Sundt is pleased to announce that Jason Hughes has been promoted from project engineer to field superintendent and is currently working on two higher education construction projects: San Jose State University Spartan Complex Seismic Upgrade and De Anza College Advanced Technology Center. Hughes, a LEED-accredited professional, has been with Sundt for five years assisting in managing, executing and tracking on-site project operations. He earned a Bachelor of Science in construction management from California State University, Chico. We recently asked Jason a few questions to get to know him better:
How long have you been working in the construction industry?
I was born into a general contractor family. With my father as the owner, I spent a lot of afternoons at jobsites instead of at daycare, which was okay because I found it much more interesting. Who wants to play in a sandbox when you can play in a 1,000-yard mound of pea gravel with your older brothers?
What are your responsibilities in your new position?
First is making sure everyone, tradesperson, architect, owner and consultant, is safe. My other primary responsibility is to help our trade partners with their day-to-day challenges while providing them with the guidance and direction they need on a macro level to make them successful. Our success is a bi-product of theirs.
What might you be doing in you weren’t working in construction?
Maybe teaching or something similar that is as rewarding as building.
What’s the best book you read recently?
I am enjoying reading a book by Richard Branson called “Like a Virgin: The Secrets They Won’t Teach You in Business School.” I admire Richard Branson for what he has accomplished with his various business ventures and it is amazing how many of the lessons he has learned translate to our industry.
Favorite childhood superhero?
That’s easy – Optimus Prime.
Where would you most like to travel?
Costa Rica.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Spending time with my girlfriend, camping, golfing and hunting or on a daily basis I enjoy just throwing the ball for our dog, Daisy.
Best advice you ever received?
“What you do is not who you are,” and, “It’s easy to be cool and collected when things are going well, but what really defines who you are is how you behave when things are not going well.”