Employee Spotlight: Dakota Weathers

“I’ve known Dakota for almost 1 year. I’ve been helping him train to become a superintendent for O’Brien. He has worked his way up the company and was just recently promoted. It was well deserved. Dakota is a good person to choose for this spotlight because he is very eager and willing to learn. He upholds our core values, in his work and home life as well. He steps up when he is needed or asked. He’s a team player. I see Dakota being a solid superintendent for his future at O’Brien.”

-Jim Tobin, Senior Superintendent for Portland

Q&A with Dakota

I grew up in the construction industry with my dad owning a company building pole barns, shops, and garages. I have been on jobsites since I was old enough to pick up nails off the ground. I have tried my hand at being a mechanic, a commercial fisherman, doing home maintenance and I built camp trailers for 3 years in Pendleton Oregon. I have found construction to be much more rewarding.

Being able to see the previous projects we have done years later. And it brings back the memories of the job. All the people involved and what it took to complete it. The relationships that we are able to build with the owners, our co-workers, and subs. And being able to say I work for the company that built that or I was a part of that project it just gives you that gratification and pays for all the hard work that we all put in.

Honestly, I am proud of every project that I have had the opportunity to work on. Although the most rewarding project was the playground that we built at the Nestucca k-8 school. It was something out of the ordinary and something I had never done. Being able to see and hear the joy of the kids that went from a one slide outdated playground to this amazing new playground with two slides, a space ball, multiple other pieces of equipment and rubber turf! That has to be the one that I am the proudest of.

I was hired out of the Cannon Beach office, I was born and raised in Tillamook Oregon just under a hour away.

I am a big believer in supporting small local businesses. One of my favorite places to eat would be East on West in Netarts. They have amazing smash burgers and Philly cheese steaks. If you’re ever in the area I highly recommend looking them up. As for my favorite spots to visit, I enjoy being on the water either on a boat, on the bank, or in it, or being up in the woods. I also love spending time with my family wherever that takes us.

Good communication is key to a smoothly operated project. We have a wealth of knowledge in every aspect of construction within our team and if you’re struggling with something its almost guaranteed that someone has a solution for your task.

This year I have managed to reach a few goals that I have set for myself thanks to my family, friends and the O’Brien team/family for believing in me and helping me get to where I am today.

Set goals for yourself and check them off one at a time. That goes for at work and your personal life as well. Always have a positive attitude. If you don’t know how to do something ask for help or advice. Nobody will think of you any different. We are here to help you grow, learn and achieve your goals.

Q&A with Dakota

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