“Do It Right the First Time and Do It Safely Every Time.”
Jason Dunaway is a seasoned industrial construction executive whose career spans nearly four decades of building, leading, and advising on some of the most complex heavy industrial and energy projects across the United States. With 38 years of deep technical and managerial experience—and more than 22 of those in senior leadership roles—he has established himself as a trusted authority in construction execution, engineering coordination, and large-scale project delivery. His career reflects a rare blend of hands-on field expertise, executive decision-making, and strategic foresight, making him an invaluable resource to organizations developing or expanding physical infrastructure.
From the beginning of his career, Jason developed a reputation for his ability to understand and simplify highly technical construction challenges. Early roles supervising piping, mechanical, and civil work provided him with ground-level knowledge that would later anchor his leadership philosophy: effective project oversight requires a clear grasp of how decisions play out in real-world conditions. These formative years supervising the installation, fabrication, testing, and commissioning of critical systems shaped not only his technical capabilities but also his long-term commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
As he progressed into project management roles, including years spent overseeing major power plant construction efforts, Jason became known for bridging the gap between engineering intent and construction feasibility. He developed a strong aptitude for constructability reviews, contractor coordination, schedule management, and resolving complex technical issues long before they could threaten a project’s budget or timelines. His ability to translate engineering design into practical, executable plans allowed teams to avoid costly mistakes and ensured that each phase of construction aligned with owner expectations.
His transition into senior management roles marked a pivotal shift in his career. At organizations such as NRG Energy, DEPCOM Power, and Fulcrum BioEnergy, Jason took on oversight of high-value industrial projects, many of which required pioneering approaches or first-of-kind project frameworks. Whether managing massive combined-cycle facilities, refineries, renewable energy sites, or waste-to-fuel plants, he demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead multidisciplinary teams while maintaining the discipline required to deliver projects safely and efficiently. Jason became the steadying force that owners, contractors, engineers, and field teams relied on when stakes were high and decisions were complex.
During his tenure at Fulcrum BioEnergy, where he ultimately served as Managing Director of Construction, Jason played a central role in advancing innovative waste-to-fuel initiatives aimed at transforming the future of clean energy. His leadership helped guide engineering teams, contractors, and field operations across multi-year, multi-phase projects that demanded precision, patience, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. His contributions during this period underscored his ability to manage projects at the intersection of industrial construction and emerging clean technologies—a combination increasingly vital to the next generation of energy infrastructure.
In 2024, Jason co-founded Option 1 Industrial, an industrial construction group built on the principles he has championed throughout his career: integrity, accountability, expertise, and the belief that exceptional outcomes come from selecting the right people and empowering them to succeed. As a co-owner, he continues to shape the strategic direction of the organization while offering guidance rooted in decades of experience working on projects of every scale. His role today reflects a natural evolution from hands-on project leadership to high-level advisory and executive support.
Jason’s strengths extend far beyond his technical expertise. He is deeply respected for his ability to build and unify teams, cultivate trust among stakeholders, and provide decision-makers with clear, unfiltered insights grounded in real-world experience. He thrives under pressure, maintains composure in complex environments, and has an innate ability to assess a situation quickly and determine the most effective path forward. These qualities have made him a sought-after leader for organizations navigating high-stakes construction and engineering challenges.
His experience extends across power generation facilities, refineries, chemical plants, smelters, steel mills, EPC contracting environments, data centers, and numerous emerging technology sectors. He has collaborated with engineering groups across the United States as well as international partners in Spain, Canada, and Europe, giving him valuable global exposure while reinforcing his preference for advisory roles based in or remote within the U.S. Along the way, he has been quoted in industry discussions, contributed to smaller speaking forums, and served as a mentor to countless construction and engineering professionals.
Today, Jason is pursuing board, advisory, and consulting engagements where he can leverage his experience not by managing day-to-day operations, but by guiding organizations from a higher, more strategic vantage point. After decades spent solving challenges in the field, he now aims to support companies developing or expanding physical locations, pioneering new technologies, or undertaking major capital projects. He believes his greatest contribution lies in helping leaders recognize risks early, select the right engineering and construction partners, and make decisions informed by the lessons of more than three decades of project execution.
At every stage of his career, Jason’s core belief has remained the same: safety, integrity, and preparation are the foundation of every successful project. His leadership philosophy is grounded in experience, humility, and the understanding that great outcomes come from both strong teams and strong processes. With his extensive background, unwavering values, and ability to provide strategic oversight with practical perspective, he stands as a powerful asset to any organization seeking seasoned guidance in industrial construction, engineering, and infrastructure development.
Character:
Jason demonstrates character through his unwavering commitment to safety, integrity, and accountability across every project he touches. He brings a steady, principled leadership style that encourages trust and reliability among teams, partners, and executives. His decisions consistently reflect a deep respect for people, process, and long-term project success.
Knowledge:
His knowledge is anchored in nearly four decades of hands-on and executive-level experience across multiple industrial sectors, giving him an exceptional command of construction execution and engineering coordination. He understands how technical decisions translate into real-world outcomes, enabling him to offer insights that few executives can match. His expertise allows him to recognize risks early, foresee challenges, and guide organizations toward effective and sustainable solutions.
Strategic:
Jason’s strategic mindset enables him to navigate both the high-level vision and the detailed execution of complex industrial projects. He excels at aligning teams, plans, and resources to achieve outcomes that meet or exceed expectations. His ability to think ahead and position organizations for operational success makes him an invaluable advisor to companies undertaking major capital initiatives.
Communication:
His communication style is clear, direct, and grounded in real-world experience, allowing him to simplify complicated technical issues for executives and stakeholders. He fosters transparency and collaboration, ensuring all parties understand expectations and risks. His ability to articulate complex concepts with clarity strengthens team alignment and drives effective decision-making.
