Employee Spotlight: Cynthia Duerden

Employee Spotlight: Cynthia Duerden

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Q: How long have you been with the company?

A: I started with J.F. White right out of college back in 1996. It was a busy time with the Central Artery projects under way. I spent two years in the field and then moved to the Estimating department. After years in Estimating, I shifted to corporate controls to focus on cost tracking and forecasting. Now I’m more involved in all aspects of Operations which I find challenging and rewarding.

Q: What is your favorite memory while working here?

A: I loved listening to stories about colorful characters when I was first out in the field. Laughing in the field office will always stick with me. It’s at lunchtimes, holiday parties, rides with people, in between meetings that you get to know each other and really connect.

Q: What do you find most rewarding in your current role?

A: I most enjoy the people aspect of our business. Construction is very collaborative, and it is the team that makes all the difference. In my role, I get to meet with our managers and engineers regularly. Working together, watching their progress has been most rewarding.

Q: What has been a memorable moment at J.F. White?

A: Delivering bids (on paper) created some exciting moments for me. Electronic bidding is a little less dramatic than it used to be. I even attended a coin flip that decided which contractor would get a project when our prices came in the same.

Q: What are the top career lessons you've learned so far?

·???????Commit to the job you’re doing.

·???????Be curious and dig in more than just getting the assignment done.

·???????Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help where you are weak. Offering to help in areas of your strengths will help you find your path.

·???????Work hard so you can be proud of your work.

·???????Stay positive.

·???????Help the people around you to succeed and as a result, you will succeed.

Q: Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?

A: I have worked with some phenomenal people. Working in estimating and then on the corporate side, I’ve always been around our leaders. Steve Barlow and Kevin Egan were two very remarkable people whom I was able to work with closely. Bruce Grimaldi was another person I was lucky to learn from. He was so caring and concerned about people feeling like they were valuable and like they were developing in their career. Many others have taught me so much. I hope I retained and apply at least a sliver of it all.

Q: Where is your favorite place to be?

A: I love to be home with my family. I have a great husband, two wonderful sons, and fantastic parents and sister. The boys keep me busy and that makes me happy.