#Duckumentary - Marquis Jackson

What did you do before your time at EDA?

Before my time with EDA, I worked at my uncle’s accounting firm doing business and individual tax returns.

What brought you to the construction industry?

I always thought that the construction industry was interesting. My uncle owns a construction company which I helped do payroll and submit union benefits for. I think that this industry is all about relationship building, and I like to try and build relationships with the external people that I interact with. Without these relationships, people are more likely to give you a hard time over the small things.

What was your reaction to seeing EDA’s emphasis on culture?

From the moment that I walked into EDA it felt like home. My interview was the day after EDA held a Make-a-Wish event and decorated the office for a luau prior to sending a family to Hawaii. When I heard that, it really emphasized the unselfish nature of the people here. I also noticed things like the huge mural and the EDA Family Wall, which features employee submitted photos of our families.

How is EDA's culture compared to that of your previous workplaces?

Besides my uncle’s companies, I had also worked for a pharmaceutical company that did not value their employees, which led to a lot of turn over. It was a huge change of pace to see many employees that had been with EDA for quite a while, and it was also different to see that Ed, the CEO, was a just a regular humble guy.

What has been the best part about your experience working with EDA?

There have been tons of learning opportunities and opportunities for growth within the company. I was originally brought in as an Accounting Assistant and my role quickly began to evolve. I love the challenges that this evolution has brought, and the support that I have received along the way has been amazing.

What is your favorite EDA value, and why?

My favorite value is Strive to Improve. I believe that you should always try to be better today than you were yesterday. At EDA I feel as though you receive the support and encouragement that you need to motivate you to do better.