Name:
Jusean Archibald
Company:
Paric Corp.
Title:
Project Engineer
Age:
26
Building to new heights captures my experience since joining PARIC. I have played an instrumental role in constructing high-rise residential towers in Clayton and downtown St. Louis. Changing the face of St. Louis’ skyline and bringing a new living experience to my hometown will have a lasting impact as I continue through my career. Overall, I have been a part of more than $150 million worth of mixed-use commercial construction projects. PARIC’s values rooted in community enhancement has reaffirmed my aspirations to give back, as I am currently the director of development for a local nonprofit, Building Futures, and serve on the Young Professionals board for Catholic Charities.
College? Missouri University of Science & Technology; B.S. in engineering management, minor in civil engineering
What do you look for in a mentor? Someone who follows the cliché saying “practice what you preach.” Living a full life comes with both rewards and challenges. Someone who remains inspired and ambitious, while still being humble will always gain my respect.
Who is the mentor of your dreams? Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade has devoted his life to providing hope to youth who are written off before they have a chance to experience much of the world. He has created a learning environment where students can better all aspects of their life, while also providing this population with opportunities for a better future.
What’s one thing St. Louis does right, and what’s one thing it could do better? St. Louis caters to its entrepreneurial spirit. Washington Avenue and the Cortex District have an abundance of resources fostering that growth. The city/county divide will always be a barrier to economic stability and substantial overall development.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received? “Bad news doesn’t get better with time.” It is very fitting for the construction industry because there are constant, and never ending, obstacles one must face and conquer in this line of work. This mindset keeps me focused to treat such situations as lessons learned rather than failures or missed opportunities.
What else do you want to accomplish by 30? Learn a new language and become a good cook.
What’s your most rewarding volunteer experience? Every Saturday I am fortunate to teach design and build skills to students, ages 8 to 18, at a nonprofit organization located in the Old North Neighborhood called Building Futures. We provide the community with opportunities through designing, inventing and building while teaching the manual skills needed to execute these projects in a safe and fun workshop.
Where can people find you if you’re not at the office? At the gym, book store or with my loved ones.
What’s on your summer reading list? “The Mastery of Self” by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. and “The President is Missing” by Bill Clinton and James Patterson.
Favorite smartphone app? Hopper. This app analyzes billions of flights and interprets the best time to book flights for the best deals.
Favorite social media platform? None.
What was your favorite pet growing up? My family rescued a retriever named Toby when I was 10 years old. He was a great addition to our family and holds a special place in my heart.
Read the full article in the St. Louis Business Journal