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In the dynamic world of construction and real estate development, few success stories shine as bright as that of Jared Cohen. Hailing from Florida State University, where he honed his skills and passion for construction, Cohen’s journey with Neal Signature Homes has been nothing short of remarkable.
Fresh out of college in 2021, Cohen landed his first gig with Neal Communities as an assistant builder. From the get-go, his dedication, work ethic and natural talent for the trade caught the attention of his superiors. Eager to learn and grow, he soaked up every bit of knowledge and experience from the seasoned professionals around him.
“I’m just trying to be really good at what I do,” Cohen says. “I like learning new things and also the challenge of figuring things out myself. They give me the space to learn and grow, and I also know I can call anyone at any level. You don’t get that at every company.”
The company recognized Cohen’s potential early on, and it wasn’t long before he was promoted to the position of Construction Manager. As a Construction Manager, he took on increased responsibilities, overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with various teams and ensuring the successful execution of each venture.
Driven by ambition and the desire to challenge himself further, Cohen was presented with an exciting opportunity. His outstanding performance as a Construction Manager opened doors to join the luxury arm of the company – Neal Signature Homes. This subdivision specialized in crafting high-end, bespoke homes, catering to the most discerning clientele. It was a chance for Cohen to step up his game and thrive in a new environment that demanded top-notch expertise and attention to detail.
“Ultimately, the goal is to produce high quality homes for the customer,” says Cohen. “We make sure we’re providing a well-built product, so the customer receives a well-built home the first time.”
Since joining Neal Signature Homes, Cohen’s career has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. His role as a Construction Manager is anything but monotonous. Each day presents new challenges, from designing and planning intricate architectural elements to ensuring seamless communication between contractors, architects, and clients.
One of the aspects Cohen enjoys the most about his job is the variety it offers. “I manage the day-to-day production and scheduling of home building projects, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction, “ says Cohen. “Every day is different.”
He relishes the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from learning about home building conditions and economic statistics in the markets the company operates in to understanding how the general construction operations can be improved and made more efficient. One of Jared’s favorite projects was managing the construction of the new Neal models for Wildleaf at North River Ranch, a new home neighborhood in Manatee County, close to Parrish. “When we started the model homes for that project, there were no utilities or roads yet, so I learned a great deal. It was both challenging and rewarding,” says Cohen.
His ability to adapt to these varied projects and consistently deliver outstanding results has earned Cohen a reputation as one of the company’s rising stars. Cohen’s success can be attributed not only to his technical prowess and managerial acumen but also to his innate ability to connect with people. He values teamwork and fosters a collaborative work environment where ideas are shared freely, and creativity thrives. This approach has not only garnered him respect from his colleagues but has also won over clients who appreciate his friendly demeanor and commitment to bringing their dreams to life.
Cohen’s appreciation for teamwork shows in his interactions with colleagues such as Carlos Puente, president of Neal Signature Homes, and Jason Frost, vice president of land acquisition for Neal Signature homes. “I called Carlos to understand what his deadlines and priorities were on some of the projects. And Jason helped me navigate some land questions. Talking to them gives me insight on what their day-to-day concerns are, and I’ve learned such a great deal from that.”
As he continues to excel with Neal Signature Homes, Cohen serves as an inspiration to aspiring construction managers and builders. His story exemplifies the potential for growth within the industry when talent, hard work and dedication converge.
Looking ahead, Jared Cohen’s bright future as a Construction Manager remains unwritten, and he shows no signs of slowing down. With his passion for construction and his unwavering commitment to excellence, Cohen is sure to leave an indelible mark on the luxury homebuilding landscape, making dreams come true, one signature home at a time.
