High-tech materials, computerized equipment and new building techniques have revolutionized the construction industry, but in some ways things are the same as they were when Soren Jacobsen, a young carpenter, emigrated from Denmark.
He founded Jacobsen Construction, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.Jacobsen showed himself to be flexible and resourceful in business, and he developed a reputation for quality work.
Today, his grandson, Ted M. Jacobsen, wants to see those characteristics continue as the company's hallmarks.
Jacobsen, 56, is switching hats this month and changing from president to chairman of the company. The new president is Lonnie M. Bullard, 41, a former senior partner with the Boyer Co. and the first non-Jacobsen to head the firm. (Ted M. Jacobsen's father, Leo, will be the honorary chairman of the board.)
As one of the largest construction companies in Utah, Jacobsen has filled the landscape with projects big and grand. It has built or renovated offices, hospitals, hotels, parking garages, prisons, water treatment plants and temples.
A partial list of completed jobs includes the One Utah Center in downtown Salt Lake City, the University of Utah's Biomedical Polymers Research Building and the offices for Kennecott Corp. The company also has renovated the University of Utah's Marriott Library and the Salt Lake City and County Building.
Pending projects include an addition to the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University, renovation of East High School and work on the Logan temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jacobsen isn't worried about handing over the company presidency to Bullard.
"To all things there is a season," Jacobsen said. "I've been president for 22 years, and I've had plenty of time to do my thing. I think that while I've stayed reasonably alert and creative and competitive, a new person can bring fresh ideas."
Jacobsen also has confidence in Bullard, whom he characterizes as having excellent managerial and people skills. "As important as family is, it is more important to preserve the company - hundreds of people work here now," Jacobsen said. "I'm not retiring, however. There is more than enough for Lonnie and me to do in the foreseeable future."
For his part, Bullard is pleased but challenged by the new job. One thing that impressed him was the caliber of Jacobsen employees and their loyalty.
"We have people in the field who have been here 30 years," Bullard said. "I just met three people who are the sons of people who have worked here."
Bullard has undertaken a kind of internship, working with employees on job sites as well as the office. "I was on the job at 5:30 this morning with people pouring cement. That's been very useful to get a feel for the people. The types of qualities they have become the qualities of the company."
It wasn't easy leaving the Boyer Co., where Bullard worked for 12 years, but he's glad he made the move. "Most people would understand. It's very gratifying to leave a company that is poised to do great things and leave on good terms - and to come to a company that also is doing great things."
The problems he faces at Jacobsen are "good problems," Bullard said - managing growth and maintaining quality as the firm grows.
Jacobsen Construction employs between 250 and 400 people, depending on the season, and last year produced revenues of $130 million.
Utah is a great place for construction companies right now. The current robust economy and immigration have produced a healthy market for building. Both Jacob-sen and Bullard say they realize the market won't stay this hot forever, but they believe work will continue to be stable and Utah will be spared the boom-and-bust cycles seen in other states.
The company also has made other managerial changes this month. These include appointing Kevin Jardine, who formerly ran his own consulting firm, to be Jacobsen's vice president of business development. Also, Douglas Welling, Jacobsen's former manager of business development, and Douglas Hronek, a former Jacobsen project manager, have been named project executives.
They will assist and report to Harvey Wright, vice president of operations, who has been with the company for 44 years.
Wright began as a carpenter and worked his way up through the ranks at Jacobsen Construction. "They've given me lots of opportunities, and I've taken advantage of every one," Wright said."I've enjoyed it every day."