This year’s Crossland Heavy Pinnacle Award went to Donnie Jones at the annual company Christmas Party.
The Pinnacle Award recognizes someone who shows steady leadership, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to doing the job the right way. It’s given to the person who consistently supports their team, handles challenges, and brings a level of professionalism that others rely on.
And that’s Donnie. For decades, he’s been a dependable presence on our Heavy jobsites, patient, skilled, and the kind of teammate people trust. He doesn’t look for attention; he shows up, works hard, and sets an example that makes everyone around him better. This recognition reflects the impact he’s had on our teams and the respect he’s earned across the company.
Leadership by Example
Donnie has a work ethic that turns heads. He’s famous for saying a job’s leader should be the first to arrive and the last to leave because people are always watching the example you set. And Donnie lives that out every single day.
Plenty of people can go fast.
Very few can go fast and deliver flawless quality.
Donnie does both.
His no-nonsense style leaves no room for confusion. When Donnie needs something, you know it, and he’ll stick with you until the job is done right.
A Mentor in His Own Way
Donnie’s not a by-the-book teacher. He’s direct, he’s honest, and he pushes people to grow. He pokes, pushes, and challenges because he wants people to think, improve, and take pride in their craft. And it works.
“If you make it through the “Donnie Jones Boot Camp,” you’re well on your way to being a top-tier builder,” states Dan Thompson, CHC President.
Many of the young builders he’s trained are now running their own work, which is exactly the legacy every great leader hopes to leave behind.
A Partner Owners Trust
Donnie’s owner relationships are unmatched. He listens closely, understands what the clients needs are and makes sure the final product reflects that vision.
Stacy Cheevers, Plant Manager at Beaver Water District, shared this insight:
“Donnie likes to keep the end user and operator in mind, always looking for improvements or modifications that make the product better for the folks who will live with it. Crossland has done excellent work for us, and Donnie is a true exemplification of what Crossland stands for.”
When Donnie’s leading the work, owners feel confident, and the project reflects it.
Outside the Jobsite
Off the clock, Donnie keeps a lower profile, unless you’re talking horses. Over in Arkansas, he runs a successful cutting horse operation, breeding and selling high-end horses.
He may act like this award is “no big deal,” but everyone around him knows better.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Those who know Donnie best say the same thing: he’s not a spotlight kind of guy. He prefers to stay in the background, put his head down, and get the work done. But that’s exactly why this award means so much.
He’s earned it through years of dedication, to the company, to his teams, and to the people he’s built up along the way.
Congratulations, Donnie.
We’re proud of you and we’re grateful for everything you’ve done for Crossland Heavy Contractors, and for the countless people you’ve shaped along the way.
