"Everyone has barriers, we all have stuff," Awford said. "We (the Turner executive team) are a tighter-bonded group, and knowing our strengths and weaknesses, we help each other through challenging issues."

Awford said he fell into the construction business after earning a two-year degree in business communication from Seattle Community College in 1988.

"I've been in love with (construction) ever since," Awford said.

Awford joined Turner's San Diego office in 2003 as business development manager, was promoted to business unit manager in 2006, and in January 2007, became vice president and general manager.

Special Interests

Now he even builds on his own time.

"Currently, I'm helping my oldest son rebuild a '67 Mustang," said Awford about a project with his 18-year-old son, Johnny, who studies music production at San Diego City College.

He has another 14-year-old son, Spencer, who enjoys skateboarding.

During his downtime, the Mission Hills resident also enjoys cooking, running and traveling. And he gives back to the community as a member of the local board of directors for Habitat for Humanity International, which builds affordable housing, and for the ACE Mentor Program, which introduces students to opportunities in construction, architecture and engineering.