EN
Get to Know Jon Brown
Here at ESS, we jump at the opportunity to brag about our best in class team. This month, we want to recognize Jon Brown. He is a phenomenal foreman and asphalt plant operator, and loves every minute of what he does.
Jon, or “Jon Boy” as he is affectionately called, has collectively spent more than a decade in the construction industry. Immediately after high school, Jon decided to go into the trades. He joined Chester Bross Construction, now an Emery Sapp & Sons company. Jon describes himself as somewhat of a jack of all trades. Early in his career, Jon took initiative. He sought out opportunities to learn new things and was willing to do any job that needed to be done including roles as a flagger, pushing a broom, running a roller – you name it.
After a few seasons in the industry Jon took his career in a different direction, but was never quite able to get construction out of his head. “I realized how fortunate I had been to have had the job with Emery Sapp, and decided to come back to work for them,” Jon said. From there he began operating a pro-sizer, and later moved on to the loading operator position. In 2019 Jon stepped up to the position of full time plant operator.
When asked about Jon’s leadership, plant Foreman Douglas Freeman said, “I had been working with the team to set up the asphalt plant, and unfortunately hurt my knee pretty bad. This injury had me out for about 6-7 months. My knee was trashed. Throughout all of this, Jon was there. He really took on the leadership role. We could not have done it without him.” It was thanks to Jon that our recent projects have been so successful. His leadership and dedication to ESS is admirable, and I’m glad it’s still being recognized today.
Assistant Vice President Matt Rattray spoke about Jon’s recent promotion to foreman, particularly in the ways he has thrived in the role. “Jon has done an excellent job this season. He continues to run Plant 8 after we purchased the new plant,” Rattray said. “He has been doing a great job with production this year and I commend his renewed focus to hit production goals in the safest possible way.”
Jon has recently been working on resurfacing Route 19 in Audrain County. Jon said, “this job has been really fulfilling for me. I can drive down the finished project and know that its a smooth transition – all because of the team’s hard work.”
More Facts About Jon
Personal Motto:
“A job worth doing is worth doing well.”
Guilty Pleasure:
“I enjoy a trip to the casino.”
Overused Phrase:
“That’s perfect!”
Office/field Nickname:
“Jon Boy”
What’s On Jon’s Bucket List:
“Travel the world. Take pilot lessons. Go on a big game hunt. Learn to speak Spanish. Go to a Super Bowl in person. Take a deep sea fishing trip. Run a 5k.”
What don’t we know about you?
“I’m a nerd at heart. I watch and listen to too many documentaries and educational programs.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I spend most of my time with family and friends. I like to go boating and do water sports. I look for any excuse to have a BBQ with family. I also work on a lot of home improvement projects (Hunny-Do Lists).”
Favorite guilty pleasure song that you jam out to in your truck before work:
Rihanna, “B*tch Better Have My Money”