Sparks spent nearly 10 years in the U.S. Army National
Guard. He joined the military before the 9/11 terrorist attack
because he wanted to serve his country, and the events of
9/11 reinforced his commitment to keeping our country
safe. Sparks’ military service taught him the importance of
leadership and teamwork – values he strives to incorporate
into his business every day.
During his time in the Guard, Sparks also held many different
construction jobs (including welder, glazier and equipment
operator) before becoming a project superintendent at age 25.
“My first project was remodeling the Rogers school administration
building, and I was determined to do a good job,” he recalls.
His dedication paid off, and he was recruited by a company in
Houston. “I went from making $45,000 a year to about $111,000
a year,” he says. “Then the economy crashed, and I was laid off. I
came back to Arkansas with a little bit of money, some tools, and
my truck.”
He started crafting an idea for his own business, and DC Sparks
Construction was born. Within two years, he was adding people
like Jimmy Gulledge to the team. “We were working out of Daniel’s
garage and had one vehicle, but we had so much respect for him
because he respected us,” Gulledge says.
Gulledge wants the company to keep growing but says they need
the right people. That means having the right attitude, being honest
and possessing a willingness to learn.
“Even if you don’t have much experience, we can train you and
help you get the tools you need,” Sparks says.
Both Sparks and Jonathan Bragg, another supervisor, credit
high school classes with preparing them for their careers. Bragg
worked with his father in construction but says his welding and
shop teachers influenced him. Bragg knew he wanted to be a
supervisor.
“We ask people what they’d
like to do, if they
have tools and if they know
how to use them.
Even if you don’t have much
experience, we can
train you and help you get th
e tools you need.”
“I was the guy on the job site that always listened in on what the
supervisors would say,” Bragg says. “Back then, I thought they just
drove around in a truck all day, but there’s a lot more to it.”
“You’re always thinking about the next step,” Bregg says. “There
are a lot of different areas in the construction industry, and you can
make a good living as you move up.”
The chance to earn a good living drew Tony Garlow from
California to DC Sparks. Garlow was hired as a carpenter at
DC Sparks but didn’t stay in that position for long. “Within a few
weeks, I was promoted to supervisor,” Garlow says. “I used to
own a landscaping business and had some project management
experience.”
Garlow knows he can rely on the rest of the team for help. “There’s
really a sense that they care and not just about work. I know I can
call Daniel or anyone else if I need help with anything.”
DC Sparks strives to have a positive impact on the communit.
“We support our veterans and focus on giving back to community
groups,” Sparks says. “We do all we can to help out. It’s about
building relationships with our communities and employees.”
To learn more about a career at DC Sparks Construction, visit
http://dcsparksconstruction.com or scan the code.
FAYETTEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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