BY JASON PARSONS OF DESIGN BUILD PLANNERS REPRINTED FROM THE DAILY5REMODEL…written in 2011 for a Fathers Day edition on the website

My brother Neil, 15 years my senior, has raised me since I was 10 years old. At the time, he was the owner of a small general contracting company, Parsons Construction. During the summer, I went to work with him as a form of “babysitting.” That first summer, he had the cleanest truck and jobsites in town. I started to take an interest in the work soon after.

By the time I was 12, I knew how to frame, hang drywall, trim, install roofing and siding, and work an aluminum break (as well as keep a clean truck). I worked for him through high school, learning not only construction, but communication and work ethic. As we both transcended our careers to sales and design, he continued to (and still does) act as a mentor to me inside and outside of the business. I would not be where I am today without his influence.

My oldest son has already taken an interest in design. He reviews projects I am working on, and tries to recreate them on his easel. I want all three of my boys to pursue a career that they are passionate about, and would welcome an interest in building. It is both a challenging and rewarding field. I only hope I can come close to the guidance and support I have been fortunate enough to receive.