M I D W E S T F I E L D O P E R AT I O N S & S E L F - P E R F O R M N E W S L E T T E R JULY & AUGUST 2026
H IG H LI G H TS Birthdays & Anniversaries July & August 2026
Leadership Lowdown Pat Lichte Josh Coyle
Employee Spotlights Reuben Wyatt Keaton Bohnenkamp
On Our Level Kyle Arnold William Kelley
BIRTHDAYS July 1 Nathanial Nelson, Eric Jones, Aaron Cool, Blake Williams, Juan Rendon Hernandez, John Charbonneau, Kyle Daugherty July 2 Carmen J Rodriguez, Edith Binder, Adam Coen, Amy Demaranville, Jacob Hamm, James Foutch, James Lockard, Pete Stearns, Robert Coen, Travis Miller July 3 Damon Bond, David Voigts, Derek Streeter, Quinn Kline, Tyler Schuller July 4 Nosakhare Ohanmu, Ray Winter, Riley Wiglesworth, Todd Parrack, Justin Jarrell, Leo Vazquez July 5 AJ Kelly, Jacob Gerken July 6 Lee Gipson, Wilfred Mendoza, Jeanluc Moreau, John Tann July 7 Adam Smallwood, Bruce Neer, David Scott, Jay Owens, Joshua Flott, Robert Brown July 8 BakariL Rivers, Charlie Anderson, Greg Kennedy, Gregory Mitchell, Nate Minnis, Nathan Pointer July 9 Andrew Estrada, Floyd Guliford, Francisco Diaz, Gabriel Meyer, Josiah Estrada, Miguel Becerra, Patrick Roach, Yuslenis Ibarra, Javier Buendia-Rodriguez, Cara Fancher-Shields July 10 Landon Grogan, Randall Erickson, Austin Mark, Jacob Stephanek, Jerrold Hansen, Jozef Lech, Stacia Amaya-Reyes July 11 Josiah Fillingham, Mykah Husman, Austin Grant, Charles Matzes, Christopher Sullivan, Hanzell Rivas Tellez, Ramiro Camarillo
July 12 Mitchl Mellen, Nicholas Dunagan, Chris Burnup, David Henriquez, Francisco Ochoa, Joseph Fields, Robert Bissell, Tyler Clayton, Justin Rowles, Mario Rios, Brandon Aguilar-Juarez July 13 Larry Fleagle, Nicholas Lidgett, Donald Secrest, Joel Eaton July 14 Travis Anderson, Vanna Thorne, Isaiah Lind, Johnny Oetting, Josh Taylor, Seth Birkinsha July 15 Gaspar Granados, Jared Kelly, Cory Taylor, Curt Brich, Reuben Wyatt July 16 Carlos Leija Martinez, Max Reves, Caleb Kauffman, Casey Habig, Emily Meyer, Hunter Clifton, Kevin Perez, Matthew Case, Miklos Guevara July 17 Andrew Eigsti, Austin Ware, Chad Ebright, Collin Coit July 18 Anthony Nieto, Cade Wilhelm, Charlie Stark, David Jadron, Gage Hart, Jason Heimer, Jesus Moreno-Lopez July 19 Gabriel Hardy, Matthew Larson, Bryon Garber, Carlos Saenz, Miguel Solis, Thomas Hennen, Vicente Meza-Rodriguez July 20 Steve English, Travis Von Almen, Brad Lundberg, Donald Akin, Kevin Bustillos, Samuel Bruce, Victor Flores July 21 Hunter Clingenpeel, Justin Shorter, Frank Carrasquero, Jeffery Eads, Kyler Popplewell, Tristan Brandt, Keanan Carlson, Kyle Bogner, Billy Snavely, Charles Mason, Paul Gonzalez-Barragan, Lacresha Kuykendall
July 22 Timothy Tierney, William Brown, Corey Erdkamp, Jake Handke, Luis Galindo-Mendoza July 23 Craig Boustead, David Fjeld, Juan Gomez-Pampillo July 24 Darcy Ahrens, Jose Villagomez, Alexander Soule, Cole Parks July 25 Scott Moore, Tiernee Fichter, Copi Hill, David Johnson, Erick Rivera, Jesus Rivera, Wilber Martinez-Salgado, Zach Blanton July 26 Carlos Nerio, Craig Mabbitt, Shane Heider July 27 Braden Price-Wiser, Sam Droege, Brian Robinson, Brogan Posey, Sierra Eaton July 28 Anthony Deleon, David Bindi, Michael Ewing, Reece Miller, Jason Bailes, Jesse Torrez, Jose Sanchez Mason July 29 Coltin Malchow July 30 Bryce Markworth, Dennis Manley, Marquis Sharp July 31 Juan Cano, Kieran Samson, Michael Shuey, Paul Stiver Aug. 1 Adam Cain, Alex Pylypczuk, Brent Tritle, Chase Binder, Cody Morlan, Cory Simon, Dean Parisien, Jose Solorio, Kolin Mertens, Kyle Kelly, Michael Saye Aug. 2 Fuller Russell, Logan Miller, Mike Parrow, Ryan Evans, Heyzell Rivas-Rodriguez, KeVauhn Washington
Aug. 3 Rathell Artley, Tyler Greathouse, Braden Ewing, Evan Paschal, Oscar Millan, Paula Winkler, Travis Bott, William Eaves, Norberto Gaytan-Garcia Aug. 4 Joshua Nothdurft, Juan Arredondo, Junior Espinoza, Melinda Strong, Michael Mitchell, Shawn Jenkins, Cody Buresh, David Cruse, Juan Galicia-Merida, Wesley Johnson Aug. 5 Corey Denny, Ronnie Johnston, Jacob Trapp, Kade Shirack, Ewell Pugh, Jacob Deppa Aug. 6 Tyler Curtis, Christopher Nowicki, Amanda Wright, Dominic Simms, Oscar Sanchez, Roberto Valadez, Ronald Masters Aug. 7 Jaxon Warford, Jordan Booton, David Bird, Jack Heffley, Marc Deshields Aug. 8 David Reyes Bautista, Jacob Long, Andrew Williams, Dalton Jestes, Mike Mora, Rodelvi Alonzo Aug. 9 Daniel Sprinkel, Dennis Gayman, Elizardo Morales, Ethan Tidwell, Hunter Poe, Mark Day, Matt Bird, Martin Hernandez-Martinez, Scott Owens, Tom Blankman, Rodolfo Lopez De La Rosa Aug. 10 Jamie High, Michael Miskowiec, Ricardo Moreno, Rostell King, Brent Dail, Brian Mincks Aug. 11 Austin Parrott, Timothy Perry Aug. 12 Jon Beatty, Mike Keeter, Tyler Dice, Mario Candia, Rocky Rodriguez, Billy McKinzie, Damian Baltazar, Gus McGee, Johismir Ceballos, Koltin Nichols, Justin Alberts
Aug. 13 Braydon Mitchell, Mason Moore, Stephen Reynolds, Trent Kantola, Will Sewell
Aug. 24 Erik Prieto Palma, Joseph Jennings, Luke Weidner, Nate Barr, Zach Burch
Aug. 14 Daniel Corral, Willy Schafman, JoAnn Lay, Letticia Hennon, Josh Bolen, Kevin Rothwell, Phillip Read, Terry Karrick, Toby Brock
Aug. 25 Bobby Potts, Dustin Le, Jim Boeck, Andrew Sampson, Kenny Roberts, James Etheridge, Kevin Proctor, Melissa Smith, Nathan Curl, Jaye Mathis, Kyler Kittock
Aug. 15 Jorge Villarreal, William Dohmen, Kenneth Kappelmeier, Nick Maley, Scott Yount
Aug. 26 Alex Boney, Frank Dolincheck, Yahir Hernandez, Tracy Logan, Manuel Flores, Tomas Vargas, Edward Cox, Jon Whaley, Christopher Kemerling
Aug. 16 Andrew Larsen, Brent Friedrich, Logan Tallman, Richard Bruhn, Joey Trusty, Zack Soule Aug. 17 Brian Gorrell, William Duckworth, Luis Tovar, Raymond Manassero, Dawn Casey, Jay Torgerson Aug. 18 Katherine Lopez, Nick Chorley Aug. 19 Carter Deppa, Chase Sucharski, Clayton Bertz, JoseLuis Jimenez, Kenneth Arnold, Tina Tolson, Terry Dorr Aug. 20 Ricardo Medina, Rick McCormick, Jared Warford,Kaleb Popplewell, Felix Ramirez Vega, Jim Hert, Christopher Lopez-Franco, David Mijares Aug. 21 Alexis Salas, Brandon Felhaber, Casey Dudek, Damion Mueller, LaVello Giles, Richard Miller, Steve Hall, Steven Cox Aug. 22 Antonio Grajeda, Brett Hoeflicker, Chad Griffith, Christian Mendez, Alvaro Villalpando, Tim Simms, David Lickteig, Jeffrey Roberts, Silverio Zamora-Gonzalez Aug. 23 Darren Angel, Landen Halvorson, Francisco Torres, Jeremy Desch, Jeremy Hughes, Jose Medina, Kevin Hicks
Aug. 27 Armando Prieto, Brooke Coleman, Clifford Machimity, Doug Heinen, Colton Swenson, Justin Slinker, Marc Jackson, Ryan Closser, Scott Donner Aug. 28 Anthony Vollmer, Wendy Manning, Jeff Harris, John Barthelme, Justin Jones Aug. 29 Brent Williams, Christian Owens, George Nichols, Jamey Stephens, Aaron Baker, Beverly Denton, Miguel Velazquez, Nick Hiatt, Eleazar Gomez-Mares, Michael Woody Aug. 30 Joshua Luther, Julio Cienfuegos, Gavin Hamilton, Jay Schmidt, Aldo De Jesus Zavala-Flores, Carson Mills, Collin Miller, Shawn Bettencourt, Thomas Johnson Aug. 31 Melissa Rhodus, Ron Jackson, Alec Sharp, Jeremy Chrisp, Tyler Tibbs, John Maddox, Jose Espino, Kelly Clark, Carlos Camano Payan
A NNIVER SAR IE S 40 YEARS
22 YEARS
11 YEARS
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33 YEARS
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21 YEARS • Edith Binder
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Rick McCormick Jim Wiese Vicki Gibson
32 YEARS • •
Andy Jones Kisha Bausby
31 YEARS • •
Andy Taylor Sombut Buasri
Chris Stockdall Jim Moore
20 YEARS • Kim White • Ryan Perkins • Seth Larson • Brad Meyer • Pam Johnson • Tami Brown
30 YEARS
19 YEARS
• • •
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Antonio Grajeda Brad Lundberg Jeffrey Walker
29 YEARS •
Rick Meyer
Phil O’Neal Brady Myers
18 YEARS • •
Jeremy Chell Thomas Schlarb
28 YEARS
17 YEARS
• • • •
• •
Amy Conkling Christopher Fink David Jardon Norman Wagner
27 YEARS • • •
Jon Whaley Mitch Underwood Brett Pratt
26 YEARS
Cassandra Morrison David Hullinger
16 YEARS • • • •
Chad Schubert Craig Beemer Chad Griffith Robby Veal
15 YEARS
25 YEARS
• • •
•
14 YEARS
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Gary Rogers Luke Morrison
24 YEARS • • • •
Brian Helmich Jeff Blaesing Josh Bolen Paul Miller
23 YEARS • • • •
Dusty Hunt Brad Martin Christopher Smith Josh Dooley
• • •
Greg Jobe Emily Eutsler Lauren Stanley Jack Walliser Kyle Hubers Matt Miltner
13 YEARS • • • •
Doug Skoog Beth Hammond Brooke Sorensen Travis Hatlestad
12 YEARS •
Mark Stang
Danny Atwell Joshua Coyle Angela Talbot Chad Balkovec Chris Shipley Christopher Johnson Drew Davidson Gregory Wiseman Kaleb Shipley Zack Smith
10 YEARS • • • • •
James Kennedy Joshua Sosa Miranda Bunde Ryan Closser Michael Esselman
NINE YEARS •
Reuben Wyatt
EIGHT YEARS • • • • • • • • • • • •
Cody Henderson Michael Johnston Blair Bishop Daniel Foye Goven Rendon Jamie Pavlich Michael Saye Nathan Curl Scott Moore Sean Mallory Shaun Sullivan Thomas Doolittle
SEVEN YEARS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Elizabeth Stouffer Gene Royer Gregory Graham Karissa Baughman Ryan Lund Cade Felsinger Colt Willis Darren Younker Jesse Wilson Jose Espino Pablo Lara-Valadez Prima Philmalee Robert Brown Scott Yount
A NNIVER SAR IE S SIX YEARS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Claudio Jacinto-Hernandez Dustin Smith Fidel Granados Keaton Bohnenkamp Kevin Schliesman Nick Hiatt Cole Chisler Daniel Lukens Darius Drew Emily Allen Heather Boyd Jack Thomas Julia Schwarzenberger Kara Boshart Nik Bergstrom
FIVE YEARS • • • • • • • • • •
Clayton Woods Cole Conner Jim Schlangen Kiel Larson Michael Mitchell Alan Kastler Billy Dickinson Brian Scott Israel Jimenez Shawn Matteson
FOUR YEARS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Antonio Ruiz Braden Schultz Jake Frye Jake Handke Joe Klamert Joseph Jennings Kerrigan Sheffield Manuel Flores-Rodriguez Mo Tafreshi Nick Dyke Paul Whitenack Russell Hardison Shannon Gieck Shawn O’Neal Zachary Lener Cole Ojala Dusty Attleson Hunter Silvey
• • • • •
Jack Householder Juan Rendon-Hernandez Phil Tinklenberg Steve Dennis Travis Noble
THREE YEARS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Brian Chiles Christopher Reese Conrad Medina Jackson Blaesing Jose Mendoza-Mijangos Jose Munoz Baeza Justin Foster Milton Guess Pedro Lopez-Rodriguez Sam StoneHyde Servando Vazquez Shawn St Pierre Zoe Carlson Alexander Lohf Caleb Rick Clayton Bertz Dustyn Coons Dylan Martin Edwin Alonzo Acal Ezequiel Rodriguez Hilda Molina de Fernandez Jake Otto Jose Vazquez-Martinez Joshua Clark Justin Jardon Mayra Serrano Lopez Miguel Velazquez Nick Chorley Omar Mijares William Brown
TWO YEARS • • • • • • • • •
Adam Torres Alyssa Kmetz Anthony McKinzie Billy Card Brian Johnson Carlos Telleria-Gutierrez Carter Johnson Chris Posch Christopher Arbuckle
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Dalton Boerner Ernesto Hernandez Jacob Long Jamie Hauser Jason Buckley Jason Roscoe Jeremy Meissen Joey Scheman Jorge Chavez Juan Arredondo Katie Cooke Kevin Proctor Kurt Knudsen Lane Hennessey Larry Archer Marin Boucher Matthew Olson Renee Mosby Rey Crisostomo Samuel Berglund Sydney Lindenberg Teddy Helton Theodore Kittock Tony Oehrlein Tyler Paul Tylor Poitier Alex Carney Alexis Galba Austin Oase Brandon Spiers Brian Cayce Chance Hunter Christopher Sullivan Cyndil Bramble Efrain Rodriguez-Sotelo Eric Wiser Erin Aldridge James Patroske Jarod Minkoff Jaylen Dickau John Tschirhart Jonathan Sparks Jordan Ahrendt Joshua Koehn Martin Trigoso-Chacon Matthew Mulder Matthew Oquist
A NNIVER SAR IE S • • • • • • • • • • •
Michael Rist Randall Adams Reginald Jeffrey Steven Ramos Taylor Mills Teddy Butterfield Terry Miller Tina Sevart Tracy Otey William Holsted Zowie Spicer
ONE YEAR • Andrew Heinson • Aquilino Medina • Arturo Pinon • Benjamin Long • Brandon Marin • Britton Zavala • Brody Shewmaker • Caden Goetschius • Cesar De La O • Charles Moseley • Christian Dalabeach • Christian Fisher • Christopher Kemerling • Conor Kennedy • Corben Oldham • Dallas Jones • Daniel Stevens • Deandre Woodson • Donavan Kiddy • Evan Paschal • Frank Carrasquero • Garran Maxwell • Hugo Solares • Jack Heffley • Jacob Kanzler • James Lester • Jarod Edwards • Jarret Scholz • Jeffery Harmon • Jesus Ceja • Jesus Delgado • Joe Garrett • Johny Granados-Avila • Joshua Dunn • Joshua Shirack
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Kaleb Gant Kinsey Norton Lance Cisler Lashon Stewart Levi Crews Matthew Nelson Michael Barnett Michael Nevels Norberto Gaytan-Garcia Ricardo Moreno Ronnie Johnston Samuel Hepworth Shayla Dees Sir Castillo Stephen Arnold Teddy Butterfield Trent Kirkpatrick Tyler Haer William Dohmen Beverly Denton Brady Zeigenbein Brett Bokonich Brett Smith Brian Bacon Craig Jarrett Crystal Haugsness Darius Harrison David Miller Donald Whenham Erik Dosch Gavin Hamilton Ildefonso Villagomez-Gutierrez Jacob Fordyce Jacob Gerken Jacob Irwin Jaden Moore James Baker James Phillips James Swarts Jason Closser Jennifer Wood Jerry Skinner Jesus Martinez John Sanders Jordan Schwartz Joseph Wilson Joshua Dull
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Justin Niccum Justine Rogers Kali Simonson Kevin Perez Kyle Belk Leland Blackburn Luis Meraz Madison Koller Magnus Steinlage Mason James Matthew Longacre Melissa Rhodus Michael Longacre Neal Pascaretti Nicole Manning Nosakhare Ohanmu Philip Casey Rodrigo Zavala Sean Mcconnell Sean McFarland Stacia Amaya-Reyes Stephen Reynolds Willy Schafman Zach Crawford
LEAD E RS HIP L O W D O W N Growth, Progress & New Partnerships Pat Lichte, Midwest Operations Leader 2026 has been a busy and exciting year for our Midwest operations. Continued growth across the business is creating new opportunities, strengthening our capabilities and positioning us for sustained growth throughout the region. One of our most significant milestones is the continued progress at Form’s new facility. Construction is advancing steadily, with interior finishes set to begin soon. In parallel, Nick and his team are planning for equipment installation so operations can begin as quickly as possible once the facility is complete. We are also pleased to officially welcome Henry Carlson Construction to the JE Dunn Construction family. This partnership expands our presence into South Dakota and advances a core strategic priority for our business: growing our self-perform capabilities. Henry Carlson brings extensive experience delivering work with its own skilled craft professionals, closely aligning with our commitment to self-perform excellence, workforce development and delivering added value for clients. Josh Coyle, who has successfully led Henry Carlson’s operations for several years, will continue in his leadership role as we join forces. Josh and his team bring valuable expertise that will help us better understand the work they selfperform, the markets they serve and the opportunities to support projects across the Midwest. Their capabilities will strengthen our collective ability to pursue and deliver work throughout the region. To introduce the Henry Carlson team and highlight its capabilities, Josh has contributed a companion article in this edition. We encourage you to take a few minutes to learn more about the team, the work they perform and the value they bring through their strong self-perform culture. As opportunities arise, please connect with Josh and his team, share a warm welcome and explore ways we can work together to support our clients and communities. These developments introduce another important step forward for Midwest operations. We look forward to building on this growth as one team, strengthening our capabilities, expanding our reach and continuing to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
LEAD E RS HIP LOW D O W N Spotlight on South Dakota Josh Coyle, South Dakota Field Operations Leader A Legacy of Building in South Dakota Henry Carlson Construction has been a part of South Dakota’s building industry for more than a century. The company’s roots trace back to 1902, when Henry Carlson Sr. immigrated to the United States from Sweden. He began his construction career as a laborer before becoming a skilled stonemason. Drawing on that experience, Henry partnered with William Snitkey to establish Carlson-Snitkey Construction Company in 1919. In 1924, Carlson assumed full ownership of the business, which was renamed the Henry Carlson Company. The company grew quickly and, by the 1930s, had become one of the largest building and construction companies in South Dakota. Evolving Through Self-Perform Work Self-perform work has long been central to Henry Carlson’s culture and success. Through the 1990s, the company self-performed masonry, concrete, steel and precast work. That broad mix helped develop strong builders with firsthand knowledge of layout, production, quality and the critical handoffs between trades. Over the past 20 years, Henry Carlson has primarily self-performed carpentry, steel and precast work. While the mix of work has evolved, the company’s commitment to developing people from within has remained constant. Whether team members begin their careers in the trades or after college, Henry Carlson has built a strong tradition of helping people grow into capable builders and leaders. Building Communities and Critical Facilities Over the past century, Henry Carlson has developed an extensive portfolio across the healthcare, education, manufacturing, justice and government sectors. The company built the original Sioux Falls Regional Airport and, more recently, completed a new parking ramp and terminal-lobby addition. Since 2005, Henry Carlson has partnered with JE Dunn through joint ventures on several important projects, including: • • • • •
South Dakota State University Practice Facility South Dakota State University Football Stadium Sanford Children’s Hospital Minnehaha County Jail Expansion South Dakota State Penitentiary
These projects reflect a longstanding working relationship built on trust, shared values and a common approach to delivering complex work.
LEAD E RS HIP LOW D O W N Spotlight on South Dakota Continued Developing Builders and Leaders Like JE Dunn, many Henry Carlson superintendents began their careers in the trades or as field engineers. Carpenters, ironworkers and field engineers gained firsthand experience in how projects are built before stepping into leadership roles. Several team members have followed in the footsteps of family members and have spent more than 30 years with the company. This continuity has helped Henry Carlson pass down generational knowledge, reinforce high standards and develop great builders at every level of the organization. As South Dakota Field Operations becomes part of Midwest Field Operations, the team is excited to build on that legacy — combining Henry Carlson’s experience and self-perform culture with JE Dunn’s resources, reach and commitment to developing future leaders. Bringing Mining Expertise to the Midwest The Sioux Falls steel crew also brings specialized experience in the mining sector. The team has extensive knowledge of erecting steel for mining and material-processing operations, including structural steel, conveyors, crushers, screens and related equipment. While quarry and process work shares many similarities with traditional steel erection, it requires specialized knowledge of equipment integration and sequencing, particularly in active facilities that must remain operational during construction. South Dakota Field Operations can help other JE Dunn offices shorten the learning curve as opportunities arise in this specialized market. A Natural Fit The partnership between Henry Carlson and JE Dunn is not a new one. For more than 20 years, the two companies have worked together to deliver hospitals, stadiums, jails and, most recently, a state penitentiary. Our long history of working together made joining forces a natural next step. Henry Carlson and JE Dunn share a commitment to investing in people, developing talent from within and delivering work the right way. Now, as one team, we will build on those shared values — strengthening our self-perform capabilities, creating new opportunities for our people and continuing a legacy of exceptional building that spans more than a century.
EM PLO YE E SPO T L I G H T
REUBEN WYATT ROLE & CURRENT PROJECT: Carpenter Foreman; Lifescape Children’s Campus, Sioux Falls, South Dakota What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? I enjoy working with other people to create the convergence of learning, teamwork, logistical planning, problem solving and process standardization. The results are satisfying not only for the amount of quality work it produces but also the camaraderie everyone shares growing and succeeding together. What was the last book you read? Six Months in 1945: FDR, Stalin, Churchill and Truman by Michael Dobbs and From World War to Cold War by David Reynolds. If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Theodore Roosevelt, Alexander Hamilton, George S. Patton, Hannibal Barca. Who is your favorite author? Louis L’Amour Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why? Alaska. I lived there seven years. People in my family have moved to, stayed in or moved back from there since the late 40s, so lots of family ties and history. I have traveled the Alaska Highway three times. I highly recommend a trip up the Alcan. The mountain views, rivers, hunting and fishing are unforgettable.
EM PLO YE E SPO T L I G H T
KEATON BOHNENKAMP ROLE & CURRENT PROJECTS: Self-Perform Project Manager; Corson Quarry Steel Erection, Lifescape Children’s Campus Carpentry & Steel/Precast Erection, & Okoboji Elementary School Steel Erection What motivates you to work hard? My biggest motivation is my family. My wife, Hanna, and I welcomed our first child a couple months ago, and providing for them and giving them the best life possible is what drives me to work hard every day. They give me a strong sense of purpose and motivate me to do my best. How do you define success? To me, success isn’t measured by how much money you make, the size of your house, or the vehicle you drive. Those things can come and go. I believe success is measured by the relationships you build, the respect you earn and the impact you have on people around you. If our family loves you, people genuinely want to be around you, and you’ve lived in a way that people will be there for you at the end of your life, that’s what I consider true success. I try to bring that mindset to work by treating people with respect, working hard, and being someone others can count on. If all jobs had the same pay and hours, what job would you like to have? I have always loved the outdoors, so my dream job would be to have my own TV show, hunting and fishing all over the world. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I’ve always dreamed of having a house on a few hundred acres of land some place where I could walk out our back door and take our kids hunting and fishing. Any favorite line from a movie? My favorite line doesn’t come from a movie, but it was a graduation speech that Denzel Washington gave: “True desire in the heart for anything good is God’s proof to you, sent beforehand, that it is yours already.”
KYLE ARNOLD Trade Foreman 2 (Union)
WILLIAM KELLEY Superintendent 1-Trade (Union)
Positive Attitude, Stronger Teams, Better Projects Construction is demanding work. The hours can be long, the weather does not always cooperate, schedules change, materials arrive early or late, and projects rarely unfold exactly as planned. Those challenges come with the territory. While no one can control every variable a project brings, every person can control one important factor: their attitude. That choice has a meaningful impact on team morale and ultimately, project success. Skills, experience, equipment, planning and resources all matter. But even the best plan cannot reach its full potential if the team is not working well together. A crew with a positive attitude and strong morale communicates more effectively, solves problems faster, works more safely and stays productive when conditions become difficult. The difference is easy to see. On a job site where people help one another, take pride in their work and focus on solutions, that mindset encourages others to do the same. In contrast, when complaints, criticism and blame become the norm, motivation suffers. Communication can break down; teamwork weakens and productivity declines. Attitudes are contagious — both positive and negative. A strong attitude does not mean pretending problems do not exist. Construction teams will face disagreements, frustrations and difficult days. The difference between a strong team and a struggling one is not whether challenges arise; it is how the team responds to them. Constructive problem-solving means communicating issues early, listening to different perspectives, offering feedback that helps people improve and keeping the focus on solutions. When team members address challenges this way, they can resolve issues more quickly, make better decisions and maintain progress. Teamwork often shows up in small but meaningful ways. This includes staying a few extra minutes to prepare for the next day or taking time to teach a new team member to speak up about an unsafe condition or checking in on a coworker who is having a difficult day. These actions build trust, respect and a sense of shared responsibility. When people feel comfortable speaking up and contributing ideas, they become part of the solution. When team members feel valued, they take greater ownership of their work and the project’s outcome. Morale is not established on the first day of a new project; it’s built one day at a time through the way people treat one another, communicate and show up for the team.
Continued Attitude also extends beyond the job site. Everyone has responsibilities and pressures outside of work, including family, friends and community commitments. Getting enough rest, taking care of yourself and making good decisions outside of work all contribute to showing up as a dependable teammate the next day. Project success is about more than completing the work. It is about how the team gets there. The pride of looking at a finished project and saying, “I had a part in that,” comes from knowing the work was completed safely, collaboratively and with respect for the people doing it. No one can control the weather, schedule changes, material delays or every challenge a project may bring. What everyone can control is how they respond. Choosing to help instead of criticizing, communicating instead of complaining and focusing on solutions instead of blaming can make a significant difference. Attitude drives morale. Morale strengthens teamwork. And teamwork drives project success. Construction is about building things, but successful projects are built by people who support one another, work together and take pride in what they do. Everyone on the job site has an opportunity to shape that outcome if you bring a positive attitude, look out for your coworkers and leave the job site better than you found it.
The construction industry experiences the second-highest suicide rate of all industries, making it vital that JE Dunn ensures our employees have the support they need. We put our people first and strive to support the whole person. If you or a friend are thinking about suicide or need emotional support, please call or text the 988 Lifeline network. Help is available 24/7 anywhere in the U.S. To access additional resources, visit the 2026 Speak Up for Suicide Prevention campaign page on Connect.