Title: Project Manager
Length of time at JP Cullen: 8 years
What caused you to get into your profession?
Growing up, my dad always had a bunch of projects going on around the house that I would typically help out with. Along with that, my uncle, who is a carpenter, let me work alongside him on a number of houses that he was either building or fixing up. I guess getting that hands-on experience at a young age really helped spark my interest in construction.
What is your proudest achievement?
Successfully completing the Oven Replacement Project for a Fortune 500 Food Client. I led the design of this project where I had to figure out how to replace a huge 60’ long oven along with six different conveyors, which was definitely something I had never done before. I was also down there during the 2-week shutdown where we had to work two shifts around the clock to meet their aggressive schedule. We completed the project on time, under budget, and made our client a raving fan. It is the largest project that the Fortune 500 Food Client headquarters has allowed a local plant to manage without any help from corporate.
Who has been most inspirational to you in your career?
My father has always been an inspirational part of my life. He’s definitely helped shape me into becoming the person that I am today and I always find myself going to him for advice. He also introduced me to some of my favorite hobbies such as fishing, hunting, boating, and camping.
What is one thing no one knows about you?
I have a younger brother that is 11 months younger than me so for a month of each year we get to be the same age.
What is the funniest moment in your career?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one but I’d say one of the funniest ones was when I was working at an industrial plant in Dallas. My superintendent, IWF, and I were tasked with painting a CMU wall that we installed the day before. While I was painting, out of the corner of my eye I saw this big white bug heading towards me. I jump back and see my superintendent laughing and realize that he painted the top of a cockroach and it was now blindly heading towards me. It was one of those things where you had to be there to fully grasp how funny it was but I’m pretty sure the plant thinks they have an extremely rare “albino” cockroach on the loose in their facility.
