Some Stories Deserve To Be Told

A while back, a young man walked through our door, not with just a résumé, but with something a lot rarer: honesty.

Jesse didn't fill out an application and wait for a callback. He showed up in person, sat down with us, and laid everything on the table. When we asked him about that decision, he put it simply:

"Although it might be hard, it's better to be upfront and honest. Having the opportunity to speak with someone in person and be able to tell them what all I could do made me feel better, because I do have a large construction background, and I enjoy the work I do."

He didn't make excuses. He didn't point fingers. He owned his story, and then he asked for a chance to prove himself, not just to us, but for himself and his family.

We gave him that chance. And he's done a whole lot more with it than we ever asked.

Jesse came on as a laborer with one of our pipe crews and from day one, he came to work. Every single day. Over the past year-plus, he's worked his way into operating a loader and has shown a natural ability behind the controls of other machinery as well. But when you ask Jesse what this past year has really meant to him, the answer goes a lot deeper than the job site:

"This past year has been amazing. I feel like I am a part of a team at a company that I can make a career out of. I will always be thankful for my opportunity to be a part of it all. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancée Ciara and our three children. I have spent a lot of time trying to make up for lost time this past year."

And for anyone out there who might be standing where Jesse was a year ago, he has something to say to you directly:

"If you are motivated and you know what you enjoy doing or are good at, find a good place, be honest with them, but let them know your skills and your desire and willingness to learn. Don't be afraid to work or get dirty. Show up on time. And if you're fortunate like me, an employer will give you an opportunity to prove yourself and be successful."

That right there is what it's all about.

Jesse's story is a reminder that transparency and honesty aren't weaknesses, they are the foundation of trust. And trust is what gets you somewhere. We are proud to have Jesse on the team and even prouder of the man he continues to be every day. Here's to everything still ahead of him and his family.