When people across Dickerson & Bowen, A Granite Company, talk about leaders who consistently step up, support their teams, and deliver results, two names come up again and again: Jeremy Smith and Jamie Smith.
Brothers in life and leaders in the workplace, the Smiths have built a reputation for delivering results, supporting their teams, and fostering a culture of accountability and trust. Jeremy joined the company in 2011, and Jamie followed in 2017. Since then, both have grown into leadership roles that shape not only operations but also the culture of the organization.
Their paths to leadership began in the equipment shop, where both brothers developed their welding skills and built reputations for craftsmanship and display of initiative. Today, Jeremy leads as Foreman at the Brookhaven Wash Plant, while Jamie serves as Maintenance Superintendent, supporting critical operations across the company.
According to Pam Case, Comptroller, their impact extends far beyond their job titles. She shared, “Both Jeremy and Jamie are highly respected leaders who are knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to step in to help solve problems. They have built strong relationships with their teammates and are committed to supporting each team member’s success both personally and professionally.”
Few people have witnessed the brothers’ growth as closely as Tommy Young, Equipment Superintendent, who worked alongside them early in their careers. He recalls the pair starting in the shop, learning the trade, and sharpening their welding skills before advancing into leadership roles: “Over the years, I watched them grow, improve their skills, and take on more responsibility. Eventually, they moved into foreman positions and became great leaders who earned the respect of the people working around them.”
Tommy added, “I am proud of both of them and everything they have accomplished. I know they have a lot of potential ahead of them, and I truly believe they will continue to succeed wherever their careers take them with Dickerson & Bowen.”
Donnie Smith, Truck Fleet Foreman, also praised their growth and character, adding, “Both Jeremy and Jamie have really continued to shine in their growth. With their honesty and the way that they treat others, I see them continuing to step up within the company in the years ahead.”
Chuck Plaisance, Mine Manager, has worked closely with Jeremy throughout his time at the Brookhaven Wash Plant and says his leadership style is one of the reasons team members enjoy working alongside him: “Bud is the type of leader that everyone wants to work with. He gets the job done correctly and done in a timely manner. He cares for all his teammates and treats them like family.”
Ryan Kennedy, Plant Manager, has had a front-row seat to both brothers’ growth, working closely with Jamie throughout much of his career while also witnessing Jeremy’s success at the wash plant operation.
Known throughout the company as “Bud 1” and “Bud 2,” Jeremy and Jamie are Kennedy’s lifelong friends. He has watched them grow from adventurous kids into respected professionals and leaders.
Speaking of Jeremy, Kennedy points to the ownership mentality he brings to his operation, the pride he takes in his work, and the family atmosphere he has created with his crew. He added, “Jeremy takes tremendous pride in everything he does, and that dedication is reflected in his results.”
Having worked closely alongside Jamie through many stages of his career, Kennedy says his dependability and follow-through are among his greatest strengths.
“Jamie is the type of person who, when given a task and told, ‘We need to get this done,’ can immediately be counted on to see it through. Once it is assigned to him, you can consider it handled.”
In Kennedy’s view, the similarities between the brothers are impossible to miss. He remarked, “Their attitudes, work ethic, pride, stewardship, and commitment to excellence are all the same. Bud 1 and Bud 2 are a cornerstone of this company. They deserve every bit of recognition they receive, and their results speak more clearly than words ever could.”
The Smith brothers’ willingness to support others has also left a lasting impression on the Quality Control (QC) team. Micah Baw, QC Manager, highlighted their commitment to helping other departments succeed: “The Smith brothers are always helpful to us in the QC Department. Whether it’s Bud at the wash plant helping to pull samples or Jamie at a plant helping with any needs we have.”
Robbie Rollins, General Superintendent, echoed those sentiments, saying, “Both Jamie and Jeremy are always ready to help out in any area of the company when needed. I’ve enjoyed working with them over the years.”
Also known for their fishing talents, Robbie jokingly added, “They are the only people that can catch bass out of a mud puddle.”
Stormy Watne, Area Manager, says conversations about Dickerson & Bowen often include praise for both leaders: “Their reputation for professionalism, ownership, and performance extends well beyond their respective operations. Although I have only known them for a short time, it became clear very quickly that they exemplify the qualities we are working hard to build across D&B.”
Stormy points to their pride in their facilities, accountability, leadership by example, and commitment to quality and production as defining characteristics.
“Through their work ethic, attitude, and ownership mentality, Jeremy and Jamie represent the standard of excellence that drives our organization forward. They are not only outstanding leaders, but also role models for the culture we are building at Dickerson & Bowen,” shared Watne.
Whether they are mentoring teammates, solving challenges, supporting other departments, or leading their crews, Jeremy and Jamie Smith consistently demonstrate what strong leadership looks like. Their journey to key leadership roles reflects a commitment to continuous growth, accountability, and serving others. Through their actions, they have earned the respect of coworkers across the organization and continue to set a high standard for what it means to lead by example at Dickerson & Bowen.
Dickerson & Bowen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Construction. Learn more at https://www.graniteconstruction.com/company/our-brands.