The Edgar M. Jolley Awards for Excellence recognize exceptional work within the EMJ family of companies. The Jolleys, named in memory of EMJ’s founder, Ed Jolley, Sr., are presented in three categories: Outstanding Performance, Outstanding Servant Leadership and Outstanding Project.
“We are proud of our all our employees who work to fulfill our purpose, to serve our clients, partners, and colleagues,” said Jack Bowen, President, EMJ Construction. “It is important to stop and recognize extraordinary achievements and employees throughout the year and celebrate great work. Congratulations to all this year’s award recipients and thank you for continuing the legacy of EMJ Construction.”
Outstanding Performance
The award for Outstanding Performance is EMJ’s highest individual performance honor. This award is given to one employee each year. Employees are nominated for this award by office leadership, and a committee selects the recipient. Nominees are judged against the following criteria:
- Exemplified strong work ethic, performance, and responsibility
- Modeled servant leadership and developed additional team member
- Demonstrated initiative and creativity in tackling difficult or unusual challenges
This year’s Jolley for Outstanding Performance is awarded to Jon Fair, Project Manager, EMJ Construction Dallas. Jon is the client relationship manager for the CarMax program.
Jon Fair, Project Manager, EMJ Construction Dallas
Jon provides an exceptional experience to the client and, along with the team, responsible for successful projects. Jon leads by example and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. For example, this year he led the way to create a weekend rotation program for the project team, providing relief for the field staff. Congratulations on the well-deserved honor.
Honorable mentions in this category include:
- Shane Hurley, Lead Superintendent, Chattanooga
- Rickey Palmer, Superintendent, Dallas
- Sheree Quarles, Divisional Controller, Chattanooga
Servant Leadership
The award for Outstanding Servant Leadership is EMJ’s highest recognition of an individual who exemplifies servant leadership as defined by EMJ’s core values. This award is given to one employee each year. Employees are nominated for this award by office leadership, and a committee selects the recipient. Nominees are judged against the following criteria:
- Lead by example
- Inspired and served others
- Exhibited EMJ’s core values
This year’s Jolley for Servant Leadership is awarded to Mike Coyne, Superintendent, EMJ Construction Dallas. Mike is the epitome of Superintendent.
Mike Coyne, Superintendent, EMJ Construction Dallas
Mike is willing to go wherever EMJ needs him and is relentless with it comes to meeting any commitments. He has moved offices and projects multiple times. Whatever his assignment, Mike is selfless and gritty. Leadership trust him he provides an exceptional experience to the client and, along with the team, responsible for successful projects. He lives out the EMJ purpose, to be people serving people.
Honorable mentions in this category include:
- Charles Grothe, Project Engineer, EMJ Construction, Dallas
- Matt Johnson, Accounting Manager, EMJ Corporation, Chattanooga
- Jonathan Woolsey, Project Manager, EMJ Construction, Chattanooga
Outstanding Project
The award for Outstanding Project is EMJ’s highest recognition of a project team. This award is given to one project team each year. Projects are nominated for this award by office leadership, and a committee selects the recipient. The team receiving the Jolley for Outstanding Project will meet at least four of the following criteria:
- Managed the team, schedule, and budget with precision
- Demonstrated a commitment to safety
- Delivered an exceptional client experience
This year’s Jolley for Outstanding Project is awarded to the Ruby Falls expansion in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Members of the team include:
- Tina Brogdon
- Ryan Colbert
- Taylor Copeland
- Matt Elliott
- Katie Haberberger
- Lance Lindsey
- John Rudez
- Cissy Scott
Located over 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls boasts the nation’s largest and deepest waterfall open to the public. The site has become one of the most popular attractions in the Southeast, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
The project took 14 months of meticulous planning and diligent work. With the expansion, visitors enjoy a new entrance lobby and pedestrian mall, as well as updated parking, ticketing, retail and restrooms. Other additions include renovated office space and enhanced observation of the city.
Due to its location and landscape, the project provided some unique challenges including hammering out rock and installing rock drapes to mitigate the risk of falling rocks. Click here to read more about the Ruby Falls expansion.
Honorable mentions in this category include:
- Graysville Elementary, Chattanooga, Tennessee
- CarMax, Norman, Oklahoma
Congratulations to all the nominees, winners, and employees dedicated to delivering unique, relevant client experiences, and operational excellence every day.