Les came to work for WSDOT in June of 1985. When asked “why WSDOT?” Les replied, "I saw this as a career, not just a job, but a lifelong opportunity to learn, grow and try and make a difference by being part of a team working to make travel safe and beneficial for as many as possible."
Les began at WSDOT as a Transportation Technician 1. After two years he became a Transportation Technician 2 in the Maintenance Department. He worked in maintenance for four years. Over the years Les has honed his craft by watching, learning and studying materials. He worked in design construction doing a variety of tasks, and learning a variety of skills and knowledge. He studied state supplied materials and began working in the Eastern Region HQ in the functioning as a Plan Reviewer. Les worked hard to learn other aspect of his field and currently works as a Transportation Engineer 2.
In his current position, Les does a variety of things such as reviewing plans, specifications and estimates. He works with design offices to write agreements for haul roads and detour routes, as well as create construction permits for work on county or city roads when the project requires. Les has designed projects such as the contract 8017, US 395; Lee Road to Vic Junction 1-9. “I do a variety of things; I guess that is what makes me enjoy my job so much.”
One of the reasons Les loves the office where he works is the quality in the leadership of those he has the opportunity to work with each day. “All the folks in WSDOT are special folks; I have never met anyone who didn’t care, or wouldn’t be willing to lend a helping hand.” Les also enjoys the interaction he has with everyone in the Eastern Region and the folks he deals with at WSDOT Headquarters in Olympia.
Of his wife of almost 29 years, Les said “My wife is a special person. After I was almost killed in a four wheeling accident, my wife was by my side through pretty close calls; and has worked hard to nurse me back to health. She has been my anchor; what more could I ever ask for? In addition, all these folks here at WSDOT are family as well, we all depend on each other, and are not afraid to lend a hand. Life really doesn’t get any better than that! When I needed their help due to a long absence from work; they all were there for my family, with donations ranging from hours, to fire wood, to cash, visiting and supporting me though a really tough time. God has been good to me, to bring me to be working with such wonderful people. I am eternally grateful for all of the help that they provided by reaching out to my family when we were in the greatest need.”
Les grew up on a farm near Washtucna WA. Living on the farm taught him some very good life skills. Les and his wife have two daughters. One is 25 years of age and has given him a grandson who is six years old. His youngest daughter is 21 and has given him a granddaughter who is now two years old. Of his daughter’s significant others, Les says with a grin, “they have potential.”
Les loves being outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and the simple pleasure of just tootling around on his four wheeler. Les also enjoys writing poetry and working in his garage, creating and repairing things. Les likes helping out his neighbors, friends and family.
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