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T.J. (left) mentors construction intern Sampson Parker Jr.
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T.J. plays guitar in a band, he likes cars, music, construction and his job at Blythe. T.J. is a construction Engineer on our 601 design-build project. He started out as a roller operator and is now one of the company’s up-and-coming engineers. We asked T.J. about his career, why he chose and stays with Blythe, and what advice he has for anyone interested in working for our company. Here is what he had to say:
What do you do at Blythe?
T.J.: My title is Construction Engineer. I coordinate work with subcontractors, vendors, and various activities on the project. I perform monthly cost reports, weekly schedule updates, and daily crew performance audits. I produce and submit monthly pay estimates to the owner based on verified quantities.
What is your education and work background?
I joined Blythe after high school as an equipment operator. It was my first full-time job. I am currently attending school part -time in Construction Management.
Why did you choose Blythe and why do you stay with Blythe?
I chose to work at Blythe because quite honestly, I needed a job! But over the years Blythe has given me opportunities to grow professionally and I have gained a great deal of respect for my co-workers and managers. I stay with Blythe because the opportunities here compliment my ambition and I enjoy working as a part of our team. I think we have some of the best talent in this market.
What advice would you give to an aspiring engineer in construction?
Work hard and learn! You can learn from everyone from upper management to a laborer in a pipe trench. There is a wealth of knowledge to be learned and applied.
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"Gain as much knowledge as you can to accomplish your goals. Work hard, have a positive attitude, listen and learn from your fellow employees."
-Steve Nearhood
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How did you begin your career at Blythe?
Nearhood: Some sons follow their dads’ careers. I followed my mother’s. In 1989, my mother, Velma Wagner, was Plant Operator at the Concord asphalt plant. She helped me get my first job at Blythe. I first worked on I-77 moving barrier wall. Six months later I was working on an asphalt crew as a laborer. I then moved to the Monroe plant and worked my way up to Plant Foreman. I left Blythe in 1993 and worked Crowder Construction for Mickey Smith in Quality Control (QC) at the North Plant. Blythe called me and I came back in 1994 and worked in QC for Berry Hall. Since then, I have moved up to Plant Manger, overseeing four of our six plants.
Who have been your mentors in the industry and why?
I have had many people help me in my career, people who gave me a chance at management. Berry Hall has taught me a lot about the business, which has helped me get where I am today. Thanks, Berry. Phil Addison, who is now in Florida, showed me that recognition comes from hard work, which inspired me to be the best I can be. I learned a lot about successful plant management from Allen Hendricks and Pascal Vrot. But the most important mentor in my career has been my mom. Without her guidance I would not be here today.
What kind of training have you had during your career and has it been more important than practical experience?
I have had a lot of classroom training in my career and they have helped me do quality work and to do it safely. However, I feel that practical, on-the-job experience has been most beneficial to my career.
What advice would you give to other people in your industry?
Gain as much knowledge as you can to accomplish your goals. Work hard, have a positive attitude, listen and learn from your fellow employees.
