Jason M. Boyd

Photo by Joe McNemar

By Pagett Dusic

Jason Boyd has spent most of his life in the Mountain State. A graduate of both West Virginia University and Marshall University, he currently works as the transportation market leader for The Thrasher Group, Inc.

Growing up in Morgantown, WV, Boyd dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. However, his love of the ocean and his country was stronger and inspired him to join the Navy.

“I can remember the first time I heard ‘Taps’ and how moving that moment was as a kid,” says Boyd. “I have always had a love of the sea and found myself looking at everything from being an environmental engineer to a marine biologist to a deep-sea diver.”

Boyd learned the value of hard work before the military. His first job was working as a package sorter and loader for UPS. His biggest takeaway was that you have to start at the bottom and work your way up in life.

“It wasn’t always easy to roll out of bed at 3 a.m.,” he recalls. “It taught me a lesson in taking pride in what you do. If I’m going to be a truck loader, then I’m going to be the best truck loader UPS has ever seen.”

While in the Navy, he found a love of honor, courage and commitment.

“It was on that ship where I learned about myself and about what I truly wanted out of life,” he says.

Boyd credits his good friend, Jamie Bumgarner, for helping lead him to this career. The two met in college, and after graduation, Bumgarner recruited Boyd to move to Charleston and work with Site Blauvelt Engineers.

Another mentor in Boyd’s career is Woody Thrasher, president of The Thrasher Group, Inc.

“I personally owe a lot to Woody,” Boyd shares. “I look to him as a mentor for several reasons but mostly for his ability to stay nimble and try things that others feel may be unorthodox.”

Boyd’s greatest professional achievement has been building a transportation market for Thrasher, one of the largest architectural and engineering firms in the state. The company has grown in this highly competitive industry.

Boyd is a firm believer in never resting on your laurels. As a mentor, he leads by example, providing honest feedback when things go well and when they do not. He also has embraced the summer internship program at Thrasher.

“I love the feeling of bringing those kids into the fold and having them leave feeling like they are part of the team,” says Boyd. “The interpersonal connections they make are as important as the engineering skills they refine.”

Along with being a mentor, Boyd is a devoted father and community volunteer.

“I do what I do because of my kids. They are my motivation to get up and go on the hard days, and I truly could not be prouder of the young women they have become,” says Boyd.

Finding ways to give back is important to Boyd. He currently serves as the chapter president for the West Virginia Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). This role, along with being a board member for the ACEC-West Virginia Board of Governors, allows Boyd to contribute to the wellbeing of West Virginia’s infrastructure and shine a light on the importance of this work for local communities.

He has provided construction assistance to Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Boyd and his co-workers participate in CANstruction for the Covenant House every year. He also spends every Saturday volunteering at the Charleston Parkrun. In the future, he hopes to establish more veteran support efforts in the state.

“My philanthropic compass has always steered me in that direction because I have seen firsthand so many of my fellow veterans come home and struggle,” explains Boyd. “I would be honored to help other veterans find career paths post-military that are fulfilling and give a sense of purpose.”

Boyd’s favorite pastime is running, and he says few places are more beautiful than West Virginia. Even after running in the Boston Marathon, he says, “I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I love this state, I love the people, and I love the values of West Virginia.”