Q&A with JE Dunn’s Preconstruction Services Manager, James Anderson

Anderson was heavily involved in phase 2 of an office development for client Trimble, a leading construction technology firm located in Westminster.

By Malorie Williamson

JE Dunn Preconstruction Services Director and Vice President, James Anderson.

“In Pursuit of Building Perfection” JE Dunn Construction has assembled a team of people who serve their community and live up to the mission of enriching lives through inspired people and places. One of those team members is James Anderson, preconstruction services director and vice president.

Facts about James:

  • James earned a bachelor’s degree in organization management from Colorado State University.
  • James was introduced to the world of construction by his college roommate’s dad.
  • He started as a carpenter before being introduced to the commercial world.
  • Outside of work James loves to golf, fly-fish and camp.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I have found that if you really care about people then they will care more about you as a leader. I chart the course for my people and then trust and empower them to carry out the vision. I think people like to have challenging assignments and they like to understand how important their work is to meet the end goal. I focus on giving my team the tools and the opportunities they need to be successful.

How would you describe your team?

Honestly, I have a team full of rock stars. They know what to do and how to do it, and as long as I give them the opportunity and the stretch goals, they are going to take it and run with it. I love
the folks I work with.

Who has been a mentor to you?

Ed Horne – the guy who hired me in the first place. He taught me what quality was and pretty much how to do everything in the industry. He was very influential for me as a very young person out of college, especially not knowing what I wanted to do. As a person, he was full of integrity and the type of person I strive to be.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Admit when you are wrong and when you need help. As a young person, especially when I came into construction, there were things that I did not know and when you work with seasoned professionals, they know when you do not know. It is easier to admit what you do not know and ask for help than lose respect.

Additionally, it is important go the extra mile even when others are not expecting it of you. Creating this habit will help you in your career. If you do the best you can in every position that you are in, and focus on what you are doing now instead of thinking of your end goal, bigger and better opportunities will be presented to you.

What opportunities or support has JE Dunn provided you to be successful?

I would say one of the greatest things about JE Dunn is how much training they provide for employees. I am in the middle of my second leadership class that JE Dunn provides and it is a really great, really large investment in you as a person. They also invest in us by allowing us to travel, by bringing in speakers, and conducting personality assessments and 360 performance
reviews.

Which projects standout to you that you have completed with JE Dunn or that you are currently working on?

Cherry Hills Country Club
Western State Colorado University – Student Housing, Field House, Quigley Hall
Trimble’s Corporate Campus
World Trade Center in Denver

What opportunities are you looking forward to in your career?

I would like to leave a legacy by giving back to the community. My next step would be to find an organization that I am passionate about where I can leave a lasting impact.

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