Meet one of our Carpenter Foreman – Dennis Polheber! Dennis has been with JP Cullen for 4 years.
What caused you to get into your profession?
With my grandpa who worked as a heavy equipment salesman, most of my family working in construction, and my dad working as a heavy equipment operator, it’s all I’ve ever known.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is happening as I write this; my wife and I are in the hospital waiting to meet our first child.
Who has been the most inspirational to you in your career?
My dad would have to be the most inspirational. Although he’s in a different field, he’s the one that taught my siblings and me about working hard and doing your best even when no one is watching. He has always taken an interest in what I’m doing and working on.
What do you like best about working at JP Cullen?
We have some great superintendents here that are willing to share their knowledge. Jerry Woznicki, Marty Winter, and Brian Hesse have been mentors to me. They have given me the opportunity to push myself and have helped me professionally and with life outside of work. I’d consider them all friends.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I was really overwhelmed at the end of a project and there was still a lot left to finish. One of my managers approached me on the matter and could tell I was a little stressed. He asked me, “How do you eat an elephant?” It caught me off guard, to say the least, but he replied, “One bite at a time.” I’ve said that little joke to myself at work and at home.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a paleontologist as a kid. I had so many dinosaur books and toys growing up. But as it turns out, there’s not a huge calling for them. At least I still get to play in the dirt.
What is your personal mantra?
Don’t wish for it, work for it.
