Megan Muller
From her nomination:
“Wendy’s never quit, positive attitude has allowed the region to keep In-line Paving coming to our plant for asphalt in the midst of many plant breakdowns and outages. It is not only Wendy’s attitude that wins our customers’ loyalty, but her knowledge of asphalt products, the market as a whole, and her dedication and long-term service to the industry. She is always positive and inspires those around her to be winners. When something is not right, she will speak up and have a solution to a problem or a course of action in mind. She trusts and can be trusted to care for her coworkers while keeping what is best for the company in mind.”
Wendy Thompson is the Senior Estimator at Reeves Construction Company – Piedmont Region, the Colas USA subsidiary that operates throughout North & South Carolina, Georgia, and the northern part of Florida. Wendy has been a part of the Colas USA Family since 1996. In addition to her current role as Senior Estimator, Wendy is also a member of Reeves Safety Steering Team. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Quality Control Technician, Quality Control Manager, Estimator, and in external asphalt sales.
Read more about Wendy through the following spotlight.
Describe your role to someone who is not familiar with the construction industry or Colas USA.
My role is to compile the cost estimates for projects that we are currently bidding. I look at the plans, specifications, and proposals to determine what production, labor, equipment, and materials will be needed to perform the project. These projects range in size from the smaller commercial size projects to the South Carolina Department of Transportation primary and interstate projects.
What has been your favorite project so far?
Mostly recently, Reeves Construction Company was awarded the FedEx Distribution Center in Lexington County, South Carolina. It was awarded after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to me was a sign of getting back to normal and that the commercial market was remaining steady. The project consisted of approximately 55,000 tons of GABC and 28,000 tons of asphalt.
What drew you to working within the construction industry?
I liked the idea of being able to get outside and see our projects – it wasn’t a typical “everyday job” doing the exact same thing day in and day out. Instead, it allowed me to be challenged daily and experience growth and many opportunities.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work every day?
I would definitely say the people are what motivate me every day! Even though we are a part of Colas USA and all the companies throughout the U.S., locally we are more like family. We always look out for one another.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have three children – two daughters and one son. I also have three grandsons. When I’m not at work, I enjoy the beach and spending time with my family.