From left to right: Devon Dempsey, Donna Blanco, James Dempsey, and Jamus Dempsey
It’s not often that you find four members of one extended family working for the same company. Devon, James, Jamus, and Donna have only good experiences as one of Ohio CAT’s most extensive family groups in the business. Devon Dempsey has been at Ohio CAT for 1 year as a Parts Specialist Trainee and his cousin, Jamus Dempsey, just joined about 3 months ago–also as a Parts Specialist Trainee but for Ohio Peterbilt. Jamus’ father, James Dempsey has been in the industry for 14 years and works as the Tool Crib Attendant in Perrysburg. Donna Blanco, Jamus’s aunt, is the Product Support Manager for the Ohio CAT Equipment Division in Perrysburg and has been in the construction industry for 22.5 years. Below you will find their answers to some questions about working in the construction industry with their family members.
What is the role that family played in your decision to join the construction industry?
James’ uncle and grandfather were ironworkers and his father was a union painter. They all taught him to take pride in his work ethic and influenced him to join the construction industry. After they joined, Donna and James talked very highly of Ohio CAT, which made it an easy choice for Devon and Jamus to join the company!
How have you incorporated family into your job/work/passion?
They agreed that they bring out the very best in each other and are always willing to help out in order to make sure they succeed.
In what ways do you see “family” show up in construction?
“Family” shows up all the time for their family throughout the work day especially as they work together to get everything done. Ending the day with a feeling of accomplishment because they worked together, taught each other and helped one another along the way is something they find very rewarding.
Would you say that you believe family plays an important role in building the future of construction and why?
Donna and James agreed that family plays an important part because they get to teach the next generation the value of hard work. Jamus furthered that thought by saying “We are not only trying to do well to elevate ourselves, but we are also working hard to help elevate the company.”
What are some of the perks/benefits to working alongside a family member?
One of the perks mentioned was that because they know their family members so well, they trust them to do a great job, work hard in the process, and bring out the best in each other. Another benefit is being able to see and work with them every day. If they are unsure about something, they can always reach out to their family member and resolve the issue quicker.
Do you have any memorable stories about working with a family member in the construction industry?
Donna shared the following story: “James and his cousin put two 75 ton cranes in Fenner Dunlop. It was the biggest job we had completed at that point. When we finished, knowing we did it together gave me a great sense of pride and accomplishment.”
Jamus shared a memory about the time when he first started working for the business: “I have not been in the industry for a very long time, but for the short time I have been here, I can say how excited and proud my family members were to show me what they do every day and where they work in the building.”
