Elevated Internships
Level Up Live – An Intern Experience. It sounds a little like we’re giving out Fortnite tips, doesn’t it? But instead of leveling up the gaming skills of our Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) intern’s, our goal of the Level Up Live event was to elevate their experience here at ESS and take it up a notch.
On July 7th, interns from every location joined us at the Columbia shop for this half day event. Starting with lunch and conversation, the interns not only got a chance to network amongst themselves, but also with ESS executives. This provided a lot of value to both the interns and leadership, giving them the ability to learn from each other by talking about their experiences here at ESS.
Our Company has a rich history and strong legacy. Executives shared their pride in ESS with the young audience. The Workforce Development team was also on hand to encourage the interns to experience all they could within the variety of jobs that our company has to offer. No event would be complete without a little friendly competition and prizes. Our trivia challenge brought out everyone’s competitive side and offered even more opportunities to learn about ESS and the construction industry.
Everyone in attendance received a “boots on the ground” look at one of our local projects when we took them on a little field trip to the Project Luigi job site. As the big iron was operating in the background, the interns got an opportunity to ask questions to the project team members including Assistant Vice Presidents Curtis Shuman and Brian Burks, Project Superintendent Ryan Aholt and Grading Foreman Travis Gregory. All aspects of the project were discussed from procurement to plan reading, to mobilization and construction.
“Events like these are so important.” said Workforce Development Director, Sara Snodderley. “They give the future workforce the opportunity to connect with leaders in the organization, explore the company culture, and experience a side of our industry they may not otherwise get to. We hope it’s enough to convince them to continue a career at ESS or in the construction industry.”
ESS would like to give a big shout out to all the interns of 2021. We are amazed with all the fresh ideas and hardworking energy you put into your summer with us. The support you have provided both in the field and the office is immeasurable, and for that we thank you!
Meet the 2021 ESS Interns
Jesse Chandler-Wallen
Estimating Asphalt Intern
Missouri State University, Construction Management
Why did you choose to intern at ESS?
The family environment that I felt on my first day was unmatched. They showed me they cared about teaching me and showing me the ropes.
If you could play any sport professionally, what would it be and why?
Golf because I can be fat and still win.
Hunter Chappel
Safety Intern
University of Central Missouri, Occupational Safety and Health
Who is your favorite person that you have met at ESS so far and why?
Evaristo Gonzales. He has been my supervisor throughout my internship and has guided me and taught me a lot.
If you could build a bridge to get you from here to anywhere, what would the destination be?
From the office straight back to my house. I hate evening and morning traffic.
Addie Chase
Marketing Intern
Kansas State University, Strategic Communications
Why did you choose to intern at ESS?
To get out of my comfort zone and get experience and knowledge in an industry that I previously knew nothing about.
The house lights have dimmed. The crowd is getting excited. You’re about to walk out on stage. If you had to choose your walk-up song, what would it be?
“Feel So Close” by Calvin Harris.
Jordan Choate
Project Management/Estimator Intern
Missouri State University, Construction Management
Why did you choose to intern at ESS?
The Culture from the interview really brought me in, as well as the ESOP.
If you could steal credit for any great piece of art, film, book, song etc, what would it be and why? Fast and Furious, the movies are slowly declining in reality but still make a lot of money and bring big crowds to the theaters.
Ethan DuBois
Skilled Laborer & Project Management Intern
Missouri State University, Economics with a Minor in Construction Management
Why did you choose to intern at ESS?
I chose interning with ESS because of the trajectory of growth that we’re on currently. From the growing footprint to the growing ESOP, ESS is on the rise and being able to learn from and work hand-in-hand with industry leaders is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
What is something unique that you are passionate about?
Newspapers!
Susan Haenisch
Marketing Intern
University of Arkansas, Journalism with an Emphasis in Advertising/Public relations, with a Minor in Business
Who is your favorite person that you have met at ESS so far and why?
I love all the marketing interns! We have the best time working on projects together and have become friends outside of work.
If you started a food-truck, what would you serve? and name your truck.
If I started a food truck I would serve snow cones with ice cream and fun toppings. The name of my truck would be Susie’s Snow Cones.
Chris Hernandez
Estimating Intern
UMKC/Rockhurst (Dual-Program), Civil Engineering
Why did you choose to intern at ESS?
I chose to intern at ESS because I saw the work ESS had done and thought “I want to be a part of that”. This company has serious man-power and executes projects much larger than what other companies are even able to bid. I said from day one, “I want to play for the winning team” and I believe I found it in ESS.
What is something unique that you are passionate about?
I am passionate about weight-lifting and am always working on some long-term goal that I want to achieve. I discovered in high school that weight-lifting is a great conduit for stress relief and have been passionate about bettering myself ever since.
Clint Herrick
Laborer Intern
Fort Hays State University, Construction Management and Construction Technology
If you could play any sport professionally, what would it be and why?
Wrestling, I have always loved the sport partially because my dad was a coach. I love how it is an individual sport but also a team sport. It also is a legal way of imposing your will onto someone.
The house lights have dimmed. The crowd is getting excited. You’re about to walk out on stage. If you had to choose your walk-up song, what would it be?
“Some Ol’ Boy From the 90’s” by Jon Wolfe.
Jackson Lehr
Mechanic Intern
State Technical College of Missouri, Associates in Applied Science
What do you want out of this internship?
To learn hands on skills and knowledge that can’t be found in the classroom but from someone that has experienced it first hand.
Who is your favorite person that you have met at ESS so far and why?
Couldn’t say I have a favorite, everyone that I have met so far at ESS has been nothing less than great to be around.
Jarin Nitsche
Survey Technician Intern
Pittsburg State University, Construction Management with an Emphasis in Company Management and Civil, with a Minor in Business and Construction Technology
What do you want out of this internship?
I want more knowledge and experience in the field because that is what I like to do, but I am open to learning anything new and being put on something that challenges me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Swing hard, just in case you hit it. I take this as work as hard as you can all the time because you never know who’s watching and who will see it when you’re done. I like to take this as to do it right and work hard just in case someone sees it.
Hailey Paulson
Office Administrative Intern
Evangel University, Biblical Studies
If you started a food-truck, what would you serve? and name your truck.
I would serve breakfast and call it 7 o’ clock.
If you could build a bridge to get you from here to anywhere, what would the destination be?
London, UK.
Taylor Rode
Office Administrative Intern
Fair Grove High School
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I think the best advice I have ever been given was by my Dad, Jason Rode, and I think it is when he told me “When your best isn’t good enough work harder.” While it may sound a little harsh, this simple statement has given me the strength to work harder than I thought possible and do things I never thought I would be able to do.
Would you rather receive a Grammy, an Academy Award or an Olympic Gold Medal? And why?
Personally, I would be the most proud of an academic award as I know that in receiving that I would have overcome many challenges and obstacles in order to obtain that award.
John Teter
Data Prep Intern
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Civil Engineering
Why did you choose to intern at ESS?
I was born and raised in Columbia, I’ve been around Emery Sapp my whole life. I’ve been treated great and have been given the chance to work on a ton of fascinating projects the past two summers. It was a no-brainer to come back for my last summer before graduation.
Who is your favorite person that you have met at ESS so far and why?
Logan Patterson, he’s got a great work ethic and has been a great mentor/teacher for me during my time with data prep.
Kate Torline
Marketing Intern
Kansas State University, Strategic Communications
What is something unique that you are passionate about?
I am passionate about photography and telling people’s stories!
If we hooked your favorite playlist up to the office speakers, what would the first song to play be?
“Bambi” by Hippo Campus.
Olivia Woodbury
Marketing Intern
The University of Kansas, Strategic Communications
Why did you choose to intern at ESS?
I chose to intern at ESS because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and get experience in an industry I knew virtually nothing about. When I came in and toured the office prior to the start of the internship, everyone was so kind and I got a very positive feeling about the culture in the office.
Would you rather receive a Grammy, an Academy Award or an Olympic Gold Medal? And why?
An Olympic Gold Medal because it would be awesome to win something like that on a worldwide stage.
Grace Wright
Marketing Intern
Evangel University, Strategic Communications
What do you want out of this internship?
I want connections, a possible job opportunity, or just overall a good experience in a career I think I want to do.
If you could play any sport professionally, what would it be and why?
Soccer, because I have played it my whole life and it would be amazing to be able to be known as an “amazing soccer player” just like all the other pros.
Other 2021 Summer Interns
Brock Bookout
Safety Intern
University of Central Missouri, Occupational Safety and Health
Zach Holtmeyer
Estimating Intern
St. Elizabeth High School
Emma Hoover
Human Resources Intern
Central Methodist University, Nursing
Shane Johnson
Project Management/Estimating Intern
University of Arkansas, Civil Engineering
Tyler Keelin
Laborer on Pipe
State Tech, Utility Systems
Andrew Luebbering
Operator
State Tech,Heavy Equipment Operation
Jacob McFail
Project Management/Estimating Intern
University of Missouri, Major – Civil Engineering, Minor – Construction Management
Cole Shoemaker
Trim Crew & Laborer
State Tech, Heavy Equipment Operation
Breadon Swaim
Equipment Operator
State Tech, Heavy Equipment Operations