Colquitt County High School, Class of 2024
JCI Contractors
From an early age, Charlie Thornton was drawn to the world of construction. Inspired by his grandparents, who once ran their own carpentry business, he developed a passion for building that never faded—even after the family business closed. Determined to carry on that legacy, Charlie chose construction as his focus in high school, completing two years in a college-level construction program where he earned special recognition at graduation. His dedication quickly stood out to his teacher, Mr. Penuel, who not only encouraged Charlie’s career aspirations but also helped connect him with industry professionals.
That connection came to life when JCI Contractors presented at his school. Charlie made it a point to engage, ask questions, and introduce himself, leaving a lasting impression that marked the beginning of his professional journey.
Throughout high school, Charlie sought out every opportunity to grow through Project Purpose activities—including Club Day speakers, Speed Networking, and the Job Fair. Each event gave him practice with networking, sharpened his professional communication skills, and helped him understand what colleges and employers expect from career-ready students.
His initiative eventually led to a meaningful relationship with Ashby Autry, Director of Marketing for JCI Contractors. Ashby recalls first meeting Charlie during a Club Day event:
“Charlie attended our talk, engaged thoughtfully during the Q&A, and even stayed afterward to continue the conversation. His passion and genuine interest in construction stood out, and we kept in touch with him over the following weeks.”
The two reconnected at the Job Fair later that year, where Charlie’s professionalism and drive made an even stronger impact. By the time he graduated, Ashby and the JCI team were ready to extend an opportunity.
“Upon his graduation, we offered Charlie a position at JCI. One of the coolest parts of his career journey is that he was assigned to JCI’s Colquitt County Schools Project Team, where he helped construct the 9th Grade Addition and the Canning Plant and Agricultural Facility—right on his own high school campus!”
Ashby Autrey | JCI Contractors
Today, Charlie is a sophomore at LSU Online, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management while continuing to gain valuable, hands-on experience with JCI. Looking ahead, his long-term goal is to transition into construction consulting, specializing in claims and delay litigation. With his growing field knowledge, plans to earn project management certifications, and commitment to excellence, Charlie hopes to help general contractors and owners navigate disputes, mitigate project delays, and protect successful outcomes.
When asked what he would like to say to JCI and Ashby, Charlie shared:
“Thank you to everyone at JCI and especially Ashby for the impact you’ve had on my life. Your support gave me the chance to turn my interest in construction into a real career path. The experiences and confidence I’ve gained through your investment have set me on a much stronger and more positive trajectory than I could have imagined. I’m grateful for the opportunities you’ve opened for me and the foundation you’ve helped me build for my future.”
Ashby believes stories like Charlie’s are exactly why JCI continues to invest in Project Purpose:
“We believe it’s important to support our school system and community by investing in the next generation. Project Purpose gives us the chance to encourage students, answer their questions, and help them see a future for themselves in local industries like construction. It’s about building relationships, inspiring career paths, and ensuring a strong, skilled workforce for years to come.”
At JCI Contractors, workforce development is a top priority. The construction industry faces a growing shortage of skilled labor, creating tremendous opportunities for students to build rewarding and impactful careers. Through Project Purpose, JCI is able to connect directly with students, showcase the wide range of possibilities in the field, and demonstrate how their talents can translate into real-world success.
Because when businesses engage with students early, everyone benefits: students gain confidence and direction, and industries gain a pipeline of motivated, career-ready talent.
Want to be our next Project Purpose success story?