We recently met with Justin Humke, a Business Unit Leader from our South Central region who is based out of ourDes Moines, Iowaoffice to learn how he has grown at Braun Intertec and what it’s like working with his team.
What is your role at Braun Intertec?
I’m currently a Business Unit Leader for the Upper Midwest region. My background is ingeotechnical engineeringbut I’ve since taken on more of an operational and business development role.
Tell us about your background.
I studied engineering for a funny reason, actually. I don’t have any family or friends in this field, but math and science always came pretty easy for me. In middle school one of my teachers pretty much told me she would be disappointed in me if I didn’t grow up to become an engineer. She must have seen something in me, so I went to school for it, and the rest is history!
I started at Braun Intertec as a co-op in 2011 and worked within the construction materials testing and drilling departments. Over the next few years, my role evolved into the geotechnical engineering group working on transportation and commercial projects throughout Iowa.
我在2017年成为业务单元管理器,打开our Des Moines, IA office in 2019, and became the Business Unit Leader of the Upper Midwest region in January of 2021.
What got you interested or led you towards IADOT–specific work?
In 2012, our team picked up our first Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) On-Call contract. Through our project delivery on that contract, we were able to build relationships with the Iowa DOT, and with other heavy civil firms we were working alongside. Since then, we have become their trusted partner and go-to geotechnical engineering firm. It has allowed us to work on several high-profile projects all over the state of Iowa.
What is your favorite part about working at Braun Intertec?
My favorite part about Braun Intertec is its willingness to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit of its employees. As I mentioned, my background is in geotechnical engineering, but I’ve always gravitated towards the operational and business development aspects. This willingness to allow me to pursue those passions is something not many companies would do, and I feel very fortunate to be part of such a supportive organization.
As for our office, we’ve grown so much. We were just a small branch office when I started and have worked our way up to where we are right now where I’ve had the privilege of working on some of the most high-profile projects in the state of Iowa along the way. It’s been so much fun to watch us grow.
Can you tell us about the Iowa team and your team dynamics?
Our team in Iowa is a really fun group! It sounds cliché, but the Iowa team is like family. We all get along so well and have created a very positive, collaborative culture. Sure, we disagree on things just like any other group, but we will always look out for the best interest of each other no matter what. It honestly makes coming to work every day not feel like a job.
What does safety mean to you?
Safety is a mindset. You can watch videos and take training courses all day long, but the mindset needs to be there. The last couple of years we’ve really grown in this department. People are seeing how important it is to be safe both at work and at home, and we have really seen a positive culture shift.
What does employee-ownership mean to you?
员工所有权意味着您对所有决定和行动有既得利益。这些决定和行动的后果对您和您的员工所有者的影响持久影响。这真的鼓励每个人都能做到最好，做正确的事情，并确保我们都沿着同一方向拉。