Donald Turk is a former crew leader and current industrial energy worker and vehicle technician based out of Buna, Texas. After high school, Donald chose a career in construction because he thought it was an honest, admirable, and necessary profession, as well as realizing it offered the stability and potential upward mobility to support himself and his family.
Donald entered into construction industry training eager to learn all he could, conscious that the more knowledge he could acquire, the better positioned he would be for advancement. He quickly earned a Safety Certificate, signifying that he had graduated from a course designed to promote awareness of the dangers present on typical construction sites, as well as dispensing instruction of proper emergency procedures, as well as some first aid.
When he began working on construction projects, Donald Turk distinguished himself through his initiative, his accountability, and the quality of his work. Soon, he was promoted to the supervisory role of Crew Leader and put in charge of a team of 19 other construction workers. He remained in this position until 2016, when he made the choice to accept an offer from his current employer.
These days, Donald Turk is an on-site heavy vehicle and equipment technician, overseeing the fuel supply for each truck, bulldozer, crane, and steamroller owned by his company. Recently, he has been recognized by management and named employee of the month. Grateful for this distinction and happy in his new role, Donald anticipates remaining with the company until he retires.
A firm believer in conscientiousness and hard work, Donald has shaped his career around the guiding principles of professionalism, responsibility, and a resolute strength of character. He approaches the end of his career satisfied that his decades of work have contributed to the construction of hundreds of high-quality, durable commercial and residential structures, ultimately facilitating the operations of many businesses and providing homes for countless people.
How have you achieved success?
The short answer is by adopting the proper attitude. The long answer is adhering to a strict personal policy of working hard, constantly learning new skills, and embracing responsibility. In order to find success in the construction industry, you have to do a couple of things consistently: You have to show up on time for work every day, you have to perform to the best of your abilities, and you have to be accountable not only to your company and its clients, but also to yourself.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve overcome in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
There are any number of obstacles I’ve encountered over the course of my career. The most pervasive ones have been logistical in nature. Something like a botched supply delivery or an unexpected manpower shortage can really throw a crew off schedule. I’ve overcome these problems as they’ve come along by remaining positive, managing what I can manage at any given moment, and waking up the next morning prepared to address the issue until it is totally resolved.
What drives you to succeed?
There are two major reasons why I chose to work in construction: First, I wanted to be able to provide a good life for my family. The construction industry offers a nearly endless amount of work for dedicated professionals, and it pays well. Second, I think it’s honest work that needs to be done. People need houses built and businesses need commercial spaces built. I believe what I and my colleagues do is beneficial to society on the whole. That gives me a certain sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
How has your definition of success changed over the years?
I’m not sure if my definition of success has actually changed all that much since I entered the workforce. As long as I perform my duties well and in a manner befitting a professional of the industry, and my team achieves its specified goals on a given project, I consider that a success.
What has achieving success meant to you?
I think the sum total of my successes has led to some material gains, to be sure. I know it’s opened the door to some promotions and raises for me. Beyond that, as I indicated in some of my previous answers, it gives me an immense sense of satisfaction. When I go to bed at night, I know my efforts have made a positive difference in peoples’ lives. You can’t put a price on that.
Do you have advice for others on how to be successful?
The best advice I can give to anyone reading this interview is to never cut corners. Especially when it comes to construction, cutting corners can lead to unnecessary tragedies, whether it be with the workers on site, or with the people who inhabit the buildings later on. The number one rule in this industry is safety first, and taking shortcuts completely undermines that.
How do you feel a person reaching their definition of success affects their outlook?
I can’t speak on behalf of anyone else, but for my part, it makes me happier. It also provides me with encouragement that I can meet any challenge given to me.
Blog — https://industry-minds.com/profile/?uid=donaldturk
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Donald-Turk-115259438138469
Crunchbase — https://www.crunchbase.com/person/donald-turk-8cff