Careers In Construction Month: Featured Employees Share What They’ve Learned Along The Way
October is Careers In Construction month, and to celebrate we’ve been featuring some of our longest-serving Thomas employees on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages. At Thomas, we strive to create a workplace where employees can grow and learn. We invest in the careers of our team members by providing opportunities for them at every stage with an environment that fosters success both inside and out! Read on to see our full list of highlights as we finish celebrating Careers In Construction month.
LAURA WILLIAMS / CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
17+ Years With Thomas
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: One thing I’ve learned after 34 years in construction is that every day has its own challenges and they’re never the same. The key is to look at the challenges as opportunities, whether it’s learning something new or connecting with a co-worker or sub. It’s really rewarding to work together as a team to find solutions that work. It makes for a really great work environment.
Q: What skills are required to be successful in your field?
A: You have to be able to multitask! When you see a new building go up, the size is the first thing people notice, but for us, it’s all about managing the details so attention to detail is a must. Problem-solving is also important, but no matter what, you have to be a team player and take leadership over your role. People depend on you.
Q: What makes you excited to come to work every day?
A: I love the people I work with; some I’ve worked with for my entire time at Thomas and some even before then! We’re building a company that supports its people and gives everyone an opportunity to succeed. We’re learning from each other and sharing knowledge to make our process and our projects better and better.
Q: What is the best career advice you’ve received?
A: If you can, try to work in all areas of the construction business so that you can understand all aspects of what it takes to be successful. When you know how Preconstruction, Accounting and Administration roles play into your project, you have a different appreciation for what it takes to run a successful project. Also, always stay true to who you are. That’s good advice no matter what field you’re in!
DONALD TURNER / SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT
15+ Years With Thomas
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: It’s rewarding when a project is completed, and we have a happy client.
Q: What skills are required to be successful in your field?
A: You have to have lots of communication throughout the project and have a good workflow in place. Those two things are crucial.
Q: What makes you excited to come to work every day?
A: As a team, we work hard to develop a plan that meets expectations and gets the project done on time. When that plan works out and things really start coming together, that’s when I get excited.
Q: What is the best career advice you’ve received?
A: Do the best you can every day and don’t get bogged down on the things you don’t have any control over.
JILL SULLIVAN / PROJECT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
17+ Years With Thomas
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my career is the people I get to work with. Daily, I interact with the marketing, business development and preconstruction teams, as well as interrelating with leadership, operations, and accounting. The company culture and relationships I have developed over the past 17+ years encourages me to put my best foot forward every day.
Q: What skills are required to be successful in your field?
A: The skills in my position to retain success at Thomas are comprised of constant communication, organizational skills, creative talent, relationship building, commitment and hard work.
Q: What makes you excited to come to work every day?
A: Other than spending my days with my co-workers, l look forward to pursuing potential project opportunities, preparing bid packages, and managing marketing initiatives.
Q: What is the best career advice you’ve received?
A: I don’t recall receiving any awe-inspiring career advice, but I have received a lot of encouragement, compliments, and support throughout my career. I began my construction career directly out of college as a part-time receptionist and part-time marketing assistant with an industry-leading, local construction company. Starting with Thomas in 2005, I have demonstrated commitment to my work ultimately moving into a managerial role. The encouragement and support I have received has inspired my success with Thomas and in the construction industry.
ROGER CONNOR / GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
16+ Years With Thomas
Q: How long have you worked in the construction field?
A: 40 years
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: Building long-term relationships with people and watching teams work together to complete goals. It’s rewarding seeing the end result.
Q: What skills are required to be successful in your field?
A: You have to be a determined person and have great people skills. Construction is a moving target and you need to be flexible. You cannot accept no for an answer.
Q: What do you think has been the biggest change since you started working in construction?
A: Technology, the skill level of trades, and the different use of materials. A lot of changes in 40 years!
Q: What is the best career advice you’ve received?
A: To not be easily denied. Don’t be afraid to ask the question when you don’t know something.
Behind every Thomas building, partnership, and innovation, you’ll find our people exemplifying our Thomas values and making us proud. Our company culture is not just a part of what we do, but who we are. If you are interested in a career in construction – we are hiring! Learn more about what it’s like to work with Thomas and start building something bigger today!
Laura Williams
Donald Turner
Jill Sullivan
Roger Connor
As Controller, Jennifer manages all company-wide accounting and human resources activities, while managing the firm’s operating budget. With decades of accounting & financial experience for Thomas and other notable contractors, Jennifer leads the daily internal finances within Thomas.
Jennifer Noland
Controller
As President of Thomas Construction Group, Chris Reid is dedicated to creating a company where employees and clients alike flourish under our Core Values of Team, Improvement, Excellence and Service. With over 30 years of experience in Construction Management, Chris utilizes his knowledge and that of his peers to drive strategic success and growth while delivering best-in-class results. Chris serves on the leadership committee of the Cape Fear Country Club, the Surf Club and Eden Village and is actively involved and invested in the future of Wilmington.
Christopher N. Reid
President & Cheif Operating Officer
Jill has been an integral part of Thomas since the company’s founding year in 2005, with over three decades of industry expertise. As Marketing Director, she drives the Thomas brand forward and solidifies our position in the market, while ensuring that the company’s marketing efforts are consistent with and supportive of Thomas’s overall strategic plan.
Jill Sullivan
Marketing Director
Katie Seidel brings 17 years of diverse HR expertise across industries such as construction, property management, and IT services. With a focus on talent management, benefits administration, and professional development, she is dedicated to cultivating a thriving organizational culture.
Katie Seidel
Director of People & Culture
Mike joins Thomas with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry and a proven record of producing accurate budgets, implementing management processes, and building teams. His decades of preconstruction and estimating knowledge, along with a strong skillset of managing and leading teams, lends itself to creating seamless experiences for Thomas’ clients. Mike splits his time between Wilmington and Raleigh, where he resides with his family.
Mike Pritt, LEED AP
Preconstruction Director
After successfully leading project teams within the healthcare industry for over 15 years, Chris Thorn relocated from the Pacific Northwest to Wilmington, NC in 2022. His industry experience ranges from K-12 to mixed-use projects, but his expertise lies in healthcare, having worked on various multi-million dollar projects throughout the years. Hailing from one of the world’s largest general contractors, Chris brings a valuable perspective to the leadership team and will serve an important role as he leads and develops the Healthcare sector.
Chris Thorn, LEED AP
Project Executive
With nearly 25 years of experience in leadership roles for both Thomas and other regional contractors, Tony is highly skilled in project and team management. His expertise spans various project types, including senior and assisted living facilities, continuing care centers, condominiums, apartments, and specialty commercial projects, establishing him as a prominent operational sector leader.
Tony Datena
Vice President / Project Executive
Bruce has decades of Financial Advising and Accounting experience and served as Thomas’ Chief Financial Officer from inception in 2005 until 2023, when he transitioned to Managing Partner. In this role, he is actively involved with strategic planning for the company and advises on a wide manner of business matters, working closely with the CFO & COO.
Bruce Chappell, Jr.
Managing Partner
Since joining Thomas in 2006, Roger has strengthened our construction core by providing nearly 40 years of construction industry experience. As General Superintendent, he is responsible for all field staff and subcontractor relations, quality control, safety coordination, and client satisfaction. Roger makes frequent job site visits to review project progress, schedule, compliance, and quality. He is recognized as one of the most respected General Superintendents in our market today.
Roger Connor
General Superintendent
Vince is an industry leader with more than 38 years of experience, ranging from estimating and buyout to project manager and project/firm executive. His aggressive cost control measures, dedication to team, and approach to project relationships has created a successful track record of on time contract completions. As VP – Operations, Vince is responsible for supervising and controlling all strategic and operational aspects of the company while providing risk management of the firm’s construction operations.
Vince Tryer, Jr.
Vice President – Operations
As a well-known community leader, Jim brings more than 30 years of managerial and executive level professional business affluence to Thomas. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Novant Health/NHRMC as Chairman and as 1st Vice-Chair of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. As EVP, Jim is responsible for the growth and implementation of corporate business development, marketing, preconstruction and owner-contract activities for Thomas.
Jim Hundley, Jr.
Executive Vice President
