2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: John Phinney, AMCON

“John is a team player. He jumped in to help to complete a punch list for a project that wasn’t his, putting a lot of time and energy into getting it right. John is always willing to help and to learn, and he always has a great attitude.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? I attribute my inspiration to my family. My father was in and around the industry for over 20 years. From a young age, I have always helped him with different projects around the house, building our outdoor ice rink every winter, building a deck in our backyard, and different odd jobs. Over time, that exposure turned into a genuine interest in the construction industry. I went on to pursue opportunities that allowed me to build both field and office experience, which ultimately led me into my current role working for a general contractor.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? I am most proud of my involvement early in my career on a large, complex project that transformed an existing building into a combination of lab and manufacturing space for a biotech company. The phased nature of the work presented constant challenges that required coordination, adaptability, and problem-solving. Spending significant time on site allowed me to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of construction operations. The lessons I learned on that project continue to shape how I approach my work today.