INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: John T. ‘Tommy’ Parker In 1952 Tommy Parker started Charleston-based Parker Marine on a shoestring and a dream. Turning 90 in June, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge he contin- ues to bring to the industry, both through his own company and through his generous involvement in the industry at large. After the war, Parker went to work for a dredging con- tractor, performing the survey work he had learned in high school. When work dried up and he was laid off, Parker recognized a demand for the construction of small docks. He rented a boat and barge and got to work. Along the way he was asked to help build a steel bulk- head in Maryland. Salvaging a crane from that job he re- turned home and added foundation work for homes and small commercial buildings to his portfolio. John Parker is receiving the Virginia Casey Short Award (2007) from father, Tommy, who was the first recipient of the award in 1991. Tommy Parker celebrates his 90th birthday on June 28, 2013. An opportunity to drive concrete test piles for a paper mill in Georgetown opened doors, both for pre-stressed piles in building foundations and Parker’s next venture, when he opened his own yard. Now, with his son John by his side for the past 25 years and many long-term staff, Parker Marine owns six acres of waterfront property, nine cranes, four barges and three tug boats. The company does not shy away from challenging projects, but instead seems to embrace them. Parker re- calls several jobs in which access was so tight, concrete had to be poured using a helicopter. A humble man, Parker credits his company’s success to the people who have worked alongside him. “Our biggest asset is the people who work with us. We have first class staff who are willing to work hard to get the job done. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.” Here’s what people are saying about Tommy Parker: Our Congratulations to Tommy Parker Covering the Carolinas Mt. Pleasant SC Spartanburg SC Charlotte NC Research Triangle Park NC 843-388-1704 864-327-1504 704-454-5214 919-544-5198 www.skandco.com 8 – July/August 2013 — The South Carolina Construction News Bill Snow, president Palmetto Gunite Construction “I’ve known Tommy for more than 30 years and for me, he’s a mentor. He learned the hard way how to go from being a tradesman to being a contractor and through his example and direct teaching, he shared that with me. He took a chance on me, and has taken a chance on many young people. When I try to do the same for people now, it’s because of his example to me.” _______________________________ Continued on page 10