Jason Townsend

Meet Jason Townsend - Superintendent and this month's Hard Hat Hang Up.

How did you get into the construction industry?

I was framing houses during the summer in high school and really enjoyed the work. I spent some time building decks and doing residential remodels then eventually moved on to commercial carpentry on larger projects. By the time I was twenty-one I was given the opportunity to start running work and have been doing it ever since. 

What do you like most about being a Superintendent?

I really enjoy problem solving, and no matter how much I’ve seen or done I’ve never lost interest in how things are built. Having no formal education I end up questioning a lot so I can learn those who do. Getting to work with architects and engineers gives me the opportunity to understand why certain design aspects are used vs. others and further expands the bag of tricks used to remediate issues before they become problems on the jobsite.    The project schedule itself is also an ever evolving set of problems that you have to constantly stay on top of to make work with day to day events. There is always more than one way to do something and I enjoy finding the best way for each situation.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

Ever? Well to play on my joy to problem solve and possible glutton for punishment. After bringing one project to completion I was immediately thrown into another in Fairfax County where I ended up being the 3^rd  superintendent to take over the job. The Fire Marshall was out to make an example, all the trade inspectors were at ends, and naturally everyone claimed to be over budget. As all do, it got done. But it was probably one of my most rewarding turn overs due to the hurdles that were overcome.

What is your favorite thing about working at Chesapeake?

The support structure. Everyone here legitimately wants everyone else to be successful at what they do and the company gives you the tools to do it. There's really no good reason not be the best version of your professional self at CCG and I find it very encouraging.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

I enjoy fishing, kayaking, and camping with my wife and two sons. Most Saturday evenings I’ll be found at a local dirt track watching racing with my father and youngest son Chase. I’ve also found that I really enjoy the solitude of running and will hit the road a few times a week.