Thomas Spotlights Over 140 Years of Industry Experience

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!