Jeremy Gillespie

How did you get into the construction industry?

I didn’t know much about construction until I started college and began exploring career paths. Initially, I thought I’d go into mechanical engineering, but everything changed when I attended an information session about different engineering majors during my freshman year at Virginia Tech. I was immediately hooked by the complexity, creativity, and impact of construction.

What really made me believe I made the right decision was meeting the professors and classmates in the program. The close-knit community, the emphasis on collaboration, and the hands-on, problem-solving nature of construction engineering drew me in completely. Since starting at Chesapeake, that sense of teamwork and shared purpose has continued to inspire me and shape my passion for the construction industry.

What do you enjoy most about being an Assistant Project Manager?

What I enjoy most about being an Assistant Project Manager is the constant opportunity to learn and grow. Coming from a non-construction background, joining Chesapeake has been an eye-opening journey filled with new challenges and creative ways to express myself. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible teams that have taught me so much, and I truly value the diversity of experiences and perspectives I’ve encountered. Every day is different, and that variety keeps me motivated to try to learn and help my team more as I continue to gain more experience.

What’s something you learned during your internship with Chesapeake that school could never have taught you?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my internship, and something school couldn’t fully teach me—is that building relationships is just as important, if not more so, than my technical knowledge. Virginia Tech gave me an incredible foundation, exposing me to many different aspects of construction, but the transition from classroom to the real world highlighted the importance of clear communication and earning buy-in from others.

In the field, your ability to connect with people, collaborate effectively, and resolve challenges together can make your role as a general contractor not only easier but far more rewarding. It’s one thing to solve technical issues, but it’s another to build trust and work with a team you enjoy being around. That sense of teamwork and shared purpose is what truly elevates the experience.

What is one piece of advice you would give to interns in the construction industry?

My advice to interns would be to be a sponge and soak up everything you have the privilege of accessing during your internship. Internships are a unique opportunity to try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and learn from your mistakes. I always viewed my internships as a chance to make those mistakes, gain insight from those who have already gone through the experience, and take away valuable lessons that I could bring back to school. Each time, I returned feeling more capable and prepared for what was next.

I’d also emphasize that growth takes time—just like completing a construction project. You can’t learn or master everything in a single day, but by the end of your internship, you’ll look back and see how much you’ve improved. The experiences you gain will not only make you better in construction but will also provide valuable lessons you can apply throughout your life.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?

When I’m not at work, I make it a priority to relax and focus on things outside of construction. Spending time with my family and friends is a big part of that—whether it’s attending sporting events, going to concerts, or just hanging out. Recently, I’ve started getting back into playing basketball, which was one of my favorite hobbies growing up.

Looking ahead to the next year, I hope to reconnect with more of the hobbies I enjoyed before college. I also love trying new things, so if someone offers me a new experience, my answer is usually, “Yes—when and where?”