After graduating from South Dakota State University in 2008, Preston Crumly joined a company that moved him all over the world for heavy civil projects. Eventually, he landed in California.

Changes at the company left him looking for a better fit for him and his family. When a one-hour interview with Senior VP Tim Wilson turned into a three-hour discussion, Preston knew that Ames was the place for him.

“The family feel and excitement at Ames was obvious, and I was eager to get to work,” he says.  

Recently promoted to Project Executive, Preston supports project managers and engineers across all projects in Southern California. He enjoys helping project teams figure out the best way to streamline projects and make them as productive as possible.

“We get to build big and exciting things that help local communities, whether it is seen, like a bridge, or unseen, like underground work. I get to work with hard-working, blue-collar folks every day. The superintendents, foremen, and craft people bust their tails every day, rain or shine. That inspires me to work harder at my job.”  

Preston and his wife are parents to four children, ages 8, 5, 4, and 8 months. Whether they are going to church functions, playing sports, or just spending a Friday night at their favorite pizza place, they enjoy spending their free time together.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

What was your first job?

My first paycheck job was detasseling corn during the summer when I was in junior high. Detasseling corn is a rite of passage for Midwestern kids. You get up very early, get on a bus with other kids your age, drive out to the middle of nowhere, and spend the day walking corn fields and "detasseling" the cut corn stalks. Before that I would help out at the family store and do chores around our farm.

What is your karaoke song pick?

This is an easy one. “Wagon Wheel” as performed by Old Crow Medicine Show.

What is a family tradition you look forward to each year?

I look forward to getting together with my entire family. Once a year, me, my two sisters, my brother, and my parents all get together. There are 10 adults and 13 kids. Makes for a lot of food and fun over the course of a few days.