JR Merit Welcomes Multiple New Team Members in Winter-Spring 2022
It’s already summer! Where has the year gone? 2022 has been busy in team growth! So far this year, JR Merit has welcomed six new hires, and we’re still on the lookout for additional people to join us!
In January, we welcomed Project Engineer Jacob Iest. In February, Project Superintendent Jason Askim and Employee Experience Manager Ali Gadbaugh joined the team. And here in June, we’ve added Field Supervisor Brandon Smith and Administrative Assistant Christina Rider!
Jacob Iest, Project Engineer: Jacob made a career change from the dairy industry to construction and brought with him to his new role as Project Engineer experience in business management and technical analysis. He has a focused and flexible approach to his work and great communication skills. He attended Cal State Fresno and Purdue and received his degree in Business and Applied Economics. His hobbies include attending concerts and traveling the world—he’s even walked across Spain!
Jason Askim, Project Superintendent: Jason is an experienced concrete professional and field leader with a craft background in carpentry. His skills are helping expand our capabilities in the concrete market sector. Jason is a positive, open, and driven person with a lot to offer a new generation of construction professionals. In his free time, Jason enjoys backpacking and shooting, and he previously spent time in southwest Alaska as a fishing guide at his family’s fishing lodge.
Ali Gadbaugh, Employee Experience Manager: We were thrilled to welcome Ali into a new role at JR Merit—Employee Experience Manager. Ali has 15 years’ experience in the construction industry and is an organized, driven, and trustworthy professional who brings a fresh perspective and creative ideas for improving and growing our employee experience. Prior to joining JR Merit, Ali worked for the Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia Chapter, where she developed strong relationships and gained a deeper understanding of the construction industry and important industry initiatives around workforce development, industry advocacy, safety, and other key issues. Ali stays active outside of work as a spin instructor at StarCycle Vancouver and she participates on the board of directors for a local ministry nonprofit for women.
Brandon Smith, Field Supervisor: Brandon comes to JR Merit with 12 years’ experience as a steamfitter and 8 years in management roles as a foreman and general foreman. His work approach is highly collaborative, ambitious, and founded on integrity. When Brandon isn’t working, you can find him snowmobiling, riding dirt bikes and quads, hunting, trail running, snowboarding, or wakeboarding. He’s also summited Mt. Adams—in one day!
Christina Rider, Administrative Assistant: Christina brings a wealth of experience in the construction industry, having held roles as an administrative assistant, field administrator, and environmental health and safety administrator. She has a vast knowledge of safety and health and knows how to run an efficient office. Christina holds a degree in Psychology and Human Services. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, and going to the movies.
JR Merit is always looking for the best of the best to join our team. If you want to have a voice and work collaboratively to find innovative solutions to our clients’ construction challenges, we want to get to know you.
Contact us at recruiting@jrmerit.com to learn more about opportunities!