Meet Doug Ransom! He embarked on his journey with JP Cullen back in June of 1995, just one month after graduating from high school. Doug recently transitioned into his new role from Concrete Superintendent to Concrete General Superintendent, marking yet another milestone in their illustrious career with us! We sat down with Doug to learn more about his new role and his career.
What does your new role as Concrete General Superintendent consist of?
My new role as Concrete General Superintendent will focus on assisting with pricing work and allocating manpower across the company for the different concrete projects. I’m responsible for holding the foremen accountable on safety and quality keeping in line with our company guidelines.
What are you most excited about for your new role?
I’m really excited to help with fulfilling the company’s needs and help grow the company as well as grow our manpower and employees. We just completed annual reviews and I was speaking with another team member who has been at Cullen as long as I have, and we were just remarking at how incredible it is to see the growth the company has had since we both started. I remember when I first started, we were just a $90 million company and now, we’ve grown to over $800 million!
Who has been most motivational to you in your career?
I haven’t ever had one specific person. I would say I’ve always taken tidbits from everyone I’ve worked with. I’ve been really lucky to work with Richard Cullen who has always given me the freedom to grow and try new things on projects.
What are some of your favorite projects you have worked on at JP Cullen specifically related to concrete?
Epic Deep Space was one of the most challenging and most rewarding projects at the same time. Definitely one of my favorites. UW Madison Camp Randall is also always a fun facility to work at and our constant involvement at the stadium. And then the Wisconsin State Capitol. It’s the most iconic building in the state and it’s really special that we’ve had the opportunity to work in it.
What sparked your interest in the construction industry?
My high school shop teacher introduced us to the apprenticeship program and since I really didn’t like school that much it sounded like the perfect fit for me.
What is your proudest achievement?
Nothing beats watching my daughter grow up and become the amazing young woman she is today.
If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?
I had a ticket to the last Grateful Dead show in Chicago and decided to go mountain biking instead. I heard it was a good show.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you spend it?
Taking photos. I take mostly street and landscape photography. You can check out @wiscokid76 on Instagram or my website Portfolio | My Site (wiscokid76.net)
What is your favorite place to go for vacation?
Anywhere with mountains! Whether it’s summertime or wintertime, I love going anywhere with mountains.
What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to get into construction?
Don’t wait. Start now. There is such a need for people in the industry and it’s just such a fun and fulfilling industry to work in.
