The Jaynes Employee Spotlight: Miguel Almeida
In today’s job market, a career in commercial construction can be surprisingly appealing, especially for career-minded individuals just starting. At Jaynes, we see new hires quickly growing into their roles and successfully kick-starting well-paying, stable careers. Commercial construction is an industry full of purpose, innovation, and high-growth opportunities. And for those willing to learn, contribute, and think creatively, it can become a fulfilling career. Just ask Miguel Almeida.
Discovering Jaynes
Miguel didn’t initially picture himself in commercial construction. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico, Miguel thought his path would lead toward a job in the tech environment, or a position in one of the prestigious national labs in New Mexico. Still, he kept an open mind during his employment search after his Master’s degree.
“I wanted to stay in New Mexico after graduating from UNM,” Miguel says. “I love it here. So I started reaching out to people in my network and on LinkedIn. I was looking for the best opportunity, where my education in project management and my interests and values would line up.”
That’s when a LinkedIn connection personally recommended Jaynes as a potential fit for his career ambitions. Unexpectedly, Miguel found himself researching commercial construction and Jaynes, which led him to discover Jaynes’ nearly 80-year community-building legacy in New Mexico.
“The more I looked into Jaynes, the more I realized this company had a major impact on my life,” Miguel says. “The hospital where my daughter was born, the lecture halls at UNM, even my high school, V. Sue Cleveland, were all Jaynes’ projects. It was a surprising connection.”
Miguel joined Jaynes in November 2023 as a Project Engineer, quickly taking on responsibilities on large projects in subcontractor management, document control, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and all the typical responsibilities of a new PE. In Jaynes’ corporate headquarters and while travelling to various project sites throughout New Mexico, he worked closely with project teams to assist with preconstruction planning and Owner communication and coordination. He quickly gained hands-on experience on complex and interesting projects.
Some of his early community-based projects included the $48 Million Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Theater, the $27.3 Million Farolito Senior Community, and the $18.9 Million Carlsbad High School Field House.
In less than two years, Miguel’s dedication, professionalism, and problem-solving earned him a promotion to Assistant Project Manager, a testament to his hard work as well as Jaynes’ emphasis on mentorship, training, and nurturing talented employees.
Jaynes Promotes A Culture of Learning and Mentorship
One of Miguel’s biggest takeaways about his time so far at Jaynes? The mentorship culture at Jaynes.
“Everyone I’ve worked with has been an expert at what they do,” he says. “They’re always willing to share their knowledge and experience. I love to learn, so that’s a huge positive for me.”
At Jaynes, newer team members don’t just shadow; they contribute. Miguel’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification helped him bring process-focused thinking into fast-paced project environments.
Purpose-Driven Work at Jaynes
Exterior photo of the Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
For Miguel, purpose and intention matter. Commercial construction offers something most jobs don’t: the chance to shape communities.
“There’s something deeply satisfying about being part of a company that’s building hospitals, schools, and being so active in community-building,” he says. “The work I do has generational impact. I know my projects will be part of their communities for a long time, and that’s something I’m proud of.”
Miguel’s time at Jaynes highlights what many young employees seek when starting their careers. To work in a role that makes a visible, tangible difference in the world. To learn, be challenged, and collaborate in a respectful corporate environment on interesting and meaningful tasks.
View from the stage of the Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Theater.
Miguel notes that, “Jaynes’ projects are easy to point to with pride, whether it’s a new performing arts center or a K-12 education project. These are spaces that are central to their communities.”
Miguel notes that the Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Theater project was “meaningful to me in the way that the Jaynes team and subcontractors took so much pride in the project. This wasn’t just another job for the teams involved; this was an opportunity to create an amazing building that will be a part of Carlsbad’s landscape for generations to come. The response to the facility from the community was overwhelming. It’s a world-class theater, and the craftsmanship involved is remarkable.”
Commercial Construction is Technology-Enabled and Future-Ready
Another pleasant surprise for Miguel? How technology-rich the construction industry is.
“I didn’t expect to see real-time project management tools, drones, and computer technology involved as much as they are,” he says. “But we use platforms like Procore and advanced business intelligence platforms in every project. There’s a lot of interesting innovation happening in this industry, and I see Jaynes pushing the bar on tech.”
“And it’s not about tech for tech’s sake,” he adds. “It’s about using tools that help us deliver the best results.”
100% Employee Ownership at Jaynes
One thing that stood out to Miguel in his interviews with Jaynes was Jaynes’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
“In a world where people jump from job to job, Jaynes offers something different,” Miguel says. “Here, you can build a long-term career and build ownership in the company. That was a big factor for me.”
Commercial construction, especially with a firm like Jaynes that’s been around nearly 80 years, offers something young professionals are often told doesn’t exist anymore: stability with career growth potential.
Jaynes offers structured career paths and formal training for young employees. Managers at Jaynes mentor employees like Miguel toward becoming a Project Manager, Superintendent, or Executive, with clear milestones and support along the way. A clear proof point here is that Jaynes’ current CEO started his career at Jaynes as a Project Engineer, like Miguel.
Jaynes’ Team Culture Fuels Career Growth
Culture matters more than ever for employees today, and Miguel found a culture at Jaynes rooted in teamwork and purpose.
“I didn’t come from a family in the trades,” he says. “So I did not consider it at first. But after researching the commercial construction industry, I came away impressed by a potential career in it. And my colleagues here were welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely care about helping me understand my role and how to excel. Mentorship is valued here.”
Miguel’s journey is a reminder that commercial construction is opportunity-rich and shows what’s possible for motivated, collaborative professionals, whether they’re coming from construction, business, or just starting their corporate career. Jaynes invests in talent through mentorship, placing earned responsibility early on, and providing real growth opportunities.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking for a change, Jaynes offers a place where curiosity, professionalism, and teamwork are valued. From day one, you’ll be part of something bigger, building communities, relationships, and your future.
Miguels adds, “I care about leaving a lasting impact on my city. So my work at Jaynes has checked all the boxes for me, starting a stable, well-paying career doing interesting projects, and working with like-minded, motivated people.”
Whether you’re graduating from college, looking for a new challenge, or simply want a career with meaning, Jaynes Corporation wants to hear from you.
Features of a Career in Construction at Jaynes
- Well-Defined Career Paths: Take on real responsibility quickly, with support from experienced mentors and professional trainers.
- Build Projects That Matter: Community-building is a core value at Jaynes.
- Employee Ownership Culture: Jaynes is 100% employee-owned, which means you grow and earn with the company as it grows.
- A Respectful, Supportive Corporate Culture: Jaynes promotes a respectful, professional environment, where merit is rewarded with opportunities and advancement.