We are proud to celebrate James “Jake” Dykes, a team member currently serving as Groundman at the McComb Asphalt Plant. Day in and day out, Jake shows up ready to contribute wherever he’s needed most. Teammates know they can rely on him to step in without hesitation, take ownership of the work in front of him, and keep things moving forward with a can-do attitude.
“Jake is the type of guy everyone desires to have on their crew,” said Jamie Smith, McComb Plant Foreman. “He’s willing to tackle any task, no matter how big or small it is, and he’s going to put 100 percent in it. What we appreciate the most about Jake is his attitude and his work ethic.” He joked, “Everyone should have a Jake on their team.”
Ryan Kennedy, Director of Asphalt Production, echoed that sentiment. “Jake is a truly driven individual,” he summarized. “Jake always dives into a project headfirst and comes out with the work completed and usually covered in something from head to toe. Yet, he can always be counted on to get the job done. He has been a fantastic addition to the McComb plant crew.”
That same respect shows up clearly in the nominations submitted by Jake’s coworkers. Again and again, team members pointed to his consistency, attitude, and willingness to step in wherever needed. Several others described him as a “hard worker who goes above and beyond,” and that “this dependable teammate always has a great attitude and is willing to help anyone.”
Others echoed that he’s “always present” and “always positive,” bringing energy and reliability to the team each day. Jake’s team also noted that he doesn’t wait to be asked to join a task; he jumps in, ready to tackle the work. Another highlighted the pride others take in his work, sharing that they regularly hear him mentioned as someone who truly deserves recognition.
Safety and teamwork also stood out across nominations, with one colleague noting that Jake is a “very hard worker and makes sure everyone is safe while doing so,” reinforcing the trust his team places in him not just to get the job done, but to look out for those around him.
Jake is someone who doesn’t seek the spotlight, often letting his work speak for itself. Yet, his actions haven’t gone unnoticed. His willingness to do the tough, often unseen work and to do it with consistency and a good attitude has made a lasting impact on the McComb plant team. Congratulations, Jake, and thank you for the example you set every day!
Pictured: Jake alongside team members of McComb Plant.
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