JE Dunn is known as a family business. And while most people think of the Dunn family, it also applies to another family, the Jacquinots. It all began when the company took a chance on a farm boy from Southeastern Kansas, Bernard Jacquinot. Bernard started working for JE Dunn in 1953 and worked his way up to field supervisor. In 1974 on Take Your Child to Work Day, he brought his 12-year-old son, Bob, to the Kemper Arena jobsite and the seed was planted. Bob knew he wanted to follow his dreams, and his father, into a career in construction.
Bob fulfilled his dream at JE Dunn for the last 36 years. He served as Director of Construction Operations until January 2024*. Bernard and Bob’s careers overlapped for 25 years. “JE Dunn has had a tremendous impact on my family,” Bob says reflecting on what the company means to him. For a few years, Bob reported to his dad. “I was his employee during the day and his son at night,” Bob recalled.
Bernard retired in 2012 after 56 years with the company, making him the second longest-serving employee aside from Bill Dunn Sr.
Bernard left an indelible mark on JE Dunn’s legacy and has an award named in his honor. The Bernard E. Jacquinot Field Leadership Award is presented annually to the Midwest regional field supervisor who best demonstrates the values Bernard lived every day of his 56 years of service at JE Dunn Construction: dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Together, the father-son duo worked at JE Dunn for 68 out of the 100 years in business. And now the legacy extends on through a third generation of Jacquinots. Bob’s daughter, Cayce, and his nephew, Hank Riscoe, both began working at JE Dunn five years ago. “When JE Dunn Construction celebrates 100 years of history, it brings me great joy to have had three generations of the Jacquinot family to have been a part of their history,” Bernard, 89, reflects on his family’s legacy and connection to the company.
Bob summed it up best when he said, “The future is bright for JE Dunn as well as the Jacquinot legacy.”
*Editor’s note: Since the interview for this story occurred, Bob Jacquinot has passed away. Although everyone at JE Dunn grieves his loss, we know that Bob’s remarkable legacy with the company and within our community lives on. Our thoughts of hope and peace remain with Bob’s loved ones.