As Veterans Day approaches, we pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have proudly served our country with steadfast dedication, commitment, and valor. In this special feature, we take a closer look at 35 North veterans who have transitioned from military service to thriving careers in the construction services industry, including the planning, constructing, and commissioning of highly technical facilities.
These exceptional individuals exemplify the resilience, adaptability, reliability, and expertise that characterize our nation’s veterans, demonstrating how their military experiences have shaped their professional endeavors and contributed to their remarkable achievements.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on a few of 35 North’s veterans who come from the United States Army, Navy, and Marines. We will explore their service backgrounds and celebrate their contributions to forging a brighter future for themselves and the communities they serve.
35 North’s Beginning
It seems fitting to begin with the founding of 35 North, over 14 years ago, by Scott McEntee, a former combat engineer in the U.S. Army.
For those who know Scott McEntee, president and chief executive officer of 35 North, you know that his military background instilled in him a sense of duty and purpose – which ignited his vision to use his extensive life sciences construction skills to provide tailored solutions that meet the demands of the RTP market and beyond.
35 North (previously known as PEG Contracting), is a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and embraces the opportunity to support our Nation’s veterans in multiple ways. Since its inception, the firm has echoed the spirit of innovation and service, earning a reputation for client satisfaction and successful project outcomes.
From Nuclear Power Plants to Complex Capital Projects
In speaking with Stephen Peterson, senior project manager, we learn that his military background began with an engineering program in the U.S. Navy. He later served as a qualified Nuclear Power Plant Operator where he was responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex systems – roles where the stakes are extremely high. So, how does this translate to construction services? Stephen’s significant leadership, logistics, and technical skills make him a go-to resource for problem-solving in all aspects of large, complex capital projects, which he truly enjoys.
When asked about a project he is particularly proud of, Stephen mentioned his program management contributions to building the Shire/Takeda Plasma Facility in Covington, Georgia.
It was a rare opportunity to take a large, highly technical campus from early design all the way through to fully licensed operations. As a program manager, you encounter only a small number of these multi-year, mega projects throughout your career.
– Stephen Peterson, Sr. Project Manager
From Service to Solutions
As an end-to-end construction services firm, we now turn to the later stages of a project life cycle to speak with, Chad Merewether, P.E., associate director of commissioning. Chad is another prime example of how military service shapes leaders in the construction industry. With a background as an electronics technician, he began his journey in the U.S. Marine Corps repairing SINCGARS radios and other communication devices for battalions. His skills were further honed in the calibrations platoon, supporting test equipment for all Marine units on the East Coast, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). This experience instilled in him a deep respect for the importance of procedures and accuracy of sensitive testing equipment.
Reflecting on his military training, Chad emphasizes one of the biggest lessons he carried into civilian life:
Following his military service, Chad returned to college, a decade later to earn his engineering degree. He was an ideal fit for the life sciences industry and immediately excelled in testing designs in the field for quality and accuracy, as well as leading mega projects.
To all veterans considering a career in construction, remember Chad’s words:
Embrace the challenges and keep pushing forward.
Honoring All Veterans
It is clear the unique skills of Scott, Stephen, and Chad, enhance the 35 North team and the industry as a whole. Their journey reminds us that resilience and determination gained in the service are invaluable assets in any civilian career. We hope you join us in recognizing the profound impact all veterans have in shaping our future, the construction industry, and the organizations we serve.
Ashley Chisholm is the director of marketing for 35 North. She is a data-driven professional with nearly two decades of experience working in various areas of the healthcare and life sciences sectors – from research and clinical facilities to healthcare leadership consulting and end-to-end construction services.
