Jett Harris of Arkansas

Senior Project Manager at Harris United

Jett Harris, Fort Smith, serves as a Senior Project Manager at Harris United, a company that offers full-service contracting solutions. Over the course of his career, he has been responsible for more than $1.5 billion in completed construction contracts. As a fourth-generation professional in the construction industry, he has continued a long-standing family tradition while also building his own achievements. He prepared for this career path by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Oklahoma State University, which provided him with both technical knowledge and management skills.

Jett’s Role as Senior Project Manager

As Senior Project Manager, Jett Harris of Arkansas oversees both new construction projects and renovation work from the earliest stages through to completion. His responsibilities begin during the bidding phase, where he contributes expertise that helps the company secure new contracts. Once a project is awarded, he creates a detailed schedule that outlines milestones and establishes firm completion dates.

A key part of his role is ensuring projects remain on budget while also handling problems as they arise. He works closely with the superintendent to make sure every element of the work is set up for success. This includes verifying that crews are ready, equipment is available, and materials are on hand at the right time. If issues arise, he takes direct responsibility for resolving them promptly, ensuring projects remain on track.

To stay informed, he reviews daily reports provided by the superintendent and makes regular visits to job sites. These site visits allow him to observe progress firsthand and respond to any immediate needs of subcontractors or staff. He often manages several projects simultaneously, requiring a careful balance of time and resources.

In addition to overall project oversight, he is also involved in procurement. His role may require ordering supplies such as signage, office equipment, or security items. He may also coordinate ordering, delivery, inspection, and storage of materials when necessary, ensuring that all supplies are available when needed.

Harris and the superintendent also conduct weekly meetings with tradespeople and specialty contractors. These sessions are designed to review progress, identify challenges, and plan for upcoming tasks. Open discussion in these meetings helps prevent delays and promotes teamwork across all groups involved.

His leadership style is built on clear communication, collaboration, and reliability. He works closely with owners, subcontractors, and suppliers, keeping all parties updated on project status. His ability to maintain trust and lead teams effectively has been a central factor in his career success. His work has also been recognized with awards, including the “Best Closer” honor from a major client for completing projects on time.

A Passion for Flying

Outside of his construction career, he has developed a strong interest in aviation. Harris earned his pilot license in 2006 and holds an instrument rating for twin-engine aircraft. With more than 2,500 flight hours, his level of experience exceeds the standard requirement of 1,500 hours often used in the airline industry.

His training included private pilot coursework, ground school, written exams, and a practical flight test. He went on to earn an instrument rating, which qualifies him to fly in conditions of reduced visibility or through cloud cover. He also trained for and received a multi-engine rating, which allowed him to operate twin-engine aircraft safely.

Over the years, he has owned between eight and ten airplanes. In addition to flying, he has restored some older aircraft, combining his love for aviation with hands-on technical work.

Jett’s Volunteer Work

Alongside his professional and personal interests, he has dedicated significant time to volunteering. He has contributed thousands of hours working with youth, supporting the homeless, and serving in a juvenile jail. For two years, he volunteered as a Chaplain at Sebastian County Jail, where he provided mentorship and guidance to those in need. He also served for two years as a board member at a local Christian school, contributing to its mission and development.

His service has also extended abroad. He has traveled to Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria, where he helped with the construction of water wells and provided support to orphanages. His efforts reflect a commitment to improving lives both locally and internationally.

A Match Made on the School Bus

His personal life reflects the same commitment he brings to his work. On his first day of kindergarten, Harris met the person who would later become his wife. Their connection grew over the years, and they have now been together for 33 years. Together, they have raised four children and are also grandparents to two grandchildren.

Jett’s Hobbies and Interests

Beyond work and service, he enjoys several hobbies. Harris has a particular interest in classic muscle cars and Honda motorcycles from the 1960s. This was an important decade for the motorcycle industry, as Honda developed bikes that were dependable, easy to ride, and innovative for their time. Features such as overhead cam engines, electric starters, and improved fuel efficiency set them apart.

During the 1960s, Honda also emerged as a leader in racing circuits around the world, further solidifying its reputation. Models from that era, including the Honda Dream, CB160, and CL72 Scrambler, have become iconic for their design and performance. They remain highly valued among collectors and enthusiasts, and he is among those who appreciate their enduring appeal.

In addition to vehicles, he enjoys fishing, especially fly fishing. This activity gives him a chance to spend time outdoors and provides a relaxing contrast to the demands of his career.

Jett Harris has built a career defined by leadership in construction, with more than $1.5 billion in projects completed under his management. His work as a Senior Project Manager has earned recognition for reliability, communication, and results. Beyond construction, he has pursued aviation with passion, accumulating over 2,500 flight hours, while also dedicating thousands of hours to volunteer service at home and abroad. He values his lifelong relationship with his wife, their four children, and two grandchildren, while also finding time for hobbies such as classic vehicles and fishing. Balancing career, service, and personal interests, Harris continues to live with commitment and dedication.