�Թ�’ commitment to investing in its people and building a culture of continuous growth.

A Program Built on Connection and Growth

LeaderFlow is more than a training; it’s a transformative experience. Over the course of this seven-month program, participants engaged in interactive workshops, leadership exercises and peer-to-peer learning sessions. The curriculum focused on critical areas, including strategic thinking, effective communication and team empowerment, equipping employees with the tools to lead confidently in a dynamic industry.

Bringing Regions Together

One of the most impactful aspects of LeaderFlow is the diversity of perspectives it brings. Employees from various regions shared their unique experiences and challenges, creating a collaborative environment that mirrors the company’s nationwide presence. This cross-regional exchange not only broadened professional networks but also reinforced 51�Թ�’ core values of teamwork and innovation.

LeaderFlow helped me understand that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. My style may differ from others, but that doesn’t make it less effective. I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness as a strength.”

– Rita Bagala, Project Engineer

Voices from the Program

Graduates of LeaderFlow expressed how the program shaped their leadership journey:

Aaron Hale, Project Superintendent

“LeaderFlow has transformed how I show up as a leader—bringing empathy into every interaction. It’s changed the way I approach meetings, resolve conflicts and support others in developing their leadership skills.”

Dasire “Dee” Sylvan, Area Superintendent

“During LeaderFlow, I came to the realization that every individual brings something unique to the table, and that effective leadership doesn’t require everyone to lead the same way. Embracing different leadership styles has helped me appreciate diversity in thought and approach, and it’s strengthened how I connect and collaborate with others.”

Janisha “JJ” Johnson, Project Superintendent

“If you’re considering applying for LeaderFlow, go in with a real challenge to work on, protect the time to practice between sessions and invite feedback from your team. The more you apply it in the field, the more value you’ll get.”

Jason Jones, Manager of Supplier Diversity

“Leaderflow is Transformational. It challenged me to rethink leadership from the inside out. It wasn’t just about learning new strategies—it was about discovering and defining the kind of leader I truly want to be. Through deep reflection and powerful conversations, I was able to craft a personal leadership vision rooted in authenticity, empathy and purpose.”

Rita Bagala, Project Engineer

“Programs like LeaderFlow are essential because they challenge traditional leadership norms and promote personal growth. 51�Թ� has already laid a strong foundation with our LDI trainings, and LeaderFlow builds on that by encouraging a cultural shift where leadership development is prioritized and practiced.”

Stephanie Carter, Project Manager

“LeaderFlow was such a great experience and an awesome program. I appreciated 51�Թ�’ support in allowing me to be away from the jobsite to do something beneficial for my growth. It was out of my comfort zone because the program requires a level of vulnerability to get the most out of it, so I am proud of myself for pushing that boundary. You can feel the genuineness and care the facilitators bring, which is encouraging. Beyond the program’s curriculum, I really enjoyed the networking aspect. Every session is held at a different company’s office. It’s pretty cool that I can now say that I know the CEO of KPFF.”

Charleston Burr, Area Superintendent

“Collaborating across architecture, engineering and construction helped me recognize how much we share despite our different roles and environments. We all face similar challenges, pursue similar goals and are ultimately united in advancing the industry. Hearing presenters openly discuss their own leadership journeys—including their struggles and insecurities—reinforced that growth is universal, horizontal and vertical alike.”

Looking Ahead

By investing in leadership development, 51�Թ� ensures its teams are prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Programs like LeaderFlow empower employees to lead with confidence, strengthen collaboration and drive innovation across every project.

The post Building Leadership Excellence with 51�Թ�’ LeaderFlow Graduates appeared first on 51�Թ�.

51�Թ� Unveils Next Phase of Employee Investment with Strategic Acquisition

Javier Contreras Salinas — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:55:52 +0000

51�Թ�, one of the nation’s leading construction, real estate development and facilities services firms, announces the acquisition of Transcend, a leadership and organizational development firm specializing in leadership coaching, strategic planning and organizational design. This strategic acquisition underscores 51�Թ�’ commitment to investing in its people. By expanding leadership development and coaching into CareerTREK, the company’s leadership, training and growth platform, 51�Թ� is strengthening career pathways for employees at all levels throughout the business.

“This acquisition is a unique opportunity to empower our entire organization while undergoing transformational growth,” said Mike Choutka, Chairman and CEO of 51�Թ�. “By integrating Transcend’s proven leadership platform and expert team, we’re amplifying every aspect of the employee experience and supercharging our strategic vision.”

Since 2022, Transcend has been a trusted partner in 51�Թ�’ evolution, supporting the company with proven leadership programs and organizational strategies. Bringing Transcend in-house expands access to learning experiences, team coaching and advanced leadership capabilities–enhancing how 51�Թ� develops talent and prepares its workforce for the future.

Strategic Leadership Expansion

As part of the acquisition, Craig Wiley, founder and CEO of Transcend, joins 51�Թ� as Chief Strategy Officer. With decades of experience guiding organizations through transformational growth, Wiley will collaborate with senior leadership to shape enterprise-wide initiatives and drive the company’s long-term strategic vision.

The post 51�Թ� Unveils Next Phase of Employee Investment with Strategic Acquisition appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Jamar Littlejohn’s Move to Coordinator of Supplier Diversity

Bailey Viator — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:22:53 +0000

In a strategic move aimed at delivering excellence, 51�Թ� appointed Jamar Littlejohn to the pivotal role of coordinator of supplier diversity. With a proven track record of dedication to 51�Թ� and a deep understanding of the company’s vision, Jamar will excel in this position. This new role not only signifies Jamar’s personal growth and achievements but also highlights 51�Թ�’ commitment to fostering internal talent and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Jamar joined 51�Թ� as a field engineer in 2017 on the Orlando International Airport (MCO) Airside Four Renovation and Wing Expansion with 15 years of military service under his belt and his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Florida A&M University. Following the completion of Airside Four, Jamar continued his service with the Georgia Army National Guard and fulfilled a tour to Afghanistan in 2019. When Jamar returned, he continued to build his experience as a quality control engineer on the Tampa International Airport (TPA) SkyCenter Atrium & Pedestrian Bridge project, the ISHOF Dive Tower in Fort Lauderdale then to MCO’s South Terminal C – Phase 1 as an office engineer until his most recent deployment to Kuwait in 2022.

As a coordinator of supplier diversity, Jamar will be working with disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) on current and future 51�Թ� projects to ensure that our trade partner’s needs are being met, as well as allowing DBEs the opportunity to grow in their trade and the construction industry. Through this role, 51�Թ� will be able to reach more trade partners in our region including projects in multiple states and utilize them in our construction efforts; in turn, this will help support the local economy.

“The new role is something that’s needed as it’s better for the community, and it gets us more involved with our small business trade partners. It’s something I have a lot of passion for and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me,” shared Jamar.

For Jamar, being involved in the community goes beyond his day-to-day role. After his tour in 2019, Jamar donated his time to help build a 3,748 SF home for a disabled U.S. veteran and their family in Central Florida through the Home at Last charity, where he served as the 51�Թ� onsite superintendent. Helping fellow servicemen is a value that Jamar holds near and dear to his heart, which is why Jamar is working to increase 51�Թ�’ veteran recruiting efforts across the southeast.

If you don’t recognize Jamar from his work on the jobsites, you may recognize him from the viral video of Jamar surprising his son on graduation day. When asked about that moment and the lead-up, Jamar said, “It was a great feeling being back for that. He’s my only son and it was everything to me. I was grateful for that moment and so was my son.”

Operations Manager Matt Krstolic shared, “We are grateful for Jamar’s service to our country and his contribution to our team. His military experience has given him valuable skills in managing risks and solving problems. Jamar’s perspective and knowledge help us deliver high-quality results to our clients.”

Many people at 51�Թ� have impacted Jamar’s career thus far. While reflecting on his tenure, Jamar shared a few names that have helped him along the way. “Starting with my first Project Manager and Project Superintendent, John Smalley and Don Shoop. They helped me a lot with learning my role and getting into the business. Coming back from my deployment, Jarid Richardson was an influential project superintendent for me, as he took me under his wing and helped me learn a variety of things. I would have to say I think I’ve learned the most from my last project at MCO with Matt Krstolic and Timothy Queely. Timothy, a fellow Rattler, has helped me out through many things. And of course, Heath Williams. He’s a big military guy and seeing how he operates and is so poised has had a big impact on me.”

Jamar will use the MCO – South Terminal C Phase 1 Expansion project as his regional office for Supplier Diversity and continue to serve our country as a Major in the Georgia National Guard. In the little free time that he has, you can find Jamar doing projects around his house, playing basketball and cheering on the Florida A&M Rattlers and the Florida State Seminoles.

Interested in learning more about Jamar? Check out his video spotlight below!

The post Jamar Littlejohn’s Move to Coordinator of Supplier Diversity appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Celebrating a Successful Career: Kirk J. Hazen

Javier Contreras Salinas — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 21:08:52 +0000

After more than three decades with 51�Թ�, Kirk Hazen, Vice President and District Manager of the Southeast district, announced his retirement from the company in December 2022. In addition to providing the foundation for many successful projects across the country, Kirk’s accomplishments included more than $9.6 billion of notable construction projects.

“I want to thank Kirk Hazen for his 32 years of service and his impact on the board of directors the past fourteen years,” commented Michael Choutka, president and CEO of 51�Թ�. “His passion for people and strategic vision has fueled extraordinary growth in the Southeast district and the Mid South region.”

Justin Starnes presents Kirk Hazen with career recognition and appreciation from the 51�Թ� Board of Directors.

Kirk created a legacy of building partnerships and was an active member with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Central Florida Chapter and was an active volunteer within his community, supporting national organizations such as the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children, the Universal Foundation, Boys Town of Central Florida and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida.

“Thank you to 51�Թ� and all the employees for 32 wonderful years. It has been my honor to lead the Southeast district and its amazing people these past fourteen years. The dedication and professionalism of our employees here at 51�Թ� has made my job a pleasure. I look forward to hearing about all the great projects these teams build in the future. – Kirk Hazen

Justin Starnes, who began his career with 51�Թ� in 2002, will succeed Kirk Hazen, assuming the position of Vice President and District Manager of the Southeast district. Justin has spent the past 20 years working alongside Kirk and is eager to continue his legacy for growth and success.

“We couldn’t have picked a better person to succeed me,” said Kirk. “The Starnes family has moved fourteen times in the past twenty years supporting our operational staffs through three districts. His and his family’s dedication to 51�Թ� is unmatched. He will lead the district to greater heights.”

Some of 51�Թ�’ most notable work in the Southeast includes the recently completed South Terminal C Airside project in Orlando, Florida, the Navy Federal Credit Union Campus Expansion in Pensacola, Florida, and the up-and-coming Zone 1 F-35 Flightline Facilities at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. All three have been the district’s largest project awards to date at a total of $1.8 billion. Moving into 2023, the Southeast district will focus on growth and expansion with new clients and markets, while continuing to grow our longstanding relationships with our repeat clients.

“I want to thank Kirk for his 20 plus years of mentorship he has provided me,” said Justin. “Kirk is not just a great coworker but has become a close friend over the years. Kirk has chosen to step away at the top of his career in a very humble fashion. He could not have done it in a better way.”

Please join 51�Թ� in thanking Kirk Hazen for his 32-years of distinguished service and wish him well in retirement. Congratulations to Justin Starnes on his promotion to Vice President and District Manager.

About Kirk Hazen
Kirk J. Hazen joined 51�Թ� in 1990 and is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in Building Construction. As the Vice President and District Manager of 51�Թ�, Kirk established policies and strategies that promoted the growth of the Southeast District based in Orlando, Florida.

Kirk began his career in Little Rock, Arkansas as a Field Engineer and rose through the ranks of Ofﬁce Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager, before being appointed to the Southeast District Manager and Vice President.

Kirk and his wife have four children and enjoy spending as much family time together as possible.

The post Celebrating a Successful Career: Kirk J. Hazen appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Orlando Business Journal Names Timothy Queely a 2022 40 Under 40 Honoree

Courtney Franklin — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 16:19:38 +0000

Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) named the Southeast District’s Timothy Queely one of 2022’s . Recognized for his key role in shaping not only 51�Թ�’ employees, but the entire community, Timothy is a true industry leader across Central Florida.

After graduating from Florida A&M University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Engineering Technology in 2007, Timothy immediately joined 51�Թ� as a field engineer and has been climbing the ranks ever since. In 2016, 51�Թ� promoted Timothy to project manager where he oversaw numerous projects out of the area office in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is currently wrapping up the new South Terminal C project at Orlando International Airport.

Throughout his tenure with 51�Թ�, Timothy has relocated over 10 times within the continental United States when reassigned to a new project. He takes this challenge head-on and fosters a team environment with every new staff, and encourages his wife and two children to embrace the opportunity of adventure. Through his experience, Timothy provides insight and helpful tools such as financial tracking and checklists he has developed with other employees who are relocated.

Outside of his daily responsibilities, he currently leads the Southeast District DEIc committee–a company-wide initiative to support the importance of diversity, community and inclusivity at 51�Թ� and within the industry. Congratulations, Timothy!

Learn more about OBJ’s 40 Under 40 program,

The post Orlando Business Journal Names Timothy Queely a 2022 40 Under 40 Honoree appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Get to Know the Supplier Diversity Team at 51�Թ�

Javier Contreras Salinas — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Original post published April 28, 2023

51�Թ� advances the construction industry by expanding access to opportunities for small and diverse trade partners. The Supplier Diversity team is dedicated to these partners that ultimately support stronger project outcomes, drive competition and create lasting economic impact in the communities where the company builds.

The Supplier Diversity Group leads this effort across all regions. They connect qualified trade partners to 51�Թ� projects, support project teams in meeting outreach goals and strengthen the company’s construction supply chain.

How Supplier Diversity Strengthens Construction 51�Թ�

Supplier diversity plays a direct role in how 51�Թ� delivers projects.

Expands access to qualified small and diverse subcontractors
Increases competition and drives innovation
Builds stronger, more resilient local economies
Supports long-term partnerships with trade partners

By prioritizing diverse trade partners, 51�Թ� strengthens both project performance and community impact.

What the Supplier Diversity Team Does

The Supplier Diversity team focuses on connecting opportunity with execution. Their work ensures that supplier diversity is consistent, measurable and aligned with project goals.

Outreach and Engagement: The team builds relationships with small businesses, including veteran-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). They actively participate in industry events and outreach efforts to expand the network of qualified trade partners.
Trade Partner Outreach Program Support: They manage and promote the 51�Թ� trade partner outreach programs, helping businesses understand how to prequalify, bid and partner on projects.
Project Team Partnership: The team works directly with project teams to identify opportunities for diverse subcontractors and support outreach requirements across pursuits and active projects.
Education and Resources: They provide guidance, tools and best practices to internal teams and trade partners. This helps streamline engagement and improve participation across the construction supplier diversity program.

Meet the Team

Each member of the Supplier Diversity team brings experience in construction, outreach and trade partner engagement. Their combined expertise supports a consistent approach to supplier diversity across regions while maintaining strong local connections.

Brad Lewis, ECMCA | Corporate Director of Supplier Diversity

Region: Enterprise
Industry Experience: 27 Years
Get in Touch: BLewis@henselphelps.com

James Harper, LEED AP, ECMCA | Regional Director of Supplier Diversity

Region: Mid South
Industry Experience: 23 Years
Get in Tough: JHarper@henselphelps.com

David Fisher, ECMCA | Manager of Supplier Diversity

Region: Mid Atlantic
Industry Experience: 20 Years
Get in Touch: DFisher@henselphelps.com

Michelle Keyser, CCA | Manager of Supplier Diversity

Region: Southern California
Industry Experience: 16 Years
Get in Touch: MKeyser@henselphelps.com

Kat Coleman, CCA | Manager of Supplier Diversity

Region: Mid Atlantic
Industry Experience: 13 Years
Get in Touch: KColeman@henselphelps.com

Tim Chung, CCA | Coordinator of Supplier Diversity

Region: Southern California
Industry Experience: 6 Years
Get in Touch: TChung@henselphelps.com

Daniel Fils-Aime, CCA | Coordinator of Supplier Diversity

Region: Mid Atlantic
Industry Experience: 6 Years
Get in Touch: DFils-Aime@henselphelps.com

Jason Jones, CCA | Manager of Supplier Diversity

Region: Pacific Northwest
Industry Experience: 11 Years
Get in Touch: JJones@henselphelps.com

Jamar Littlejohn | Manager of Supplier Diversity

Region: Southeast
Industry Experience: 9 Years
Get in Touch: JLittlejohn@henselphelps.com

Rosemary Middleton, MCA | Coordinator of Supplier Diversity

Title: Coordinator of Supplier Diversity
Region: Southwest
Industry Experience: 44 Years
Get in Touch: RMiddleton@henselphelps.com

Partner with 51�Թ�

51�Թ� encourages qualified subcontractors and small businesses to explore opportunities to work on upcoming projects, access resources and connect with the Supplier Diversity team.

Become a Trade Partner

The post Get to Know the Supplier Diversity Team at 51�Թ� appeared first on 51�Թ�.

51�Թ� Craft: Industrial Athletes

Morgan Zavertnik — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 21:22:08 +0000

51�Թ� recognizes craft workers play one of the most significant roles in the successful completion of every project. 51�Թ�’ former president and founder’s son, Joseph Phelps, stated it best, “It’s our people that make the difference.”

Craft workers, the Industrial Athletes, demonstrate unimaginable feats of strength and courage each day, and are truly one-of-a-kind. The Industrial Athletes are the backbone of the construction industry.

So, what is an Industrial Athlete?

The 5:00 AM crew. Up before the sun. The first ones on the jobsite and often, the very last ones to leave.

Specializing in concrete formwork, concrete place and finish, curb and gutter, doors and hardware installation, flatwork place and finish, heavy equipment operations, hoisting operations, jobsite cleaning, metal panel installation, rough carpentry, site hardscapes, temporary heating and cooling, wood and cabinet detailing and snow removal—51�Թ� craft have done it all.

What first started as a vision by 51�Թ� superintendent, Jeremy Spooner, has expanded into a required training for all the Plains District craft. 51�Թ�, in conjunction with Trivent Safety Consulting, a construction safety consulting firm based in Westminster, Colorado, acknowledged the importance of raising awareness on four main topics that directly impact the lifestyle and well-being of craft workers: Nutrition, Stretching and Strengthening, Ergonomics and Behavioral Safety.

And thus, the Industrial Athlete Program was born.

Led by , the four-part interactive in-person trainings encourage the craft to not only understand how to take better care of their mental, physical and emotional well-being, but also empowers them with the tools to recognize potential warning signs in themselves or fellow coworkers who may be struggling. It is everyone’s job to make sure they all go home safely at the end of each day.

“We wanted to come up with a wellness program that was impactful for our craft, but also spoke to them, and acknowledged them as the athletes that they are, and not only athletes, but professional athletes working for 51�Թ�,” said Project Superintendent Jeremy Spooner. “We wanted to embrace and acknowledge that and provide tools to help them. From the nutrition choices, to how they prepare their bodies, to how they approach their work from an ergonomic standpoint. All those things play a role in their successes and in their lives every day.”

As a growing industry standard, several 51�Թ� construction projects across the nation now start their day with a stretching routine to warm up everyone’s bodies for the day’s activities. And the craft have begun noticing positive effects from the small habits they changed with their nutrition and exercise. Foreman Dakota Gallegos remarked, “It brought awareness to a lot of us, at least, to how you are using your body and what you put into your body is what you’ll get out and how those choices can affect you long-term.”

The hope is that more firms in the construction industry will recognize the importance of educating their craft workers on positive ways to impact their livelihood and enable them to continue to build for many years to come.

The post 51�Թ� Craft: Industrial Athletes appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Changing the Face of Construction – Naomi Mercuris

Javier Contreras Salinas — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 19:47:40 +0000

Naomi is a project manager on the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Improvements project on Oahu, Hawaii. She started her 51�Թ� career over 13 years ago at the Northern California District before moving to the Pacific District in 2012.

51�Թ� Q&A with Naomi Mercuris:

Name: Naomi Mercuris
Title: Project Manager
District: Pacific
Years with 51�Թ�: 13 Years
Project: Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Improvements, Kailua, Oahu, HI
Fun/Random Fact: When I was 13, I drafted my first set of plans for my dream house.

Why do you love construction?

I love seeing the building process take shape, the submittals, the RFI’s, the planning, the coordination; seeing all that effort take shape into something tangible is awesome!

What was the best advice you’ve received throughout your career?

“Your personal life and your professional life have to be inline.” I think it’s important to balance the demands of both aspects of your life. I can balance my personal and professional life by communicating with my spouse and direct supervisor. I have always over-communicated my hard deadlines (daycare pick up for example) with my supervisors. Still, at the same time, this has also helped me prioritize tasks and become more efficient.

What advice can you give young women entering the AEC industry?

Do not be afraid to talk to your supervisors about anything that’s important to you; whether it’s personal or professional, it all matters.

Of the 5 51�Թ� Core Values (Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity and Community) – which means the most to you?

Community, 51�Թ� is a family. The people within in it are always going to be there to support you, let you know when you made a mistake and to celebrate the wins.

How can women support other women within the AEC industry?

Focus on your similarities while celebrating your differences. Some of the struggles you see another woman having may be the same struggles you have someday. Listen and learn from each other.

The post Changing the Face of Construction – Naomi Mercuris appeared first on 51�Թ�.