Cliff-notes Version.
I have a new job at Dawson Construction. I left Ebenal General because of strong ethical differences. The Lord has greatly blessed our family, again. This summer (May-Sept.) I will be in Juneau, AK.
Full Version.
As many of you may already know, I now work for a different company. About a year ago while still at BYU, when I was seeking employment in Bellingham,WA there were four companies that I was interested in. The four companies that seemed to fit this description in the Bellingham area were (from largest to smallest): Dawson Construction, Ebenal General, Faber Brother's, and Credo Construction. These companies appeared to be strong, good quality, possibly had a need for new guys like myself, had plenty of work to stay busy and ride out the economic struggle, and had a central office where I would work out of (instead of moving with each job). One other thing that was very important to me was a piece of advice given to me from Brett, "In your line of work there really isn't a need for graduate school. Rather, your first job should be more like graduate school. Find a good job that someone will be willing to mentor you and really teach you construction management."
Of the four mentioned companies, Dawson Construction not only seemed to be the best of the group, but they were the company that got me interested in living in Bellingham in the first place. After applying and later following up with each company, only one had a position available, Ebenal General. After visiting with the company, I liked what I saw and heard. Vicky and I felt good about moving to Bellingham, and that the Lord was happy with having us here. And many things fell easily into place to get us to Bellingham.
My time at Ebenal General lasted about seven months. After starting work there last July, I learned early on that this was a company I would not be staying at for very long. There were many strong business and ethical differences between the owner and key managers in the company and myself that I knew this was not a place I should be. Never in my life have I gotten in trouble because I was not willing to be dishonest, and then looked down upon by many others because of the honest stand that I took. I knew I was not getting from my first job what I needed and wanted and could feel an emotional toll being taken on me and my family. Thus I began quitely and quickly looking into other options.
Last November I was blessed to start the interview process with Dawson Construction. After a couple interviews, a lengthy online personimetrics exam, and a couple of months, Dawson had an opening for me and made me an offer. The offer came on February 13. What a great Valentine's gift (if you will). I returned to Ebenal General Monday morning and shared with them that I had accepted an offer to work for another company and this was my two week notice. Ebenal General was very suprised. I spent a few hours working there that morning when from behind me my manager walked up, pressed the shut off button to my computer, and said, "You're done." I was so happy when that happened. Tuesday was spent at home with Vicky and the boys, and then Wednesday I started up with Dawson Construction. I am very happy at Dawson and feel there is a strong future there for me.
Dawson Construction is the largest construction company in Bellingham, WA. They are very, very well respected in this community. (And in as small of a community this is, that is a BIG thing.) They do almost all their work in Bellingham, WA and the Southeast area of Alaska. (The Southeast area of Alaska is all the islands at the 'southeast' portion of Alaska, sandwiched between Canada and the ocean. Many of these islands and cities are only accessed by boat or air, including, Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines, Skagway, and Sitka. (Haines and Skagway can be accessed by car, but it is much harder and longer to do so.)) The company has asked me to spend this summer in Juneau, and hopefully Vicky and the boys get to come. There is an elementary school renovation that we will be finishing and it will be on an intense schedule. Therefore the need to have an office person on site is essential. What an adventure and opportunity this summer in Juneau will be. After this summer I will return back in Bellingham to stay. I double checked with the owner of the company that I will be a Bellingham guy, before I signed on with Dawson. The project estimator/manager I am under has for Dawson roughly 35 years. His name is Gary and he is very careful and organized with his work. A couple days after I started at Dawson he shared with me some of his thoughts about having me around. He said for many years he chose not to have an assistant. But late last year he felt that he would like to have an assistant again. He wanted to pass on the things he had learned, and help me achieve mt goals. For me, Gary's comments were another direct answer to prayer. It was late last year, October/November when I really started praying hard that another opportunity would open up for me, in a much better environment and company.
I do not feel near as ignorant or naive as I previously was. I will always be grateful for my days at Ebenal General. What an incredible learning experience for me, one which I feel I would not have easily gotten elsewhere. It was not a waste to work there, but rather an expericene which will never be forgotten and will be used as teaching memories and moments the rest of my days. I know that the Lord knew I needed to have these experiences and opportunities. He also heard and answered my many prayers and fasts with the opportunity to work for Dawson Contsruction.
Below is a picture Gary took in Juneau, Alaska last September at the elementary school.
(Bears are not uncommon in the city. Notice the September snow in the background.)
