Employee Spotlights

In a twist of fate, my journey with AP began during my college years when I had the chance to walk through a project site where an immediate family member was collaborating with AP as the general contractor.  The AP team members had enthusiasm and professionalism that left a lasting impression on me, and I quickly sought out AP at a career fair, eager to join such a remarkable group. I felt fortunate to land a position with them at the start of my career, and it has been a rewarding experience ever since.

AP has played a pivotal role in my professional development. The culture here is characterized by openness and support, fostering growth not only in technical skills but also in ethics and professionalism. I was eager to learn about the real-world construction market, and I found that every corner I turned at AP offered a helping hand. This collaborative environment has allowed me to thrive and expand my knowledge, making each day at work an opportunity for growth.

Reflecting on my time at AP, I realize that while I wouldn’t want to switch jobs with anyone else, I would advise my younger self to get more involved and network more extensively within the organization. The construction industry in the DFW area is filled with incredible people, and building those connections early on would have been invaluable. For prospective candidates, I can’t emphasize enough the fantastic culture at AP. It’s not just a buzzword here; it’s a genuine atmosphere that anyone would be proud to be part of.

Looking ahead, my wish for the next decade with AP is to witness our regional growth as anticipated. I believe AP has the right ingredients for success, and our people are our greatest asset. The camaraderie and excitement I experience daily make this journey even more fulfilling. One of my proudest moments has been watching my colleagues succeed, supported by a structure that prioritizes servant leadership.

For Carey Everson, construction is about more than building structures; it’s about solving problems and creating built environments that make a difference in the communities they serve. With 27 years of industry experience and a background bridging architecture and construction management, Carey brings a unique perspective to her role as Senior Project Manager at AP.

Carey is highly regarded for her expertise in managing complex corrections projects, as well as her ability to anticipate challenges and develop innovative solutions. A prime example is her work on the Carlton County Justice Center project, where she led the early schematic design of a precast package. She anticipated supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and quickly developed a solution to address the year-long lead time for precast to prevent significant schedule delays. Carey’s collaboration with structural engineers and subcontractors early in the design phase ensured the alignment of design and schedule milestones and kept the project on track and within budget.

Paul Coughlin, Carlton County Jail Administrator and Project Manager for the Carlton County Justice Center highlights Carey’s impact on the project: “From the outset, Carey’s leadership and meticulous attention to detail were evident, particularly during the selection process. She took the time to fully understand the needs and vision of the ownership team, ensuring that every decision made contributed to a final product that would best serve our community. Thanks to Carey’s expert guidance and strategic oversight, we successfully delivered a $75 million project that has been celebrated by the community. Her exceptional project management skills were instrumental in making this project a reality, and it will continue to serve our community for many years to come.”

In addition to her project management role, Carey is deeply committed to mentoring and developing her team. She consistently encourages her colleagues to ask critical questions and understand the ‘why’ behind decisions, helping them understand the reasoning behind their work. Her straightforward and supportive leadership style inspires others to take ownership and lead confidently, helping to build the next generation of leaders at AP.

Carey’s advice to others is simple: don’t dwell on obstacles. Instead, focus on building relationships, demonstrating your expertise, and earning trust. To her, success is built on competence and performance. Her transition from architect to project manager reflects her adaptability, determination, and resilience. By leading with confidence and expertise, she continues to shape the industry and inspire those around her.

Project Manager Sean Mendez has been with AP for 14 years. He values his role because it allows him to challenge himself through the diverse opportunities provided by leadership. “My opinions are welcomed and heard, and I have a role in building some amazing projects,” Sean explained.

When asked to name a favorite AP project, Sean said it was difficult to choose. “They’ve all had something special to remember, but if I had to pick one, it would be the City of Aurora’s Public Training Center. There were so many unique features that I had never worked with before—and might never again. There was a burn building where fires were set for training purposes, a propane farm that supplied fuel for the burn props in another building, and a pond that collected the water used to extinguish fires, which was then recycled and pumped back through the hydrants.”

Caleb Frost is a project manager in our Southwest region. He started his career journey at AP in 2021, bringing his extensive healthcare tenant improvement background to our new-build construction projects. What initially drew Caleb to AP was the company’s solid reputation in healthcare construction. After his first field assignment, he knew AP was a company where he could contribute his talents and grow his career.

Among the many projects Caleb has worked on at AP, one stands out as his favorite: Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital Peoria (RRH Peoria). This project presented a unique blend of challenges and rewards, offering him an incredibly enriching experience.

For those considering a career with AP, Caleb imparts the following advice: “The construction industry is demanding, but at AP, the support for personal growth is unparalleled. Never underestimate the significance of being part of a company that is genuinely invested in your professional development.”

As he looks ahead, Caleb envisions AP’s Southwest region continuing to excel as a market leader. Beyond mere financial success, the company will maintain its commitment to fostering a robust corporate culture, ensuring its enduring strength and vitality.