Employee Spotlight: Mark Jones

Employee Spotlight

This month we sat down with Mark Jones, Head of the Commercial Division, who has been with Sigmon Construction for almost four years and has developed the commercial department into what it is today.  With Mark’s bright smile and light-hearted energy we are glad to call him our own.

Q:  What is one of the most rewarding parts of your job?

Mark: I love to build and I love to be around people- I love the customers and I love to try to envision what they envision and make it a reality.  It’s very rewarding to make things and make things happen.

Q: What is one thing that most of our customers don’t know about you?

Mark: Outside of loving to build buildings, I like to make small things too. I love to work in my workshop and make things; dollhouses, toys, etc.; that I donate to raise money for charity and for the church.

Q: How has the construction industry changed over the last 15 years?  

Mark: It’s gotten a lot more competitive – the labor force is not as abundant as it was 15 years ago. Regulations are more stringent, too – for good reason.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to customers when selecting a contractor?

Mark: You want to make sure the contractor has plenty of experience, is open and honest, and can answer questions.  A positive attitude and genuine interest about what the client wants is the most important thing.

Q: Where would you like to see Sigmon Construction in the next 5 years?  

Mark: On the commercial side I would like to see a broader variety of construction projects that we do.  I would love to see us increase our presence in the dental, medical, and retail markets… something that I did for years and years.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  

Mark: Working and doing mission work for the church.  I volunteer at Camp Oak Hill, a Christian children’s camp in Oxford.  I also enjoy fishing.

Q: If you were stuck on an island what one item would you want to have?

Mark: A rod and reel. Actually, I think I’d rather have a helicopter.

Q: You’re working on the condos at 1300 St. Mary’s right now… what do you like about that project?

Mark: I’ve really enjoy working with Roland Gammon, and I like that his team has a high standard of quality.  A lot of our clients have that in common which helps a project run smoothly.

Q: What got you interested in the construction industry?   

Mark: I was born into it- my family has always been in construction one time or another.  As a kid growing up in the mountains of Hendersonville I would build tree houses all over the neighborhood…I had seven at one point.