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Meet Luke Graham — Baker Project Superintendent in Orlando, FL
Looking back, Luke Graham says that accepting a Baker Construction internship was one of the best decisions he’s made for both his career and his personal life. The summer internship let him explore various interests, and later, it helped him earn a full-time role as a Baker field project engineer. Today, he’s a project superintendent in Orlando, FL, taking on bigger and bigger jobs. Not only is he seeing success at work, but he also bought a house and is getting married this fall. Luke counts himself as proof that, at Baker, you’ll build better structures and better lives. Learn more about his passion for the industry and what keeps him motivated.
Tell us about your career path. Why did you want to go into construction?
I studied civil engineering at Georgia Southern University. In my senior year, I was trying to get one more internship under my belt, so I attended a career fair. A recruiter at the Baker table got my attention, and I walked over to talk with them. The next thing I know, I had an interview on campus and then an internship opportunity. I was taking a structural concrete class at that time. So, it was a nice coincidence and made Baker stand out that day.
What was your Baker internship like?
It was a good experience. They placed me on a Port Everglades job in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For my internship, they made a hybrid position for me. It let me be in the field half of the time and spend the other half in the office, learning project management responsibilities.
In the field, I worked with the quality control team. I read drawings, did concrete takeoffs, and assisted with inspections. Baker gave me the freedom to explore and do what I wanted to do. It was awesome, because I really liked it, and it's what I'm doing today.
When did you decide to work with Baker full time? Why?
That summer, I had such a great time. Baker treated all the interns well, and I enjoyed working with the team. I got to meet Dan Baker while I was there, which gave me some inspiration, too. In January 2019, I was excited to get the offer for a full-time role as a field project engineer.
What has it been like to work with Baker since then?
I've been with Baker for five years. I worked for almost two years in the field project engineer role. Then, they gave me the opportunity to become a superintendent on a smaller scale, learning under another superintendent. So, I moved I moved up to Orlando, and I've been here ever since. Hopefully, as I get more experience, I’ll keep working on bigger and bigger jobs with greater responsibility.
What does grit, one of the Baker company values, mean to you?
First, grit is about having courage. For me, that meant leaving my hometown. I'm from a small town in Georgia, and I'm the only one in my family that stepped out on their own. I wanted to move down to Florida and try something new, which was brave for me at the time. It turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened to me.
So, grit is having the courage to set big goals and do stuff you've never done before. It also means having the strength to reach your goals. When those two things—courage and strength—go together, I think that's how you get grit.
What keeps you motivated at work each day?
Mostly, it’s finishing what I start. I’ve never quit on anything in my whole life. I’m motivated to finish and do a good job. I guess that’s grit, too; sticking with something and learning as you go.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy my co-workers and working with the people in the field. At the end of the day or week, I like that we can step back and look at everything we built. It's a nice to visually see our progress and to feel like I’m contributing to something greater than just myself. We're building structures that are likely going to last beyond our lifetimes and help generations of people. I’m creating a legacy with the best co-workers, and I feel lucky to do it in a job I love.
Take your ambitions to the next level.
At Baker Construction, you’ll find more than a job. You’ll discover opportunities to gain hands-on experience, to set your own path, and to work with a diverse group of supportive and encouraging co-workers. You’ll be a part of a team that lives by the Golden Rule, prioritizes your training and development, and gives you real responsibilities to unleash your potential.
By showing grit and tenacity, you’ll have the freedom to accelerate your career — on your terms. Be more, gain more, and achieve more with a company that is grounded in the values of People, Honor, and Grit. Apply to Baker today!