Jeff Palmquist, director of operations, Calhoun Construction
Years in current job: 10
Years in the construction industry: 33
What attracted you to your career?
I began working for my uncle building homes in Louisville when I was in eighth grade, and being in construction just clicked for me. The sense of accomplishment at the completion of a project and the continuous problem-solving were elements that really put the hooks into me. I have been in some element of the construction industry for every job since.
The competitive side of me has always loved the challenges and the opportunity to overcome and succeed. Problem-solving in the construction industry is a constant. And every problem solved, and every challenge overcome, provide just a little more knowledge of the industry. Construction is truly a field that requires lifelong learning, which translates into a continually engaging career.
What do you think customers value most in your industry?
Customers value honesty and care. When you show that you have as much passion about their project as they do, it proves that you share a level of care for their endeavor. That, in turn, develops a trust in the decisions that need to be made on a constant basis.
The word “partnering” gets thrown around as a buzz word, but clients appreciate that you are in the boat with them, not constantly watching your back and playing a change-order game to milk them for a penny or two. Trust between the client and contractor is hard to establish, but it is crucial to success.
What’s a building or project around town that really catches your eye?
As a Louisville graduate and someone who worked on it, every time I come through Spaghetti Junction and see the Yum Center, I get a sense of pride. But when I am driving into work at 6 a.m. and I hit the peak on Central Avenue and see those Twin Spires lit up through the dark, it is a whole other sense of pride.
I have been working on Churchill Downs projects for several years and been part of many of its transformations. The Churchill Downs Paddock Experience is the pinnacle of all those years, and it has had all the focus of my eyes since I knew of its inception six years ago.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I sold $1 tip sheets at Churchill Downs as a little kid for my dad’s race-line business. I do not like for my food to touch. I still build Legos.