Awesome Associates: David John (Jacksonville)

Tell us a little bit about where you’re from and where you went to school: I grew up a little bit North of Pittsburgh, PA. I spent three years at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania getting a physics major with a pre-engineering degree, then transferred to and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a civil and environmental bachelors.

What drew you to this profession? I was always a kid who liked Legos and building things. As I grew up, I guess the only thing that changed was the things I built were bigger.

What types of projects have you worked on? I started out as an environmental engineer and worked on the design of a new water treatment plant and a wastewater treatment plant expansion project while dabbling in some electrical design. After joining WGI I have done lighting and roadway design.

What’s your get-pumped song? “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen

What do you like to do in your free time? In what free time I have I like to watch sports, play board games, and go camping a few times a year.

Have you read any good books lately? My friend recommended it so I’ve been going through the “Dresden Files” lately.

What does your ideal vacation look like? I like to experience new things, see new places. I especially like trying new food.

What was your first job? I worked for a grocery store as a stockboy.

What would be impossible for you to give up? Pittsburgh. I love the city and the people in it. I make sure to go back a few times a year.

Any interesting facts about yourself that you’d like to share? I met my wife at college where we fenced for the University of Pittsburgh. I fenced and competed for about eight years.

Who or what inspires you? My parents and grandparents. I have seen the hardships they’ve gone through and they have supported me through it all. 

Everyone at WGI has a story about why they joined the team. What’s yours? My wife got accepted into Jacksonville University to work on her masters in marine science and public policy. So two weeks after we got married and moved down to Jacksonville, the day after that I was asked to come in to interview with WGI. I had never done transportation work before but I figured I’d give it a try, at the time I just needed a job since my wife was going to be a full-time student for a bit. In my time at WGI I have seen the support they give their employees to grow and advance in their career. I see this as a company that I could really settle in with.

Thanks for your time, David. We’re proud to have you on the WGI team!

WGI is always looking for exceptional candidates to join our team. For an opportunity to work on exciting projects like David, be sure to visit our careers page to learn more.