Meet Cory Huschka, who joined JP Cullen as a site engineer in January 2000 and now serves as a Project Manager working on projects at Epic. In this role, Cory oversees projects from inception to completion, collaborating closely with Epic and serving as the owners’ primary point of contact. Join us as we explore their journey and significant contributions to JP Cullen’s success.
What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
My Dad owned an earthwork/civil construction company, so I was always around equipment and construction life. My siblings were also in the trades. There wasn’t one specific thing that sparked my interest; it was just a way of life growing up. I started college in Computer Science, which is kind of ironic – those who know me know my love/hate relationship with technology. The big draw was the idea of being outside, problem-solving, and working with “the guys” – even though I am terrible at trying to build something with my own hands. I didn’t anticipate sitting at a desk doing mostly accounting and contracts, so I enjoy taking advantage of the opportunities to participate in planning and figuring out different ways to build something.
If you had to choose a different profession, what would it be?
I would still be in this profession, just in a different role. I have always liked big equipment and enjoy operating it, so I could see myself going out tomorrow and trying to be an equipment operator. If I were young and just graduating high school while growing up with all the technology that is available today, I would go into the electrical trade. There is so much technology I wish I knew more about, but I just don’t take or have the time to learn it.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
From a retired JP Cullen Project Manager – “90% is still an A”. Learning when the last 10% really makes a difference. You can spin in circles and be unproductive, trying to be perfect when sometimes it’s just good enough.
Top Highlights of my Life?
Coming from a small rural town in the middle of nowhere, my wife and I moved to Wisconsin after school. Not knowing anyone with only $1500 in my checking account, no cell phone, we just took my old truck with a U-Haul and ended up creating a good life for ourselves. Not that we didn’t have help along the way, but it’s just a personal sense of accomplishment for me.
Work-related, I would say working on Epic’s Deep Space Auditorium project. The size of the project, the schedule, and the complexity are something I will never see again in my career. Thinking back on it, I wish I could have appreciated and enjoyed it more in the moment, but every time I walk into the building now, it brings back memories of how it was built and all the different people I worked with.
Interested in starting your career path with us? Check out our careers page or reach out to hr@jpcullen.com.
