At JE Dunn, we build fulfilling lives both on and off the job. In this spotlight, we’re celebrating some of our many talented employees who bring their passions to life outside of work through enriching hobbies and side businesses.
Biridiana Guerrero
The idea started out small: Biridiana Guerrero set out to make snow globes with candles inside as Christmas gifts for family members and friends. In doing so, she found a passion for candle-making that continues to burn four years later.
Now, on top of her JE Dunn project management responsibilities, she devotes time and energy to growing her candle business, Le Uccellino. She hopes Le Uccellino can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who purchase her candles and the nonprofit organizations that benefit from her frequent donations made from its profits.
Although her schedule is packed, Biridiana says the creative outlet from her business complements her day job.
“People always ask how I manage it all,” she said. “As you advance in your career, focus and narrow in on what’s important to you. Prioritize work-life balance and take care of yourself.”
Sam Swanson
When Sam Swanson co-signed on a $50,000 credit line to co-found an apparel company using his house as collateral — a feat he could afford to accomplish by working as a Project Engineer for JE Dunn — he had no idea how much this risk could pay off. In fact, “in the moment, it was probably a very dumb decision,” he said.
But with the right co-founders, a series of smart decisions, and strong luck, Sam and his team created Swannies Golf, a golfwear and streetwear apparel brand now known and sold globally.
As the company grew in popularity, Sam took Swannies meetings at night and on weekends; eventually, he took a step back from day-to-day involvement in his side hustle, choosing instead to focus on his roles as a JE Dunn Project Manager and a father to young kids. His current involvement consists mainly of being a sounding board for his wife, who manages the marketing department.
“People will ask what our big break moment was, but it’s been such a steady climb from the beginning,” he said. “We started out with nothing. Being validated by getting into big retailers like Scheel’s and Nordstrom, or being put on the shelves of pro-shops at courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, was kind of this, ‘oh, gosh’ moment.”
Matt Lange
Growing up with a father who worked in aviation, Matt Lange has spent a lot of time around airplanes over the years. Nearly 10 years ago, he completed his bucket-list wish to obtain his pilot’s license. Since then, he’s joined a flying club and is fractional owner of a 1940 Piper J-3 Cub.
Living in Minneapolis, Matt and his fellow private pilots are used to weather dictating their flight schedules, so in warmer months, you may find Matt flying around Minnesota or to neighboring Wisconsin to take in the view or enjoying a meal in a neighboring city by way of the “$100 hamburger” — a nod to the gas money spent to fly there.
Matt’s full-time work as an Estimating Manager means he has limited time to fly, so he sets his commitment on his calendar and appreciates the work-life balance it provides.
“Aviation is a very freeing hobby,” he said. “In the U.S., it’s amazing how open airspace is for private pilots. You can just detach for a little bit.”
Natalie Huntley
Like many of us, Natalie Huntley turned to new hobbies during the COVID-19 pandemic; unlike many, her new passion involves being stung while helping to improve the environment. The Senior Precon and Estimating Manager started off simple, taking an online beekeeping course to learn why we need more pollinators, how bees grow and thrive, and what equipment she’d need. One two-hour drive with a car full of honeybees later, Natalie had a hive of her own on her four-acre property in Omaha.
With guidance from fellow beekeepers, she now has two established hives that help plants thrive and food grow, while producing honey that her family and friends enjoy. Since beekeeping doesn’t involve a large time commitment, Natalie says it’s a great hobby for those with full-time jobs and kids.
Of all that she has learned through the experience, understanding the honeybee community has intrigued her the most.
“The way bees communicate with each other is very interesting,” she said. “If one of the bees finds a good pollen spot, they communicate that by doing this weird little dance, telling their friends exactly where to go. It’s fascinating seeing how a different species lives.”
Scott Pashman
When former JE Dunn employee Mike Young taught Scott Pashman how to carve wood in 2011, Scott had no idea that this art form would become such a big part of his life. Now, he creates different types of bears, owls, eagles, snakes, and more out of dead tree stumps found in the yard of his Rocky Mountain foothills home.
He also enjoys teaching friends and colleagues about his craft and seeing their creativity evolve.
“When I’ve asked coworkers what they wanted to carve, they say they have no idea. But it’s literally breaking the process down one step at a time, just like construction — only in reverse order. We take away this little sliver and then that one.”
As a General Superintendent, Scott is constantly thinking about what’s going on at a jobsite, what problems need to be solved, and making sure his team is prepared. This hobby allows him a release from those demands as he creates intricate art that he enjoys donating to local organizations and gifting to loved ones.
“Wood carving is a couple hours at a time where all the outside noise just goes silent,” he said.
