Our November Spotlight series is dedicated to celebrating Dawood veterans and servicemembers, recognizing their service and the unique skills they bring to our team. Today, we’re featuring Justin Gilmore, a Survey Crew Chief who has been with us for a year and faithfully served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for 15 years. In his Dawood role, Justin maintains our equipment, and handles data management, applying his military-honed skills to ensure everything runs smoothly.
How do your military skills apply in your Dawood role?
Leadership, first and foremost. The Army builds strong leaders and expects them to educate the future generation of soldiers. As I moved up in rank, there was more emphasis on transitioning to a project management-type role, and those skills have helped me understand the bigger picture in the construction process. I’d even like to use these skills to become a project manager one day! Problem-solving skills are also crucial. The way these skills are tested in the military is unique and challenges you to think outside of the box and do anything to complete your mission. As a civilian, it’s helpful to have a different point of view when overcoming obstacles and creating solutions.
Talk more about your leadership evolution.
I try to be present with my team, listen to any concerns or ideas they have, and answer any questions that arise. These conversations are valuable for all of us. I may not always have the answer, but someone else might. Being open-minded helps information flow freely in both directions. As a subject matter expert, I try to learn something new every day. You never know how the knowledge you acquire today can help someone tomorrow.
What is something about the military that you wish more people understood?
Our jobs and experiences, especially in the National Guard, are more useful and relatable to civilian jobs than most people believe.
Can you share a Dawood project highlight?
Working in tandem with our real estate development arm Good Hope Ventures, my team provides land surveying for 1926 Good Hope Office Park, a 65,000-square-foot Class-A medical and office space currently under construction. I’ve had the opportunity to work on it since the beginning and visit the site periodically throughout the entire project’s duration. It’s rewarding when you see everything take shape. Despite challenges like site conditions and changes made along the way, it’s fulfilling to see our work develop into a finished product.
How do you feel your military experience in the Army National Guard has shaped your approach to your work at Dawood?
I use skills developed in the military on a daily basis. Having both military and civilian experience makes me a well-rounded person—realizing what works and sticking with it. There are multiple ways of accomplishing a task, but finding the most efficient ways saves time and money.