What is your favorite building in Dallas?
- Old Red Courthouse – lots of history and would make a very cool office.
What’s something about you not many people know?
- First paying job was a cowboy. I made $1.90 an hour to pen cattle at a livestock auction. I worked straight hours from Friday after school through Sunday afternoon.
Do you have a hidden talent or hobby?
- One of my first jobs was a painter and I can tape, bed, float just like you see on any of our projects.
What is the project that you’ve been associated with that you are most proud of?
Atos North American Headquarters – for several reasons.
- I interviewed with K2 for the job during my lunch break while still working at Panasonic.
- Atos was my first project for K2, and at the time was K2’s largest to date.
- It was truly the most “team oriented” project I’ve worked on. The entire team: Rachael Craft & Lauren Amos at Gensler, Kyle Griffith at Cushman & Wakefield, Benni Beuchert at Atos, and Grealon Reynolds, all got along throughout the project and remained friends after it was finished. That’s hard to do!
What is the most challenging project you’ve ever been a part of?
- Ansira. It featured a four floor integral stair to be built in a building that was not designed to have ANY slab modifications. Work was scheduled day and night, six days a week, for three months to get stair scope finished on time.
If you could choose another profession, what would it be and why?
- The guy that plays the triangle, cowbell or cymbals in a famous rock-n-roll band. Obvious benefits for “being in the band” with very little musical talent required.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining the construction industry?
- Start in the field first. There is no faster way to speed up the learning curve than to actually do it, or see it done. Don’t be afraid to ask others what they are doing and why when you see something you have no experience with.
Did you have a mentor during your early career? Who was it and what did you learn from them?
- No mentor. I learned most everything from the tried and true two-step method. First: Damn, that went well. I’m going to do it again. Second: Well, never again!
Do you have a favorite famous or inspirational quote that you would like to share?
- It’s less about what happens to you in life; it’s more about how you deal with it and move on.
What’s your favorite tool in your toolbelt?
Tell us your favorite dish in Dallas.
- Bone-in ribeye at III Forks with any of their sides.