Connecting with…

Jennifer Blevins!

Name: Jennifer Blevins

Title: CAD Production Manager

Started at christopher: I technically started with christopher June 1st of 2021 when Ross-France was acquired, but I started working for Ross-France November of 1992.

Hometown: I am an Army brat who was born in Carmichael, California and moved all over the country and Germany until I was a freshman in high school. At that point my dad retired and I have lived in the area ever since.

Alma Mater: I did not go to college. I took drafting classes at Fauquier High school with my favorite teacher of all time, Mr. Wing. After graduation he referred me to Charlie Ross. I was hired as the very first CAD draftsman in the company at the beginning of the transition from hand to CAD drafting.

What was your very first job? In high school I worked for Jerry’s Pizza and Subs.

Favorite vacation destination: I love to vacation anywhere warm and sunny. I love the beach and I have been able to take several cruises which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

What energizes you outside of work? I love to spend time outside. I enjoy gardening and hiking. I also love to go to concerts.

On Saturday you can find me: Depends on the season, if the weather is warm I would be outside. I could be gardening, or fishing on the bay or riding on the back of my boyfriend’s motorcycle. If it is cooler weather I would be inside watching movies, reading or cooking.

If you had three wishes what would they be?

  • More time
  • More travel
  • I wish everyone finds true happiness and fulfillment

What would be your last meal request? My last meal would be roast beef, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy and Yorkshire pudding.

What was your favorite project to work on and why? I have been fortunate in my position to work on all aspects of projects from the preliminary site investigation, to the topo surveys to the site plans and plats to the as-built of the project. I love the diversity my position affords. It is hard to pick just one but I would have to choose the 13th High School (Gainesville High School) for Prince William County Schools.

What company event do you enjoy most? Being new to christopher I have not had the privilege of attending too many but I do enjoy payday grill day and Oktoberfest. I am looking forward to the others I have heard so much about.

What is the best piece of advice you could offer someone considering a career in civil engineering/surveying/land planning? Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take good notes, try new things, don’t get stuck in a rut.

Name one mistake you made early in your career and how you learned from it? My second day working for Ross-France I was instructed how to make a blueprint… yes a real blueprint, that is how old I am. Well, anyway, I was making a blueprint of a house location survey and I put the paper in sideways and it got stuck and the machine was shut down for two days until the repairman could come disassemble it and fix it. What a way to make an impression!