As area manager for PCL Construction in Orange County, Jeyre Lewis oversees operations across the region’s entertainment, education, hospitality and commercial projects, and grows the company’s market presence by focusing on strong client relationships.

Lewis’s journey with PCL began as an intern in 2007 while he was pursuing his undergraduate degree at Florida A&M University. After completing his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the same institution, he joined the company full-time in 2010.

His interest in construction began at a young age, stemming from a childhood fascination with Legos and a deep interest in how buildings come together. Lewis also often helped his father with DIY projects around the house, further fueling his interest in construction. This early curiosity, combined with a love for math and drawing, set the foundation for his career. “My parents recognized my skills early on and enrolled me in engineering-focused middle and high schools,” says Lewis. “By the time I graduated, I knew civil engineering was the perfect path to pursue my passion for construction.”

Seeing the impact his projects have on the community gives Lewis a purpose in his career.

“There’s nothing like the sense of accomplishment when a project is finished," says Lewis. “Hearing people appreciate the work you put into making a building come to life – that's what keeps me inspired.”

One of the standout projects in Lewis’s career is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Studios Hollywood®. As his first project in California, it left a lasting impact thanks to the collaboration within the team and across the different PCL offices. “It was a challenging project, but the way the team came together and leveraged resources from across the company was amazing,” says Lewis. The project highlighted PCL’s strong, consistent company culture and the importance of growing human connections. "That experience gave me the confidence to grow my network and shaped how I value relationships in this industry," says Lewis.

Lewis attributes his long tenure with PCL to an alignment of values and the supportive, employee-owned team. "I come to work for the people," he says. "It’s the quality of the team and how we support each other that keeps me here." In addition to its people, PCL’s commitment to taking on complex projects is a key motivator. "We don’t shy away from tough projects,” says Lewis. “We take on the most complex jobs, often with tight schedules, and we thrive on that challenge.”

From a client’s perspective, Lewis believes that PCL offers a unique sense of security, proactively managing expectations and offering solutions. “I like to think of PCL as the captain of a ship,” says Lewis. “We build trust with our clients as we navigate toward a common goal.” This trust and reassurance are what keep clients coming back to PCL.

Outside of PCL, Lewis is actively involved in several organizations, including the Associated General Contractor (AGC), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Progressive Black Men, a non-profit service organization whose purpose is to promote positive images of African American men through education, community service, and “the development of high standards of personal integrity and moral character.”

Lewis’s contributions to the industry have also been recognized through prestigious awards, including the ENR’s National Top 20 Under 40 and ENR California & Northwest’s Top 25 Under 40. With a passion for construction and an unwavering commitment to teamwork and innovation, Lewis continues to be a driving force behind PCL’s success in Orange County and beyond.