Jessi Evans has found a home and new occupation at Clyde Companies following a previous career as a helicopter pilot.
“I flew helicopters for nine years,” Jessi said. “It was similar to the construction industry in that you chase a lot of work, and the work moves you all over the area. Ultimately, I wanted to do something a little more stable, so I came home to Utah and started my accounting degree.”
After completing a degree in aviation science, Jessi began studying accounting. Because she had an interest in numbers, accounting was a natural fit.
“I’m really good at numbers and had done taxes on the side while flying,” Jessi said. “So, I came back, finished my second degree and started out working in a seasonal position in Geneva Rock’s credit department. Then, a staff accountant position opened at WW Clyde, and I did that for three years. From there, I moved to the assistant payroll manager position at Clyde Companies. Another job then opened at WW Clyde as an equipment analyst that was right up my alley. A year later, my current position as an accounting manager was being created.”
Jessi has been with the Clyde Companies family of businesses for a total of seven years and has appreciated the variety of opportunities that have afforded her freedom to grow.
“We’re growing so much as a company,” Jessi said. “If you can think it, you can be it. That’s been really, really cool to see. I’ve been very fortunate to have some great mentors and supervisors. Working in accounting, it’s been diverse and challenging to see so many aspects of what we do here at Clyde Companies. I remember when we hit 1 billion in revenue thinking it was nuts, and then three years later, here we are hitting the 2 billion dollar mark. It’s really inspiring.”
The growth of the company can easily be seen throughout the community, something Jessi loves witnessing.
“It’s fun to drive past and see the projects that all of our subsidiary companies are working on,” Jessi said. “It’s been cool to recognize the changes taking place. To see the company motto of Building a Better Community actually mean something has been fun to watch. We’re making an impact with what we’re building.
“For example, the Bangerter Highway bridges are very close to my house. They impact me personally in my day-to-day life. You’re seeing people’s ideas come to life in the construction industry, and I think that’s really cool.”
Despite a dramatic career shift, Jessi loves the position that she has at Clyde Companies and appreciates the leadership at the company trusting her in various roles.
“The career that I have is great,” Jessi said. “Some of the positions that I held previously didn’t exist, so the idea that you can create whatever you want to be, has been amazing. Our leadership team is always open to hearing ideas. It does take some work and time to conceptualize those ideas and see them implemented. You can say, ‘This is what I want to be, and this is where I want to go with the company.’ They’re very willing to hear you out. With that mindset, I think it’s going to be amazing to see where the company goes in the next couple of years.”
