The Real Harris: John Jeske
Tell us about your background. How did you get your start in the construction/service/BAS business?
I’ve been an in-house construction lawyer for almost 17 years, mostly with an exterior façade contractor. I got started in construction because the law firm where I practiced prior to that had an opening in their Construction Law group.
What drew you to Harris? What makes you stay?
The culture and the people are the answer to both questions! I knew our CEO, Michel, at my previous employer, so he was my connection to the business, but the more I got to know the people and the company while interviewing, the more impressed I was and excited about the possibility of coming to work here.
What do you enjoy about working at Harris?
The emphasis on Harris’s culture and commitment to being a destination workplace. Harris really walks the walk, and I’m extremely excited to be here!
What is the best part about your position?
The best part of the position is partnering with our operations people and the other departments to tackle difficult issues as a team. I really have fun with the people I frequently work with, and I’m so impressed with the quality of the people and how talented and dedicated our teams are.
What traits do you think are important for someone in your role to be successful?
Work ethic, emotional intelligence, humility, people skills, common sense, and a good sense of humor!
What are your main responsibilities and initiatives that you lead?
I, along with my impressive team of Missy Staudinger and Lindsey Fix, lead Harris’s legal efforts, including litigation, contract review, advising our operations people and other corporate departments on whatever legal issues we face as a company.
What are you passionate about at work?
Helping other people do their jobs as effectively as possible. I get a great deal of satisfaction from successfully teaming with our Harris project teams to help accomplish our business objectives.
How do you like to re-charge?
Jiu Jitsu, reading, and spending time with my wife, Amanda, my kids Jack (13) and Eva (10), my golden retriever Charlie (4), and the rest of my extended family.
What keeps you up at night?
Letting down the people I care about.
What are you most proud of at Harris?
The relationships that Missy, Lindsey, and I are building with our operations teams and the attitude of humility and customer service with which we try to approach our work.
What is one thing Harris employees wouldn’t know about you?
I am a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I train as many times a week as work and family responsibilities will allow, and I absolutely love it. I’ve competed a few times at tournaments around the country.
What drew you to this industry?
I love that construction people are usually down to earth and fun to be around, and that I can see the tangible results of what I have worked on anytime I visit a large American metropolitan area.
What do you wish the public knew about Harris?
It’s the best hidden secret of a workplace in the Twin Cities. It is truly a destination workplace, with great people and great culture, and exceptional at delivering certainty to its customers.
What inspires you? What motivates you?
My faith and trying to honor God with how I live and work and treat people inspires me. I am motivated by people who truly walk the walk with regard to their own life, and I also get fired up watching other people do their work with passion and intensity.
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