M Jim Adkins PRESIDENT [ PHOTOGRAPHY: IRENE SEARLES Jim Adkins Springs Construction 2311 Lafayette Street, Santa Clara 650.298.9300 jim@springsconstruction.com springsconstruction.com When did you first get into the construction business? My grandfather founded Springs Construction in 1959, and I started working summers through high school. The first day I showed up, my grandfather pointed at a brand new shovel. He told me, “When you learn how to use that tool, I’ll give you the next one.” Where did work go from there? I started as the guy with the broom. I dug the ditches and hauled debris. I worked on the foundation crews, then ran the foundation crews, became a framer, then ran the framing crews. I became a finished carpenter and did some really high-end finishing work, then moved on to superintendent, then project manager. And here I am now! What do you want your clients to know going in? It should be exciting—You’re building your home! I tell my project managers and my guys out in the field that if it stops being fun and gets stressful for the client, then we’re not doing our jobs. What inspires you about the Peninsula? There’s so much here! Just look at the great architecture we have: Eichlers and turn-ofthe-century homes, the painted ladies up in San Francisco, the ultra-modern homes. What makes your business unique? It’s not tract homes that we build. Everything we do is a one-off. We’re interested in pushing the boundaries! NOTA B L E MEN
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