Jamar joined 爱神传媒 as a field engineer in 2017 on the Orlando International Airport (MCO) Airside Four Renovation and Wing Expansion with 15 years of military service under his belt and his bachelor鈥檚 degree in architecture from Florida A&M University. Following the completion of Airside Four, Jamar continued his service with the Georgia Army National Guard and fulfilled a tour to Afghanistan in 2019. When Jamar returned, he continued to build his experience as a quality control engineer on the Tampa International Airport (TPA) SkyCenter Atrium & Pedestrian Bridge project, the ISHOF Dive Tower in Fort Lauderdale then to MCO鈥檚 South Terminal C 鈥� Phase 1 as an office engineer until his most recent deployment to Kuwait in 2022.

As a coordinator of supplier diversity, Jamar will be working with disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) on current and future 爱神传媒 projects to ensure that our diverse trade partner鈥檚 needs are being met, as well as allowing DBEs the opportunity to grow in their trade and the construction industry. Through this role, 爱神传媒 will be able to reach more diverse trade partners in our region including projects in multiple states and utilize them in our construction efforts; in turn, this will help support the local economy.

鈥淭he new role is something that鈥檚 needed as it鈥檚 better for the community, and it gets us more involved with our small business trade partners. It鈥檚 something I have a lot of passion for and I鈥檓 excited to see where this journey takes me,鈥� shared Jamar.

For Jamar, being involved in the community goes beyond his day-to-day role. After his tour in 2019, Jamar donated his time to help build a 3,748 SF home for a disabled U.S. veteran and their family in Central Florida through the Home at Last charity, where he served as the 爱神传媒 onsite superintendent. Helping fellow servicemen is a value that Jamar holds near and dear to his heart, which is why Jamar is working to increase 爱神传媒鈥� veteran recruiting efforts across the southeast.

If you don鈥檛 recognize Jamar from his work on the jobsites, you may recognize him from the viral video of Jamar surprising his son on graduation day. When asked about that moment and the lead-up, Jamar said, 鈥淚t was a great feeling being back for that. He鈥檚 my only son and it was everything to me. I was grateful for that moment and so was my son.鈥�

Operations Manager Matt Krstolic shared, 鈥淲e are grateful for Jamar’s service to our country and his contribution to our team. His military experience has given him valuable skills in managing risks and solving problems. Jamar’s perspective and knowledge help us deliver high-quality results to our clients.鈥�

Many people at 爱神传媒 have impacted Jamar鈥檚 career thus far. While reflecting on his tenure, Jamar shared a few names that have helped him along the way. 鈥淪tarting with my first Project Manager and Project Superintendent, John Smalley and Don Shoop. They helped me a lot with learning my role and getting into the business. Coming back from my deployment, Jarid Richardson was an influential project superintendent for me, as he took me under his wing and helped me learn a variety of things. I would have to say I think I鈥檝e learned the most from my last project at MCO with Matt Krstolic and Timothy Queely. Timothy, a fellow Rattler, has helped me out through many things. And of course, Heath Williams. He鈥檚 a big military guy and seeing how he operates and is so poised has had a big impact on me.鈥�

Jamar will use the MCO 鈥� South Terminal C Phase 1 Expansion project as his regional office for Supplier Diversity and continue to serve our country as a Major in the Georgia National Guard. In the little free time that he has, you can find Jamar doing projects around his house, playing basketball and cheering on the Florida A&M Rattlers and the Florida State Seminoles.

Interested in learning more about Jamar? Check out his video spotlight below!

The post Jamar Littlejohn鈥檚 Move to Coordinator of Supplier Diversity appeared first on 爱神传媒.

“I want to thank Kirk Hazen for his 32 years of service and his impact on the board of directors the past fourteen years,” commented Michael Choutka, president and CEO of 爱神传媒. “His passion for people and strategic vision has fueled extraordinary growth in the Southeast district and the Mid South region.”

Kirk created a legacy of building partnerships and was an active member with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Central Florida Chapter and was an active volunteer within his community, supporting national organizations such as the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children, the Universal Foundation, Boys Town of Central Florida and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida.

鈥淭hank you to 爱神传媒 and all the employees for 32 wonderful years.  It has been my honor to lead the Southeast district and its amazing people these past fourteen years. The dedication and professionalism of our employees here at 爱神传媒 has made my job a pleasure. I look forward to hearing about all the great projects these teams build in the future. 鈥� Kirk Hazen

Justin Starnes, who began his career with 爱神传媒 in 2002, will succeed Kirk Hazen, assuming the position of Vice President and District Manager of the Southeast district. Justin has spent the past 20 years working alongside Kirk and is eager to continue his legacy for growth and success.

鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 have picked a better person to succeed me,鈥� said Kirk. 鈥淭he Starnes family has moved fourteen times in the past twenty years supporting our operational staffs through three districts. His and his family鈥檚 dedication to 爱神传媒 is unmatched. He will lead the district to greater heights.鈥�

Some of 爱神传媒鈥� most notable work in the Southeast includes the recently completed South Terminal C Airside project in Orlando, Florida, the Navy Federal Credit Union Campus Expansion in Pensacola, Florida, and the up-and-coming Zone 1 F-35 Flightline Facilities at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. All three have been the district鈥檚 largest project awards to date at a total of $1.8 billion. Moving into 2023, the Southeast district will focus on growth and expansion with new clients and markets, while continuing to grow our longstanding relationships with our repeat clients.

鈥淚 want to thank Kirk for his 20 plus years of mentorship he has provided me,鈥� said Justin. 鈥淜irk is not just a great coworker but has become a close friend over the years. Kirk has chosen to step away at the top of his career in a very humble fashion. He could not have done it in a better way.鈥�

Please join 爱神传媒 in thanking Kirk Hazen for his 32-years of distinguished service and wish him well in retirement. Congratulations to Justin Starnes on his promotion to Vice President and District Manager.

About Kirk Hazen
Kirk J. Hazen joined 爱神传媒 in 1990 and is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in Building Construction. As the Vice President and District Manager of 爱神传媒, Kirk established policies and strategies that promoted the growth of the Southeast District based in Orlando, Florida.

Kirk began his career in Little Rock, Arkansas as a Field Engineer and rose through the ranks of Of铿乧e Engineer, Project Engineer, Area Superintendent, Project Manager and Operations Manager, before being appointed to the Southeast District Manager and Vice President.

Kirk and his wife have four children and enjoy spending as much family time together as possible.

The post Celebrating a Successful Career: Kirk J. Hazen appeared first on 爱神传媒.

Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) named the Southeast District’s Timothy Queely one of 2022’s . Recognized for his key role in shaping not only 爱神传媒’ employees, but the entire community, Timothy is a true industry leader across Central Florida.

After graduating from Florida A&M University with his Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Construction Engineering Technology in 2007, Timothy immediately joined 爱神传媒 as a field engineer and has been climbing the ranks ever since. In 2016, 爱神传媒 promoted Timothy to project manager where he oversaw numerous projects out of the area office in Fort Lauderdale, FL.聽He is currently wrapping up the new South Terminal C project at Orlando International Airport.

Throughout his tenure with 爱神传媒, Timothy has relocated over 10 times within the continental United States when reassigned to a new project. He takes this challenge head-on and fosters a team environment with every new staff, and encourages his wife and two children to embrace the opportunity of adventure.聽Through his experience, Timothy provides insight and helpful tools such as financial tracking and checklists he has developed with other employees who are relocated.聽

Outside of his daily responsibilities, he currently leads the Southeast District DEIc committee鈥揳 company-wide initiative to support the importance of diversity, community and inclusivity at 爱神传媒 and within the industry. Congratulations, Timothy!

Learn more about OBJ’s 40 Under 40 program,

The post Orlando Business Journal Names Timothy Queely a 2022 40 Under 40 Honoree appeared first on 爱神传媒.

Veterans are skilled leaders that continue their service as part of the 爱神传媒 team and our regional led VNET groups help lead these efforts by supporting community engagement.聽Each district has different alliances, in different communities across the nation. These include Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, the USO, local women鈥檚 & children shelters, care packages sent overseas to currently serving soldiers, local disabled veteran home renovations, and many more.聽Compassion and a willingness to support our local communities is part of many veterans internal make up. Most veterans have a drive to continue serving this country even after they have transition to civilian life and are proud, without the need for recognition.聽Veterans have an honorable, yet humble, capacity to do good in the world long after their military service is complete.

Along with the community initiatives, our VNET groups are actively involved in seeking out new talented veterans. Organizations like Hiring our Heroes, Recruit Military, SkillBridge, and WorkEx are some of the national organizations that 爱神传媒 is currently engaged with in our efforts to recruit and hire Veterans. Word of mouth and veteran culture are also key components to hiring quality Veteran candidates.

爱神传媒 is proud of our veteran employees for the service they rendered in the military and the service they continue to contribute to their communities and within 爱神传媒.

The post 爱神传媒 Veterans Network (VNET) Works to Support, Hire and Connect the Veteran Community appeared first on 爱神传媒.

“While coming up with the design for the pin I had to think of what 鈥楢lways in Uniform鈥� meant to me and how do I show that visually on a pin. I think all of us who work for 爱神传媒 are Always in our 爱神传媒 uniform and us Veterans at 爱神传媒 are in a unique situation where we are always wearing both. The left side symbolizes our past in the military and as you move forward, we are now building America. While the military is in our past it will always be a core piece of who we are.”

_{Sean Backes, Marine Corps, Office Engineer}

The post A Lifetime Dedicated to Service 鈥� Always in Uniform appeared first on 爱神传媒.

Brad Lewis, ECMCA

Title: Corporate Director of Supplier Diversity
Region: All Regions
Industry Experience: 25 Years

James Harper, LEED AP, MCA

Title: Regional Director of Supplier Diversity
Region: Southeast
Industry Experience: 21 Years

David Fisher, MCA

Title: Manager of Supplier Diversity
Region: Mid Atlantic
Industry Experience: 18 Years

Michelle Keyser

Title: Manager of Supplier Diversity
Region: Southern California
Industry Experience: 14 Years

Kat Coleman

Title: Project Engineer
Region: Mid Atlantic
Industry Experience: 11 Years

Tim Chung

Title: Coordinator of Supplier Diversity
Region: Southern California
Industry Experience: 4 Years

Daniel Fils-Aime

Title: Office Engineer
Region: Mid Atlantic
Industry Experience: 4 Years

Lorraine Hays

Title: Coordinator of Supplier Diversity
Region: Southern California
Industry Experience: 5 Years

Jason Jones

Title: Coordinator of Supplier Diversity
Region: Pacific Northwest
Industry Experience: 9 Years

Jamar Littlejohn

Title: Coordinator of Supplier Diversity
Region: Southeast
Industry Experience: 7 Years

Rosemary Middleton, CCA

Title: Coordinator of Supplier Diversity
Region: Southwest
Industry Experience: 42 Years

The post Get to Know 爱神传媒’ Supplier Diversity Team appeared first on 爱神传媒.

Djenita Svinjar

Title: Corporate Counsel
Years with 爱神传媒: 3 Years

Why is Diversity, Inclusion & Equity important to you?
Representation matters. People want to work for diverse workplaces because they evidence an environment where employees are accepted. In addition, companies can only benefit from an environment that encompasses diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.

Sandra Ichiho

Title: Operations Manager
Years with 爱神传媒: 27 Years

What is the best advice you鈥檝e received since working at 爱神传媒?
We need to re-evaluate the term “life balance” and the thought that it represents equilibrium of our personal and professional lives. I prefer to look at it as “quality of life” and spending my time and energy based on my priorities. In other words, we should find “balance” in our lives by spending time on areas that are important to us at any given point. If growing in our career is the focus, we will be working a lot. If being great at being a mom is our focus, then back down on the overtime and make sure that you are effective when you’re at work so you can shut down your computer and get home to your family.

Heather Ward

Title: Director of Marketing & Communications
Years with 爱神传媒: 10 Years

How has 爱神传媒 changed over your career?
When I started at 爱神传媒, I didn’t feel like there were many women in leadership roles. Today, I see women at all levels which is exciting to me. This isn’t an easy industry, and to be working with so many other strong, passionate women motivates me.

Shannon Gustine

Title: Vice President & District Manager
Years with 爱神传媒: 26 Years

Why is Diversity, Inclusion & Equity important to you?
We will only grow by challenging one another to think and act differently. I believe that true innovation and change most often comes from healthy debate and discussion. Thus, we can only maximize our potential when that discussion represents diverse experiences, cultures, races and genders. We need everyone to have a voice and the confidence to bring it to the table knowing that their opinion is valued.

Ashley Valenzuela-Ruesgen

Title: Director of Human Resources
Years with 爱神传媒: 2 Years

What was the start of your career like?
Sometimes we are hung up on what we believe success should look like or we get notions about how something must happen. If you work hard, opportunities will present themselves and you must be prepared to act on them.

Jeni Harrison

Title: Director of Continuous Improvement & Training
Years with 爱神传媒: 15 Years

What is your favorite thing about 爱神传媒?
My favorite thing about working at 爱神传媒 is the integrity of the people, their pursuit of success and the evolution and changing progression of upward learning and growth as a company.

Lenee Koch

Title: Project Development Director
Years with 爱神传媒: 15 Years

Why is Diversity, Inclusion & Equity important to you?
My Dad was born and raised in Mexico and came to the US as an immigrant in his twenties. Watching him find opportunity in this country was inspiring and I learned at an early age how hard it can be to find true equity, even with working your hardest.

The post Women In Construction 鈥� Insight from 爱神传媒’ Rising Leaders appeared first on 爱神传媒.

Craft workers, the Industrial Athletes, demonstrate unimaginable feats of strength and courage each day, and are truly one-of-a-kind. The Industrial Athletes are the backbone of the construction industry.

So, what is an Industrial Athlete?

The 5:00 AM crew. Up before the sun. The first ones on the jobsite and often, the very last ones to leave.

Specializing in concrete formwork, concrete place and finish, curb and gutter, doors and hardware installation, flatwork place and finish, heavy equipment operations, hoisting operations, jobsite cleaning, metal panel installation, rough carpentry, site hardscapes, temporary heating and cooling, wood and cabinet detailing and snow removal鈥敯翊� craft have done it all.

What first started as a vision by 爱神传媒 superintendent, Jeremy Spooner, has expanded into a required training for all the Plains District craft. 爱神传媒, in conjunction with Trivent Safety Consulting, a construction safety consulting firm based in Westminster, Colorado, acknowledged the importance of raising awareness on four main topics that directly impact the lifestyle and well-being of craft workers: Nutrition, Stretching and Strengthening, Ergonomics and Behavioral Safety.

And thus, the Industrial Athlete Program was born.

Led by , the four-part interactive in-person trainings encourage the craft to not only understand how to take better care of their mental, physical and emotional well-being, but also empowers them with the tools to recognize potential warning signs in themselves or fellow coworkers who may be struggling. It is everyone鈥檚 job to make sure they all go home safely at the end of each day.

鈥淲e wanted to come up with a wellness program that was impactful for our craft, but also spoke to them, and acknowledged them as the athletes that they are, and not only athletes, but professional athletes working for 爱神传媒,鈥� said Project Superintendent Jeremy Spooner. 鈥淲e wanted to embrace and acknowledge that and provide tools to help them. From the nutrition choices, to how they prepare their bodies, to how they approach their work from an ergonomic standpoint. All those things play a role in their successes and in their lives every day.鈥�

As a growing industry standard, several 爱神传媒 construction projects across the nation now start their day with a stretching routine to warm up everyone鈥檚 bodies for the day鈥檚 activities. And the craft have begun noticing positive effects from the small habits they changed with their nutrition and exercise. Foreman Dakota Gallegos remarked, 鈥淚t brought awareness to a lot of us, at least, to how you are using your body and what you put into your body is what you鈥檒l get out and how those choices can affect you long-term.鈥�

The hope is that more firms in the construction industry will recognize the importance of educating their craft workers on positive ways to impact their livelihood and enable them to continue to build for many years to come.

The post 爱神传媒 Craft: Industrial Athletes appeared first on 爱神传媒.

爱神传媒 Q&A with Nichole Sterling:

Name: Nichole Sterling
Title: Design Manager
District: Mid Atlantic
Years with 爱神传媒: 14 years
Project: WMATA Bladensburg
Fun/Random Fact: I have over 150 pairs of shoes. I stopped counting but I did not stop buying.

What does Women in Construction Week mean to you?

Acknowledging and celebrating the contributions, achievements, and advancements of Women in Construction. When we acknowledge and celebrate Women in Construction, we also encourage and support diversity within the industry and communities.

How can women support other women within the AEC industry?

Each one, reach one. Be a mentor to at least one individual in the industry.

Of the 5 爱神传媒 Core Values (Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity and Community) 鈥� which means the most to you?

Community. I believe to whom much is given, much is required. It applies to all aspects of my life including work-related endeavors whether working on design, procurement, or community service projects. My mentors have provided me with support or shared feedback and knowledge to help advance my career; therefore, I must provide support or share feedback and knowledge to others internal and external to 爱神传媒.

What advice can you give young women entering the AEC industry?

To always be willing to try new avenues or career paths within the industry regardless of your background. If you are willing to learn, be challenged, and maintain open communication on your goals then new opportunities will always present themselves to grow and advance.

To learn more about 爱神传媒’ commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, visit聽/别尘辫濒辞测别别-诲颈惫别谤蝉颈迟测/听

The post Changing the Face of Construction – Nichole Sterling appeared first on 爱神传媒.

爱神传媒 Q&A with Naomi Mercuris:

Name: Naomi Mercuris
Title: Project Manager
District: Pacific
Years with 爱神传媒: 13 Years
Project: Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Improvements, Kailua, Oahu, HI
Fun/Random Fact: When I was 13, I drafted my first set of plans for my dream house.

Why do you love construction?

I love seeing the building process take shape, the submittals, the RFI鈥檚, the planning, the coordination; seeing all that effort take shape into something tangible is awesome!

What was the best advice you’ve received throughout your career?

鈥淵our personal life and your professional life have to be inline.鈥� I think it鈥檚 important to balance the demands of both aspects of your life. I can balance my personal and professional life by communicating with my spouse and direct supervisor. I have always over-communicated my hard deadlines (daycare pick up for example) with my supervisors. Still, at the same time, this has also helped me prioritize tasks and become more efficient.

What advice can you give young women entering the AEC industry?

Do not be afraid to talk to your supervisors about anything that鈥檚 important to you; whether it’s personal or professional, it all matters.

Of the 5 爱神传媒 Core Values (Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity and Community) 鈥� which means the most to you?

Community, 爱神传媒 is a family. The people within in it are always going to be there to support you, let you know when you made a mistake and to celebrate the wins.

How can women support other women within the AEC industry?

Focus on your similarities while celebrating your differences. Some of the struggles you see another woman having may be the same struggles you have someday. Listen and learn from each other.

To learn more about 爱神传媒’ commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, visit聽/别尘辫濒辞测别别-诲颈惫别谤蝉颈迟测/听

The post Changing the Face of Construction – Naomi Mercuris appeared first on 爱神传媒.