Join PCI Mid-Atlantic in celebrating military personnel making significant contributions to the precast concrete industry. Our May “Veterans in Precast” blog series highlights a few individuals who have cultivated successful precast and prestressed concrete industry careers. They represent roles in production, engineering, sales, various administrative positions, and purchasing, to name a few. These professionals have found meaning, purpose, and success in the construction industry, manufacturing products for our nation’s infrastructure and many buildings across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Service Background Skills are Fit for the Construction Sector
When speaking with veterans and researching the many reasons for hiring qualified former military personnel, the benefits are substantial—veterans bring the following attributes and characteristics to the workplace:
- Proven leadership and readiness for leadership roles
- Mission-focused approach to work
- Experience working in diverse teams and organizations
- Ability to adapt and make immediate contributions
- Strong work ethic
- Capacity to perform under pressure
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Self-starting initiative
- Integrity
Sean Dixon, Vice President of Construction and Estimating at High Concrete Group, shows how the call to serve is powerful—even when you’ve just moved to a new country. His tenacity represents the perseverance and dedication that makes veterans valuable assets to the precast concrete construction industry.
Sean continues our Veterans in Precast blog series by sharing his service history, educational background, and work journey.
PCI-MA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Military Service
Service in the military was a goal of mine from a pretty young age. When I moved to the States from London when I was 21—and decided to stay here long term—it felt like the right time to check this box. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006-2010. While in the military, I served as a combat engineer for the Second Combat Engineer Battalion. While on active duty, I was fortunate to see many parts of the world, including Iraq, Kuwait, Ethiopia, Israel, Dubai, and more.
One of the great things about serving is the friendships you forge through the experiences that you share. The ability to use mutual experiences to create bonds through shared affliction, joy, and problem-solving is a lifelong skill that transfers well.
Family and Interests Outside of Work
Presently, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Lauren, daughter Anna, and son Ben. We enjoy spending time outside playing soccer and basketball. We love to cook, watch movies, and try new restaurants. We are big fans of all Philadelphia sports teams. I also enjoy running and coaching my daughter’s track team.
PCI-MA: How did you learn about the opportunity at your company?
Sean: I learned about High Concrete through other industry professionals who have worked in the Mid-Atlantic area. High Concrete’s name is well known throughout the industry for its quality and experience, so when the opportunity came to be a part of the team, I jumped at it.
PCI-MA: How have the skills you learned in the military helped you in the private sector?
Sean: The ability to endure and keep pressing forward has helped in many ways. The military also impresses upon the value of trust. Trust in yourself, your decisions, and trust in your team. The importance of being well prepared and the ultimate value of engaged leadership are values learned in the military that have lasting payback.
PCI-MA: What do you like most about your role and the company you work for?
Sean: My role at High allows me to engage on many internal and external levels, which I love. I enjoy the team I work with daily and the ability to see and influence the amazing projects we’re a part of through to the end.
PCI-MA: What advice would you give a veteran interested in working in our industry?
Sean: The precast industry offers many opportunities for people with a service background transitioning to the private sector or veterans already in the private sector looking for a change. With the wide variety of roles, from manufacturing to engineering, project management to quality control, and many more, the ability to grow and learn is vast. The skills that you develop while serving transition well in this industry. If you desire a challenge and take pride in your work, there is a home for you here.
About High Concrete Group
High Concrete Group is a PCI-certified “AA” producer of architectural precast concrete and a manufacturer of structural precast concrete, committed to driving innovation, delivering quality, and building trustworthy relationships. Since 1957, High Concrete Group has served a variety of structure types, including parking, healthcare, government, office, multifamily, data center, education, and mixed-use facilities. Our market reach spans throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, with precast concrete production facilities in Denver, Pennsylvania and Springboro, Ohio. Whether you’re an architect, general contractor, construction manager, or engineer, precast concrete from High Concrete Group can benefit your project in a number of ways. Our precast concrete offers design flexibility, improved safety, reliable performance, long-lasting durability, and unbeatable cost savings.
