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From packing corn to leading our company’s Connecticut operations, Jeff Palmer's journey to becoming President of CT Operations at C.E. Floyd is a testament to the power of a growth mindset and authentic leadership.

Humble Beginnings

Born and raised in Deerfield, MA, Jeff grew up in a blue-collar family. During his early years, he gained valuable work experience on farms, tossing haybales and packing corn. He played sports throughout his childhood, taking a specific interest in wrestling. In 8th grade, Jeff discovered his love for woodworking. His woodshop teacher, Bill Benoit, helped nurture this passion. Jeff took woodshop classes every year in high school, with his teacher creating new courses so that Jeff could continue the curriculum. Mr. Benoit even invited Jeff to work at the woodshop on Saturday mornings.

After high school, Jeff enrolled at Roger Williams University to study architecture, and he continued competing in wrestling as an extracurricular. A week into his architecture classes, though, a lucky encounter with a fellow student majoring in construction management caused him to switch majors. Before this, Jeff didn’t even know that the construction management major existed, but he found it to be a great fit.

Jeff's leadership skills were already being recognized by the Roger Williams wrestling team. as he was elected captain his sophomore year. “Despite having a mediocre freshman campaign,” says Jeff, he was elected captain because his coaches and teammates saw and respected his work ethic and sense of responsibility.

Jeff Palmer, President of Connecticut Operations

Early Days at C.E. Floyd

Jeff's career at C.E. Floyd Company began during his senior year at Roger Williams when he received the top score on one of his exams. His professor prized the top score-getter with a book and an industry contact. That contact was Norm Fournier, who is now retired, but at the time was C.E. Floyd’s vice president of operations. Jeff thought this would lead to an interview for a COOP position, but when he called, Norm informed him about a spring post-graduate job opening. Jeff accepted the offer and began commuting from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island to Bedford, Massachusetts.

Working with Bob Willard, who was a senior project superintendent at the time, and an assistant project engineer who he didn’t realize would be his future wife, Jeff learned valuable lessons and gradually transitioned into an assistant project manager role. This experience led to an opportunity to bid on a project in Connecticut, and ultimately, he became the project manager for a substantial $6 million project.

Jeff’s work on this significant project in Connecticut helped nurture a client relationship that would lead to another $45 million worth of work over the next four years. Having this backlog allowed our company to open our Connecticut office, where Jeff now leads operations.

While working with his now wife, Laura, on The Huntington at Nashua project, the two had a strictly professional relationship. It wasn't until after that project wrapped that they got to know each other as people. They began dating in 2005, and have since built a family together.

Jeff's growth within C.E. Floyd Company has been nothing short of remarkable. He transitioned from a project engineer to a project manager, expanding his responsibilities and honing his leadership skills. However, in his new role as president of CT operations, his focus is no longer on specific projects.

Jeff and Laura Palmer with their two kids in Iceland (2023)

Building People, Not Just Buildings

Instead, Jeff emphasizes working with people, fostering relationships, and "building trust and relationships instead of buildings." He finds great reward in witnessing the growth of his mentees, guiding them to achieve new accomplishments each year. He points to Kyle Bopp as an example of someone he has watched grow. Kyle started in 2004 as a laborer and since has become one of our highly talented superintendents.

“In addition to Kyle Bopp, other notable people who worked with me on those early CT projects, such as Steve Clark, Craig Johnson, Paul Fournier, and Adam Bergevin, are still integral parts of the company today,” Jeff explains.

"I didn’t foresee my interest in the relationship side of things when I was younger," says Jeff. "I just wanted to be the project manager who got awarded the most important projects." However, Jeff has proven to provide endless value in building relationships and trust.

Jeff Palmer's journey in the construction industry, combined with his dedication to mentoring and personal growth, is a testament to his authenticity and compassion for those around him. He has made a significant impact both within C.E. Floyd and in the lives of those around him.