In January 2007, the district awarded Awford's office a $20 million contract from another contractor to overhaul seven buildings, located at Grossmont High School and Helix High School.

"The buildings are so old that we had a lot of challenging conditions," Murray recalled of the aging structures, some dating back to the 1920s. "When things slipped, Jamie really helped his employees deal with difficult situations."

Consequently, Awford's office landed another $18 million contract to build a two-story science building with 10 classrooms on both campuses, which are near completion, and a third to renovate the Grossmont District's historic office building.

Coach Gives A Boost

Alex Nester, president, chief executive and founder of the La Jolla-based executive coaching firm Nester Consulting, said he isn't surprised about Awford's success.

"Jamie is very professional, very detail-oriented and passionate about what he does," Nester said.

Nester first offered his services as a life coach to help Awford deal with his professional and personal boundaries, then offered psychological consulting to his executive team.

Awford credits Nester with helping him overcome his own perceived limitations and enhancing the corporate environment.