James Sparks
Underground/Trenchless Construction And Fleet Specialist
Saint Charles,IL
Summary
Take-charge professional delivering support and team leadership to underground business operations. Broad experience includes vast underground trenchless knowledge, office management, fleet management, accounting, accounts receivable, invoicing, dispatching, vendor/client negotiations and contract management. Recognized for exemplary customer service and team building skills with paramount focus on production & safety for the business.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President of Operations
Mears Group
Aurora, Illinois
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, estimating and sales of HDD/Direct Pipe construction. Rig sizes: 15,000LB through 1,000,000LB
- Communicated regularly with executive team members to deliver pertinent details related to progress status and direction for projects.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
EVP
Mid America Energy Services
Aurora, IL
02.2019 - 08.2023
- Managed an annual workload of around 100K man-hours for a union underground/trenchless construction company.
- Oversight of 20+/- each 12 cu/yd hydro/excavation trucks-
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, customers, and unions, as required. Municipal/pipeline/substation/utility
- Ensured compliance with safety and regulations related to operations.
- Directed or coordinated financial and budget activities to fund operations.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
Director of Operations
Mid America Underground
Aurora, IL
06.2006 - 02.2019
- Oversight of approximately 50 field personnel and a 120-unit underground construction equipment fleet.
- Managed fleet facilities, maintenance and DOT compliance.
- Client contract negotiations and oversee estimating.
- Work closely with Unions and Safety staff to ensure field employees company compliance.
Ops Manager
Metro Underground
Batavia, Illinois
01.1997 - 01.2006
Field Foreman
Trench It/Intren
Lakemoor, IL
01.1994 - 01.1997
Field Foreman
Aldridge Electric
Libertyville, IL
Education
Project Management Academy
FMI Consulting
Atlanta, GA01-2003
Business Management
McHenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL01-1991
Engine/Equipment Repair & Maintenance
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL01-1989
Skills
- Leadership training
- Safety Training
- Purchasing and planning
- Geological sampling evaluation
- Cost analysis and savings
- Strategic planning and execution
- Operations oversight
- Business development
- Union Contracts/Prejob contracts
Certification
- First Aid/CPR
- OQ
- CDL Class A
- Tanker
- Flagger
- HDPE Fusion Tech
Timeline
Vice President of Operations
Mears Group
08.2023 - 07.2024
EVP
Mid America Energy Services
02.2019 - 08.2023
Director of Operations
Mid America Underground
06.2006 - 02.2019
Ops Manager
Metro Underground
01.1997 - 01.2006
Field Foreman
Trench It/Intren
01.1994 - 01.1997
Field Foreman
Aldridge Electric
Project Management Academy
FMI Consulting
Business Management
McHenry County College
Engine/Equipment Repair & Maintenance
College of Lake County
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