Jeff Purdue
Sr. Vice President & Division Manager - Power & Industrial
- Years with Bowen: 19
- Why I Chose Bowen: I chose Bowen because I was not happy with the culture of the company I was previously working for. I love Bowen because of our culture and the passion and genuine concern that Bowen employees have for people - our clients, vendor/subcontractor partners and each other.
- What I have learned at Bowen: I have learned that being a good communicator and having a positive attitude has gotten me a long way in life – both personally and professionally. I have also learned that I have been able to enjoy success because I have surrounded myself with a team who is more intelligent and more talented than I am. I have also learned that you can be successful in life by doing the right thing and concerning yourself with helping other people get what they want out of life. I have also learned the power of a sincere compliment.
- Education: Washington Catholic High School (like a number of fellow Bowen employees!) and Purdue University - Civil Engineering
- Background/Experience: I first got interested in construction and studying Civil Engineering when I worked with my cousin Rusty and his Dad, my Uncle Russ. Rusty and I started surveying with Uncle Russ when we were 13-years old every Saturday, year round, in hot and cold weather. This provided both of us with a great opportunity to develop our work ethic and get exposed to a part of engineering. I have always looked up to my Uncle Russ, who got his Civil Engineering degree from Purdue…it was an easy choice of where I wanted to go to college. Uncle Russ taught me a lot of things such as: cows will lick the paint off of a new Chevy Blazer if you leave it parked in a pasture. Interesting fact: My mother stripped (furniture) to put me and my brother Aaron through college.
- Key Projects/Clients: Danville, IL WTP: my first project, I mentored under Walt Pieczko, Dale Bowen, Rick Winkles and Sonny Stockdale as a Field Engineer. Lynn Meisenhelter was the RPR that also taught me a lot on that project.
- My Unique Ability: Taking risks, dreaming about Bowen’s future and helping to drive the Bowen culture. Also sending emails.
- Favorite Quote(s):
“A leader never does an insignificant act”.
- Recommended Book/Movie/Music: Book: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, first published in 1957, is a great fiction novel exploring capitalism, socialism and communism and the power of independent, rational thought and what it takes to be a productive member of society. I personally recommend listening to this book on tape – get it from your local library.
- When I'm Not At Work I: I like to stay busy doing physical activities with the family (swimming, biking, golfing, baseball, bowling, etc..). I am presently attempting to get into better physical shape by training for my first sprint triathlon (PS - the fear of drowning is a great motivator).
- Favorite Sport: I am a die-hard baseball fan…always have been always will be. When I was young, my #1 dream was to become a catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. I grew up idolizing the Cardinals’ Lou Brock. Although I never reached this dream, I was able to play Division 1 baseball while getting my degree at Purdue. My next dream is to spend a week at the St. Louis Cardinals baseball fantasy camp….that is a dream I know I can achieve…I just have to pay for it! lol
- Favorite College Team: Hmmm, let me think about this one. PURDUE BOILERMAKERS! I bleed black and gold. There is no place I would rather be than with my family, on a Saturday in the Fall, watching my Boilers at Ross-Ade Stadium.
- Favorite Professional Sports Team: 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals.
- Best Golf Score: Definitely whenever I play in a golf scramble! To be more specific, playing in a golf scramble with Dave Smith.
- Most Memorable Bowen Moment: I am most proud of being part of (3) teams that constructed Bowen “Build America” award winning projects. I believe that Bowen has won 5 of these national awards and it is a special feeling to be recognized by your industry peers. I have very fond memories of celebrating with other Bowen team members and our clients when Bowen has sent us to receive the awards at AGC’s National Convention (Las Vegas, Nashville & San Antonio).
