Team Tapestry: Meet Senior Cost Specialist Jeffrey Jones

At Connico, our people bring unmatched expertise and passion to every project. They set us apart, and the Team Tapestry series is our way of highlighting the experts behind the work, giving clients a closer look at the individuals they’re working with and celebrating the culture that makes Connico the best place to grow a career.

In this blog, we’re excited to feature Jeffrey Jones, a senior cost specialist who has been with Connico since 2015. Jeffrey’s career path spans mechanical design, environmental consulting, and project management, but he found his calling in cost estimating. As the leader of Connico’s mechanical cost estimating, he plays a key role in shaping projects and mentoring the next generation of cost experts.

Get to know Jeffrey, what he loves about Connico, and his advice for others in the field. 

Tell us about your background and your role at Connico.
I started my career as a mechanical design engineer, primarily working on hospitals and industrial facilities. After that, I owned an environmental consulting firm and began doing on-site project management. I discovered cost estimating about 20 years ago and immediately knew it was what I wanted to focus on. Connico gave me the opportunity to join the team in 2015, and I’ve led the mechanical cost estimating group ever since.

How would you describe how Connico’s company culture has evolved over the years?
In the 10 years I’ve been here, Connico has grown from 15 employees to nearly 40, and the range of projects we take on has increased significantly. Over the last three years, the culture has become even more exciting. The team of young professionals we have now is energetic and driven, making Connico a dynamic and rewarding place to work. Everyone here brings their best every day.

What has been your favorite moment at Connico so far?

What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Being a mentor to new employees just starting their careers and seeing them become successful, valuable team members.

What is the best career advice you’ve received or lesson you’ve learned so far?
Learn to do the things that nobody else can or wants to do.

What’s a project or challenge that shaped your approach to construction project management or cost estimating?
The new terminal project at Pittsburgh International Airport was a multi-year effort that included all aspects of mechanical estimating. We had the opportunity to work closely with the design engineers, which influenced the way I approach complex projects today.

Which Connico core value resonates most with you and why?
Resiliency. It’s easy to get discouraged or overwhelmed, but I believe in staying the course in the face of setbacks.

What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that many people may not know?
I flew airplanes and worked at an airport when I was in high school.

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Biking in the morning and out on the lake in the afternoon.

What’s your favorite travel destination and why?
Costa Rica – I love the diversity of the land, from the oceans to the jungle, and all the adventure that comes with it.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.

Jeffrey Jones is a senior cost specialist at Connico and can be reached at jsjones@connico.com. Stay tuned for more Team Tapestry spotlights as we celebrate the people who make Connico a great place to work and an even better partner to work with.