In 2016, EMJ launched the Edgar M. Jolley Awards for Excellence to recognize its most exceptional employees. The “Jolleys,” named in memory of EMJ’s founder, are presented in three categories: Outstanding Performance, Outstanding Servant Leadership and Outstanding Project. In this three-part blog series, EMJ highlights our Jolley recipients, and why they were selected for these awards.
The peer-nominated Jolley for Outstanding Servant Leadership is awarded to employees who exhibit exceptional servant leadership.
“Servant leadership is the idea that we should all serve each other, and we can do that from any level within the organization,” says Doug Martin, Chief Operating Officer. “That’s the culture we’re trying to develop here at EMJ.”
At EMJ, a servant leader is defined as someone who is selfless, honest, passionate, smart, responsible and gritty. These five employees stand out from EMJ’s 500+ people within its family of companies for their desire to put others first, lead by example, and inspire, support, train and invest in their peers.
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oey Barbeauld, Senior Project Manager in EMJ’s Chattanooga office, serves in various roles that go well beyond his job description and promotes servant leadership to all in his sphere.
Over the past year, Joey served as a member of EMJ’s Mentoring Program Advisory Board, leading the corporation’s efforts to engage and fulfill employees through the implementation of various programs including one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring and peer mentoring through the EMJ Guide program.
Joey played a key role in the development of a new client relationship in the student housing sector, which has resulted in multiple construction projects and new pursuits. He also serves as a client executive, or 24/7 point-of-contact, for Nordstrom, with whom EMJ has collaborated on 13 construction projects.
In addition to his his work, he mentors and trains new Project Engineers and Project Managers, reinforcing the company’s “open-door” policy by allowing new employees to go to him with any need or request.
Ken Boyd, Lead Superintendent, fulfills EMJ’s commitment to cultivating a culture of servant leadership by mentoring to ensure the future success of the corporation.
From co-ops to Level II Superintendents and new Project Managers, Ken initiates mentor/mentee relationships with each employee, regardless of whether he or she is a direct report.
Ken has received three Sunshine State Safety Awards for his team’s commitment to safety on the job site and sets high expectations for quality, safety and creative solutions on every project. He leads by example on every project and proactively trains and assists new employees with creating personal growth goals.
Ken led the work on the Bass Pro Shops project in Gainesville, Fla., and quickly earned the trust and respect of the client. This exceptional client experience led to EMJ’s work on a second project for the retailer in Daytona, Fla.
“Ken has served all of the parties that he has touched at a high level over the past few years and is a great example to everyone within the family of companies,” wrote Ken’s nominator.
Donnie Foreman, Superintendent at RedStone Construction Services, leads by example to his peers, colleagues and subcontractors on the jobsite.
He is currently working on River Spirit Casino & Resort, and he has been an immense asset to the client and team by proactively problem solving to avoid issues and thinking creatively to deliver unique value.
Donnie is a willing leader to his RedStone family, as well as the many subcontractor teams on River Spirit. He communicates well and isn’t afraid to speak up and take control of a situation to find a solution. A true steward for the client, he prioritizes the project’s integrity, even if it means potentially stepping on toes.
“Donnie has been an invaluable source of information to me and has instructed me on better practices on several occasions,” his nominator wrote. “He thinks outside the box and is willing to get involved in any task or situation, even if it adds work to his to-do list.”
Stephanie Hall, Accounting Supervisor, embodies stewardship daily in EMJ’s Chattanooga office by putting the team’s success before her own.
She leads by example, always with a positive, can-do attitude, and places others’ needs above her own—whether the person is her direct report or another teammate.
Stephanie serves as a mentor beyond her role and works diligently with team members to ensure that they are successful in their positions and are efficient in their processes. She is a forward thinker and brings new ideas for overcoming obstacles.
“Stephanie is one of the most selfless people I have ever known,” wrote her nominator. “She will always stop what she is doing to help a coworker—even if it causes her to work late or on the weekends to get her own tasks completed.”
Jaime Miramontez, Warranty Manager, continues to show the enthusiasm and dedication that stood out 25 years ago when he was recruited for EMJ’s Dallas office.
Jaime places EMJ’s reputation above all else—putting any issues above his personal needs to ensure projects and clients are properly taken care of first. He prioritizes quality and constantly thinks “outside the box” to make a repair or improve an installation.
He serves as a mentor to new employees,
co-ops and interns by teaching the valuable skills that can only come through years of experience and instilling EMJ’s culture of servant leadership through example.
Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2017 Jolley for Outstanding Servant Leadership. To learn more about what it’s like to work at EMJ, visit emjcorp.com.