Behind the Hard Hat: John M.
Construction Superintendent | Veteran | Zen-Seeking Taco Master
At Richard, we believe the best construction stories don’t start with blueprints—they start with people. And few people bring more depth, discipline, and heart to the job than John M., Superintendent and former Army Engineer. Whether he’s leading crews on a VA hospital renovation or whipping up pork tacos for the team, John shows up with purpose, pragmatism, and a little bit of fire.
John M. onsite at our Danville, IL Green Homes project.
From Combat Zones to Construction Sites
John’s construction journey began in childhood—building things just to see how they worked—and evolved into a 20+ year career as a Construction and Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army. His military background shaped not just his technical skills, but his leadership style: calm under pressure, mission-focused, and unshakably resilient.
He found his way to Richard because, in his words, “It’s the perfect fit—a place where I can keep serving veterans and put my experience to work.”
A Career-Defining Mission
Ask John about a project that shaped him, and he won’t name the biggest or most expensive. Instead, he’ll take you back to 2007 in Balad, Iraq.
“I had about 8 hours to gather tools and gear, load them onto a Chinook, and get dropped into a remote villa,” he recalls. “The mission? Set up a fully functioning base camp from scratch.”
Four days later—running on fumes, with barely any sleep—John had pulled it off. Over 130 service members now had power, plumbing, radios, and protection. “That was my personal best mission,” he says. “Zero fail. High risk. 100% heart.”
Today’s Tools, Tomorrow’s Impact
Now based in Danville, Illinois, John is still building with purpose—only now it’s for VA healthcare projects. That connection to veteran care keeps him grounded in his mission.
He's also fired up about how AI is streamlining construction: “Automating backend tasks, pre-populating data, predicting scenarios—it’s not just cool tech. It helps us be more efficient and accurate where it matters most.”
More Than a Hard Hat
John brings more to the job than field expertise—he brings a deep well of empathy and life experience.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people from every walk of life,” he says. “I carry those lessons with me. Not in my lunchbox or tool bag—but in my head and heart.”
Quick Hits with John
Secret Weapon on the Jobsite:
“My ‘EDM Top Tracks and Deep Cuts’ playlist. Keeps me focused and calm. Total Zen mode.”
Listen hereWhat’s in Your Lunchbox?
“On BBQ days, I make pork steak tacos with street-style salsa and yellow rice. Otherwise? Mio Energy and not much else—I’m too busy for heartburn.”Fuel of Choice:
300–400mg of caffeine and a gallon and a half of water, every single day.Words to Work By:
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.” — Shakespeare
“While the wicked stand confounded, call me with Thy Saints surrounded.” — Boondock Saints
The Bottom Line
John doesn’t just manage builds—he mentors teams, solves complex challenges, and brings integrity to every job. Whether he’s configuring a jobsite or firing up the grill, he reminds us what leadership really looks like: steady, humble, and ready for anything.
Richard is better because John’s in the field—and we’re proud to have him on the team.