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 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 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!

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“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.

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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,

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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

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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.

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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.

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爱神传媒 Q&A with Sandra Ichiho:

Name: Sandra Ichiho
Title: Operations Manager
District: Southern California
Years with 爱神传媒: 26 years
Project: American Airlines T4/5 Modernization; LAX Airport Police Facility
Fun/Random Fact:聽I am one of six kids.

Why do you love construction?
I love the dynamic environment and working alongside a team, all working towards a common goal.

What does Women in Construction Week mean to you?
It is the celebration of women who have chosen this rugged path.

What was the best advice you’ve received throughout your career?
If you want to climb the corporate ladder, get out from behind your cubicle, network and find yourself a mentor.

What progress have you witnessed within the AEC industry since starting your career?
I have been in the AEC industry for 37 years. The changes as far as bringing women and people of color into the field have been exponential.

What does “Delivering EXCELLENCE in all we do.” mean to you?
It is the standard, a very high bar, for which we measure EVERYTHING we do.

How has 爱神传媒 supported you throughout your career?
爱神传媒 has been there for me through a significant health issue and when I needed considerations when I was having my children. The job demands are high, but there is flexibility for me to put my family first.

Of the 5 爱神传媒 Core Values (Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity and Community) 鈥� which means the most to you?
Every single one of these core values hits me right in the heart. I think this sums up why I’ve been here for 26 years.

How can women support other women within the AEC industry?
We have to lift each other UP. We have to support the idea of a sisterhood, not competition.

What advice can you give young women entering the AEC industry?
This is an excellent industry for women. Become the best at your craft and own your career.

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爱神传媒 Q&A with Tashi Hebel:

Name: Tashi Hebel
Title: Office Engineer
District: Western
Years with 爱神传媒: 4 years
Project: Valley Metro 鈥� Operations & Maintenance Center Expansion
Fun/Random Fact: I can say the alphabet backward.

Why do you love construction?

I love being able to add something beautiful to the world. There’s no better feeling than the one you get driving past a project you completed while thinking, “I did that!”

What does Women in Construction Week mean to you?

It’s a reminder that there are others just like me going through the same battles. Seeing the faces of my peers and hearing what they have to say, empowers me to face my own challenges.

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

Remember that you are not alone. You may have to adjust the way you think or a technique you’re taught, but that’s okay. If the end goal is accomplished, it doesn’t matter if you got there a different way.

What does “Delivering EXCELLENCE in all we do.” mean to you?

To me, excellence is going beyond expectations with grace. It’s trying to make a difference every day for at least one person or in one situation. 爱神传媒 stands out because it focuses on growing a culture of excellence across the country. That’s what makes us different from other construction companies.

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

On my very first project with 爱神传媒, one of my superiors told me a story about a woman he had previously worked with. She loved the color pink! So much so that she decided to order herself a pink hard hat to wear on site. Filled with excitement, she walked on site the next day, wearing it with the biggest smile he had ever seen. Unfortunately, this is not a standard color worn on the job site, and she received many unfavorable remarks. As the day progressed, he watched her smile fade away. The next day, he waited to see if she would wear the hard hat or not. To his surprise, she walked on site, again, with the biggest smile and the pink hard hat. He approached her and asked, “I have to ask, but what made you choose to wear it again?” She replied, “They were going to say something regardless of whether I did or didn’t wear my pink hard hat today. I’d rather stand out for something I choose, and that empowers me, rather than giving others the power to choose for me.” The advice I heard was, “Take control of the narrative and inspire others with your authenticity. ”

How can women support other women within the AEC industry?

Remember that we are stronger in numbers. We should be standing together to create more opportunities, instead of fighting against one another for a single opportunity.”

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爱神传媒 Q&A with Maria Martinez:

Name: Maria Martinez
Title: Area Superintendent
District: Northern California
Years with 爱神传媒:聽6.5
Project: Sunnyvale Civic Modernization Project
Fun/Random Fact: I was a competitive ballroom dancer in high school.

Why do you love construction?

I love construction because every day is different. It continuously challenges me and pushes me to grow and it stretches the boundaries of my imagination. It pushes the envelope of what is physically possible. I also love working with a group of people with different backgrounds that work together for a common objective. Despite everyone鈥檚 individual goals, if we collectively build the project on time and under budget, everyone wins.

How has 爱神传媒 supported you throughout your career?

爱神传媒 has supported me throughout my career by pushing me out of my comfort zone, yet providing a lifeline when I need it. They have encouraged me to take on roles that challenge me mentally and emotionally, but I have never felt alone, and for that I am grateful. I鈥檝e been blessed to work with individuals that care not only about my work results, but my family and my well-being and those individuals abound in 爱神传媒.

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

I would tell young women entering the AEC industry to maintain an open mind, work hard, be thirsty for knowledge, always seek to understand the why, and share your newfound knowledge with everyone who is interested in learning. The more you can train others effectively, the better leader you can become.

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

Of the 5 爱神传媒 Core Values, integrity means the most to me because it builds the foundation for everything else. If you are honest and genuine, mean what you say, follow through with your word, and do the right thing, fulfilling our other core values becomes more meaningful. Growing our business with integrity is so important because as Albert Einstein said, 鈥淲hoever is careless with the truth in small matters, cannot be trusted with important matters鈥�, and what we do as a company is important to our communities and to our people.

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爱神传媒 Q&A with Callie Hepler:

Name: Callie Hepler
Title: Project Manager
District: Southeast 鈥� Mid South Region
Years with 爱神传媒:聽11 Years
Project: Nashville International Airport Terminal Lobby & International Arrivals Facility

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

I had a Superintendent tell me as a Field Engineer 鈥淚f you鈥檙e at an impasse, ask yourself what is right.鈥� Trust your instinct and your integrity. The easy solution isn鈥檛 always the excellent solution. I think about that moment and have faith in those words to this day.

How has 爱神传媒 supported you throughout your career?

爱神传媒 is unlike any other company I鈥檝e witnessed; there is a true feel that the people around you become family. Any team, any job, any region are unique but alike in their dedication to their people. The teams I have been a part of have spared no effort to ensure every person has what they need to have a successful life, both at work and at home. My advice is if you are struggling, let someone know. Everyone has challenges, and in my experience encouragement and support can always be found amongst your team.

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

Being a minority in any industry isn鈥檛 a handicap, it鈥檚 an opportunity. Be proud of your individuality and use your unique strengths to your advantage. People will always be respected where respect is deserved. You鈥檙e the only person who can limit your capacity to excel. And always know that there is an ever-growing group of accomplished women in this industry who will offer support and guidance whenever necessary.

What does “Delivering EXCELLENCE in all we do.” mean to you?

To me, Excellence is a rare quality, one that requires you constantly work toward it. It means showing up, taking action, being dynamically committed to the right solution, having the urgency to adapt and hold up your team. Excellence is an outcome of dedication, detail, and determination working harmoniously. If you find it, hold onto it, deliver it, teach it, and be willing to grow and change with it.

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