Twins build foundations for construction careers at GNTC

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students Rance and Ryder Smith are building on their construction experience this summer by interning with local companies.

The twins, Calhoun natives, said they have always been interested in construction and started classes in the Construction Management program at GNTC’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun in fall 2023. Each expects to graduate with an associate degree in spring 2025.

Donny Holmes, Construction Management program director and instructor at GNTC, said this is the first time he has had twins go through the program together.

“Ryder and I are the first in our family to go into this line of work,” Rance said.

Virginia Smith-Hensley knew her sons were interested in construction and had heard how highly regarded Donny and GNTC’s Construction Management program were, she said.

“To my delight, both Ryder and Rance received acceptance letters (into the program), and we promptly scheduled an appointment to meet with Donny,” Virginia said. He provided a comprehensive overview of the program, detailing the invaluable skills and knowledge that students would gain upon completion.

“As a mother, I was thrilled to discover that GNTC could provide an environment where small-town students could access a world-class education from a highly-regarded instructor like Donny,” she said.

As a high school sophomore, Ryder said he felt overwhelmed by the variety of career options available and the pressure to select a career path before graduation, but speaking with Donny helped him to establish a foundation for his career.

Rance Smith (left), assistant project manager with JBrennon Construction Inc., stands atop the Development Resource Center in Chattanooga. The company is repairing the center’s roof and preparing for solar panel installation. Ryder Smith (right), assistant project manager with America’s Home Builders, said his instruction at GNTC has prepared him well for his internship and a future in Construction Management.

“Seeing something on blueprints come to life is really exciting to me,” Ryder said. “I still have the pamphlet and business card Donny gave me.”

Donny, describing Ryder as intrigued and motivated, observed, “Ryder is very motivated to do the best that he can because he knows that will help him be better prepared for work challenges down the road.”

The brothers have completed the first year of their program. Ryder is completing a 10-week internship with America’s Home Place in Calhoun, while his brother is interning with JBrennon Construction Inc. in Dalton. Both are assistant project managers.

In his position, Ryder said he oversees the construction process from inception through completion, interacts with subcontractors daily and performs tasks assigned by the project manager.

“I couldn’t imagine a better internship than the one I have now,” Ryder said. “They let you get involved in the entire process, not only by building houses, but also by building relationships with customers. The people I work with made me feel at home as soon as I started there.”

Ryder applied through the America’s Home Place online internship link, said Alfred Trapp, general manager for America’s Home Place in Calhoun. The Calhoun office received about 30 intern applications from other colleges in Georgia for two available internships. The other summer intern selected was Easton Childs, who is also one of Donny’ students and winner of the gold medal in Masonry at the 2024 SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference.

“Ryder really impressed us during our lengthy interview process, which involved multiple interviews with our team in Calhoun and my peers from other offices across the Southeast,” Alfred said. “It was obvious that he had a passion for the industry and already had hands-on experience from his time at GNTC.”

Ryder has shown urgency and does not require micromanagement to complete any lessons or challenges presented to him; he also does not mind working late or learning a new skill to perform the job correctly, Alfred said.

The brothers said their internships have helped them to grow professionally by building on the framework of Construction Management knowledge they received in their classes at GNTC.

Donny has been impressed with Rance’s drive and captivation. He said, “Rance is dedicated to his studies and has a drive to do the best that he can. He asks questions about the areas he doesn’t understand as well as direction assistance for his career pathway.”

Rance said he is grateful for his internship, which has provided a window into all of the preparation that happens before a project breaks ground; then he gets to follow the project through all the way to completing the client’s punch list at the end of the job.

A recent recipient of an Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) scholarship, Rance said he assists in any pre-construction bidding, gets quotes from subcontractors for future jobs, makes sure all work is done safely and as specified in the contract, supervises and manages jobs when needed.

“I love that we are very professional, and we do great work and have great attitudes,” Rance said.  “We focus on having great relationships with our clients and with everyone who works with us.”

The brothers said they would like to continue with their respective employers after their internships until they graduate. Then they would like to become full-time project managers.

Ryder said he would like to work for a custom home builder and eventually start his own home construction business; Rance said his long-term career plan is to stay with a company and help it grow.

When Rance contacted JBrennon Construction about an internship, the company was not advertising for a position, said Brent Smith Jr., the company’s chief financial officer and vice president.

“Upon interviewing Rance, we quickly found him to be reliable, calm, analytical and eager,” Brent said.

Rance has performed well on the job, and JBrennon Construction has been flexible in working with him so that he can continue to work for the company as he completes his degree.

Brent believes Rance has a bright future in construction management, adding “it’s likely that he will stay on with us.”

Alfred characterizes Ryder as responsible, trustworthy and diligent. He said he believes the young intern will excel in the construction industry and looks forward to seeing how far he goes with his career.

“Our hope is for interns to stay on board with us long after their internships are completed,” Alfred said, adding that America’s Home Place typically has many part-time and/or post-graduate opportunities available at the Calhoun office and other offices across the nation.

“The hands-on lessons and level of leadership taught in the Construction Management program at GNTC have clearly prepared Ryder for this field,” Alfred said. “We have seen a level of confidence and capability from him and our other GNTC intern that is pretty rare among students their age.”

Brent said JBrennon Construction will consider hiring more GNTC Construction Management interns in the future; Alfred said his company has been so impressed with the interns that the company looks forward to developing a partnership with GNTC in the future.

The brothers praised Donny for preparing them for their internships and fostering their professional growth.

“Donny is an amazing instructor and even better person,” Rance said. “I am grateful to have an instructor like him.”

GNTC’s Floor and Wall Framing, Ceiling and Roof Framing and Energy Measures and Efficiency courses have been the most beneficial for him so far, Ryder said.

According to Rance, the most important lessons he’s learned at GNTC are “never give up on the things you want, and never be afraid to learn something new every day.”

Virginia attributes her sons’ success to the exceptional education and support they both have received at GNTC and through Donny’s Construction Management program, she said.

Donny said he is pleased to see how much the brothers have matured and grown in their knowledge of the construction field since they entered the program with minimal construction experience.

“They were both excited to start and learn more about construction right out of the gate,” Donny said. “Now, after being in the program for a year, they have had several classes with hands-on labs and management classes that have peaked their interest.”

Donny receives texts from them periodically in which they share what they are doing and learning. He said he is excited to see their professional growth, as well as eager to see where they go after completing the program and the difference they will make in the construction industry.

“I advise anyone who has an interest in the construction field to take the Construction Management program at GNTC,” Ryder said. “You will gain knowledge that will help you succeed in your career and gain relationships that you will have forever.”