Jerry Neeser of Neeser Construction featured in Alaska Men in Business, 2002 ed.

News Source: Alaska Men in Business
Publish Date: April 16, 2002

Jerry Neeser

President
Neeser Construction Inc.
Anchorage

TYPE OF BUSINESS:
General contractor

EDUCATION:
High School, U.S. Marine Corps, various construction courses, knocks of life

COMMUNITY/CIVIC ACTIVITIES:
Associated General Contractors of Alaska member

MARITAL/FAMILY STATUS:
Divorced; two grown children, two adolescent children

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Guiding principle in business:
Be honest and KIS (keep it simple).

Best way to keep a competitive edge:
Stay lean and keep the thinking young.

How I measure success:
One day at a time

LOOKING BACK
Motivation for taking career path:
Working with my father in his business.

Biggest professional challenge to date:
Educating owners and clients about the benefits of design/build contracting.

Best business decision:
Moving to Alaska

Worst business decision:
All decisions eventually prove out to be the best.

Most influential person:
My father and the Nuns.

Most important lesson learned in business:
Always find the new niche.

LOOKING FORWARD
Biggest professional challenge ahead:
Staying competitive within the industry.

Industry changes over the next 5-10 years:
Design/build should emerge as the leading form of contracting.

Advice for someone starting out on a similar career path:
Work hard, stay focused, put together a good team and stick with them. And remember to take time out for your personal life while growing your business.

Goal yet to achieve:
Maintaining the balance between my professional life and personal life.

What I hope to leave as my legacy:
Quality buildings standing after the next quake.

TRUE CONFESSIONS
One word that best describes me:
Tenacious

Strongest business skills:
Cutting through the “chaff”.

Like most about my job:
It is continually changing.

Like least about my job:
Constant risk and responsibility.

Childhood career aspiration:
To be a contractor — truly!

What may surprise you to know about me:
I’m really not “Mr. Big”.

Best way to spend $50:
Donate it to someone who really needs it.

Favorite diversion from work:
My cabin and my children.