Sundt employee-owners believe in the importance of being engaged in our communities. We are committed to improving and inspiring the cities and towns where we work.
Some of that outreach is made to younger generations who will eventually be community leaders. For example, Corporate Strategic Business Officer John Carlson recently spoke to four classes of fourth graders at Blattman Elementary in San Antonio. John is based out of our San Antonio office, where he will assist with strategic projects for building, heavy civil and industrial work throughout Texas and nationwide. Additionally, he will continue to educate and advocate for the use of alternate project delivery methods as a national leader in this area, including public-private partnerships, design-build and construction manager at risk. He will also focus his efforts on national industry organizational involvement.
During John’s classroom visit he explained the positive impacts the construction industry has on everyone’s lives and how rewarding it is to be in a line of work that improves our communities. He also showed the kids a video on Sundt’s 125-year history and the global impacts the company has made. He gave them a quiz about the company’s history and correct answers were rewarded with Sundt solar powered calculators and beanie hats. The prizes were great motivators, encouraging the kids to ask more questions about Sundt and its many positive impacts.
John took a few minutes to tell us about his experience and the importance of getting children interested in the construction industry or any career.
How did this opportunity arise?
My daughter approached me about the opportunity to present to four fourth-grade classes on Career Day at her school.
What did you tell the kids in your presentation?
I talked about what construction is and how the schools, houses, roads, bridges, water and electricity they use every day came as a result of a general contractor constructing those facilities. I told them it is an engineering-based field for the management in construction and that there are architects and engineers who design facilities we build. We also discussed the skilled trades, including carpenters, laborers and equipment operators who are the people who actually to build these facilities.
What was the biggest piece of advice you wanted to get across to the classes?
I told them the most important skill to have in any profession is good communication. In construction, we’re always reading contracts and plans, writing letters and proposals, speaking and listening to people inside and outside the organization. It’s extremely important if you want to be a leader for people to follow and understand what you are trying to get across.
How important is it to get youngsters interested in the construction industry?
Extremely important. We have a craft and engineering shortage in our industry and these are our future employees. If we don’t get them interested in our industry early, others will.
How much did you enjoy speaking to the classes?
I love having a chance to interact with kids at all levels. They are future leaders in our communities and difference-makers. Kids need opportunities to be exposed to different careers so they can find their passions and be the best people they can be in life. I love to tell kids there are several reasons I am passionate about the construction industry: the chance to make tangible, lasting improvements our communities that change people’s lives for the better.
