JPI’s FP&A team is responsible for three key components of the company’s finances: budgeting, forecasting, and the business plan; in layman’s terms, what JPI’s accomplishing today – and what it stands to accomplish in the future.

According to John, FP&A brings a uniquely critical mindset to JPI: “what we do in FP&A is very analytical. You have to dig in and go behind the numbers – tell the story of what’s going on.”

Telling this story is FP&A ‘s most crucial function: by gathering data from across the organization, and pulling a narrative out of it, the FP&A team turns information into perspective. This perspective is vital for the function of JPI’s Board of Directors, its Executive Leadership Team, and all its associates.

For John, the FP&A team has provided an incredible opportunity for individual and professional development: “I’ve been able to take on new assignments over the years and grow myself – put myself out there more, take more risks. It’s made me the Senior Associate I am today. I can’t be more thankful for the opportunities here at JPI.”

Q&A WITH JOHN

Q: If you had two minutes to give a speech on anything, what would your topic be?

A: Raising kids. My biggest tip is to understand what your child is going through and how they communicate – try to see the world in their eyes.

Q: Do you have a mundane superpower?

A: Memory! I seem to be the go-to person for information on things that JPI did in the past.

Q: If you could learn any skill right now, what would it be?

A: The ability to be a scratch golfer! It’s a sport that I have recently picked up, and it’s very difficult.

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For Jesse, the biggest difference doing construction work in a managerial role, rather than as a subcontractor, is in the responsibility he feels toward his projects: “being a Superintendent is in the verifying, the scheduling, and the management – that’s a large difference compared to just showing up and doing the work.” 

As Superintendent II, Jesse is part of a massive project management team that oversees the entire construction site and process. His day-to-day work consists mainly of preparation: preparing schedules, preparing the job site for subcontractors, and even preparing for the next projects to come. But preparation is little without maintenance and execution – so how does the project management team juggle so many moving parts?  

“The way we play it now,” said Jesse, “it’s a very collaborative approach. We gather often and walk the job sites together – asking for each other’s opinions and reaching out to one another for help when we need it.” 

JPI’s construction teams are tasked with uniquely exciting, yet challenging responsibility: building something spectacular from the ground up. But leaders like Jesse inspire the creation of community in more ways than one – not only are construction teams building communities through physical residences, but also through their relationships with one another.  

“The difference in working on-site is that you can really see people for who they are; there’s a sense of friendship,” Jesse said. “Seeing these personalities come together and work together, you really come to appreciate what you’re doing.” 

Q&A WITH JESSE 

Q: If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?  

A: Scheduling.  

Q: What random topic are you an expert in?  

A: Gardening! I love working in my garden; I’m currently growing some herbs and tomatoes.  

Q: What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?  

A: I would say, “even though you don’t care about finances, they are very important!” Preparation is everything, and I would make myself start preparing sooner.  

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At JPI, “People Operations” spans the entire lifecycle of an associate’s tenure – from requisitions, to onboarding, to payroll and benefits, and career advancements. Paige leads the People Operations team, which directly oversees the day-to-day associate experience; she also supports the larger People + Culture team, which oversees general people operations within the company, such as initiatives and implementations.  

“In one word, my job is dynamic – I have to lead with flexibility,” Paige said. “My top priority on any given day will often shift and evolve. The team is dynamic, too; there’s lots of overlap in the People + Culture team, we all have a stake in each other’s essential functions. We really challenge each other to collaborate and take on new things.” 

In recent years, JPI has been one of many companies to shift its perspective on the role of Human Resources within the business model. Rather than focusing solely on policy and procedure, HR professionals have become business partners, advocating for employees in business plans. As a people-first organization, creating this space for people management at JPI has become increasingly important:  

“Even in the time I’ve been an HR professional, since 2009, I’ve really seen it evolve,” said Paige. “HR is earning a seat at the table and stepping into a bigger role within companies – it’s becoming more about being a business partner than just an administrative focus. It feels good that our work is recognized as vitally important to the success of the company.”  

Q&A WITH PAIGE 

Q: If you could have a lifetime supply of one thing, what would it be?  

A: Mac n’ cheese. 100 percent.  

Q: If you had your own late-night talk show, who would you invite as your first guest?  

A: Taylor Swift, hands down.  

Q: What is your go-to karaoke track? 

A: “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus or “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot. Throw down either of those, and I’m good.  

The post Meet Paige Decker appeared first on JPI.

In his role as Affordable Housing Development Manager, Ryan sees affordable developments from beginning to end. “The most exciting thing to me,” Ryan said, “is seeing the progress from a raw plot of land to a finished complex – when you see the sparkle on the face of a resident. It’s giving people the opportunity to have a safe, quality place to live that they can afford.”  

Tax credit developments differ from JPI’s other projects in a variety of ways – chief of these is the level of coordination needed not only between JPI’s many departments, but between the company and the communities in need. JPI’s affordable communities are brought to life in partnership with the cities in which they are built – this adds an increased sense of opportunity and responsibility. As these projects cycle through applications, development, construction, and stabilization, the Affordable team must manage the needs of the communities at hand, the associates and trade partners involved, and the legal standards in place.  

To effectively coordinate so many moving pieces, Ryan focuses on building strong relationships: “when it comes to working with these cities, it’s about building a rapport. That way, you’re able to communicate clearly to achieve what you want: a community that serves the people in need. We’re all one team, shooting for the same goal. My question is always, ‘how can I use my skills and my relationships to help the development move forward?’”  

The Affordable team has closed four tax credit properties so far and has more coming through the pipeline.  

Q&A WITH RYAN 

Q: Would you rather live where it only snows, or where the temperature never falls below 100 degrees?  

A: Where the temperature never falls below 100 degrees. Snow would be fun for a couple months, but not forever.  

Q: If you could change places with anyone in the world, who would it be? Why?  

A: I would trade places with Scottie Scheffler, the PGA Tour golfer who’s number one in the world right now. Just to experience the things he gets to do, week in and week out.  

Q: What is one skill that you think everyone should have?  

A: To be fast to listen and slow to speak. When you listen first, you can learn the background about situations that may later influence your direction.  

The post Meet Ryan Dauer appeared first on JPI.

Sang’s daily work consists largely of driving production and managing construction on projects in various stages – but he has found this work to be focused on people as much as the physical processes involved. With each project, he analyzes the different personalities, strengths, and development areas of his employees, and creates the most effective teams possible — as projects advance, he continues to manage these teams’ operations and oversee their progress. “People management can be even more necessary than technical skills at times,” Sang says. “It’s being able to get the most out of the people you work with, for, and under.” 

For Sang, what makes the construction industry exciting is also what makes it challenging: people will always be building, especially in a prominent market like DFW; but constant need generates constant change and keeping up with new processes is becoming increasingly difficult. However, Sang is confident in JPI’s ability to weather such a challenge. “In today’s market,” says Sang, “we see a lot of hesitation & burnout – from design consultants, trade partners, and even your own team members. What sets JPI apart is our ability to adapt when necessary. I think we are at the forefront of leveraging industry changes in the multifamily game.”  

This month, Sang starts an exciting new journey: getting his EMBA from Baylor University! Through JPI’s education reimbursement plan, he will have the opportunity to continue his business education in tandem with his role as Senior Project Manager.  

To aspiring Project Managers, Sang leaves a word of advice: “When it comes to project management, it’s a 24/7 job. For me, the hardest part is taking a step back and realizing that you’re only human – project management doesn’t ever stop, but you must figure out how to maximize your time and prioritize high-impact items. Otherwise, you’ll lose sight of the goal and find yourself in a professional rut.”  

Q + A WITH SANG 

Q: If you could be on any reality TV show, which would you choose?  

A: “MTV Cribs.” The high-end residence shown in the Mariah Carey episode was done by a former employer of mine!  

Q: What book or movie has changed your life the most? 

A: “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel helped me answer a lot of faith-based questions growing up.  Faith is the foundation of my life both personally & professionally  – it has helped me navigate the challenging world we live in. 

Q: What song could you listen to all day long? 

A: “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake is my go-to jam. The fascinating concept of a mirror which projects your true reflection can apply to a person, place, thing, or passion. That resonates deeply with my life & professional experience.  

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