Spotlighting the individuals who bring Watson’s work to life — on every jobsite and in every office
Meet Jacob, a Foreman with Watson’s Wilmington division who has built a career in electrical construction since joining the company as an Apprentice in 2019. Jacob brings experience, leadership, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of Electricians. He thrives on keeping projects running smoothly, coordinating crews, managing schedules, and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently — whether he’s on the jobsite, handling paperwork, or supporting team growth behind the scenes. Beyond the workday, Jacob enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time on the water with family and friends. Read on to get an inside look at Jacob’s “Day in the Life” and see what it takes to lead on the jobsite.
What is your current role and how long have you been at Watson?
I’m currently a Foreman at Watson, and I’ve been back with the team for six months. I began my electrical career with Watson in 2019 as a ‘green’ apprentice, and it’s been an incredible journey since. I’m excited to be part of the team again and look forward to what’s ahead!
Describe your electrical background and when you joined the industry.
I joined the electrical construction industry back in 2019 after my first semester at community college. I was starting to feel like college was not the right path for me, but I remembered checking out Watson’s table at a job fair back in high school. The apprenticeship program really caught my eye — so I decided to apply and it has been an awesome journey.
What does a typical day look like for you as a Foreman?
A typical day as a foreman starts early — I like to arrive about 30 minutes before start time to make sure we have ice, water, and everything ready. Then I walk the entire site to check safety conditions, observe progress from other trades, and ensure none of our work has been damaged. At 7:00 AM, we kick off with a morning meeting to review tasks and goals for the day. After that, my priority is making sure everyone knows what they are doing, feels confident, and has the tools and materials they need. From there, no two days are the same — I might be working hands-on with the crew, organizing materials, or doing walk-throughs with the architect and owners. There is also plenty of behind-the-scenes work like laying out measurements, handling paperwork, inventory, and ordering materials. One thing is for sure: as a foreman, you rarely do the exact same thing two days in a row. At the end of the day, I make sure the site is cleaned up, then I walk the job to track progress and check quality control before heading home.
What is your proudest accomplishment here at Watson?
My greatest accomplishment? Honestly, I do not think I have hit it yet. I have only been back for about six months — but during that time, we have done a lot of hiring for field personnel, and I’m proud of the team we have put together. They are a solid group and I think that is going to make a significant difference. Big things are coming for Watson and the Wilmington division, and I’m just excited to play my part in making it happen.
How have you grown professionally since joining the Watson team?
I’ve definitely seen some growth in myself professionally. Staying organized and focusing on scheduling and planning has been huge. Recently, I’ve actually had two projects running at the same time, about three hours apart, so I’ve gotten plenty of practice in both areas. It really taught me how important those skills are, and I’m still learning every day.
What do you enjoy most about working at Watson?
I think my favorite part about working at Watson is getting to be a leader. I have an awesome crew, and two young apprentices who are brand new to the trade. In just a few months, watching their growth and seeing the passion and pride they put into their work has been such a humbling experience. Honestly, there are a lot of times they remind me of my younger self — and that’s pretty cool.
How would you describe Watson’s company culture?
What I appreciate most about Watson’s family culture is how real the ‘1 Watson’ mindset is. It truly takes a village to make these projects successful from start to finish — everyone plays a part. From the pre-construction team to the prefab department, operations, and even our office managers, everyone is willing to collaborate and coordinate with one shared goal: making sure every project is a success.
