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2020 Men of the Year: Chris Bozarth

CJD Engineering LLC

Posted online

Throughout his life, Chris Bozarth has been a man who is invested in the future.

Bozarth is a project manager at CJD Engineering LLC, a Springfield-based mechanical and consulting engineering firm that counts CoxHealth, Hilton and Drury University as its clients.

There, he puts to use his bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from Kansas State University, managing the mechanical, electrical and plumbing teams and bringing to life new buildings, including Hotel Vandivort.

“Hotel Vandivort was the most challenging project of my career,” Bozarth says.

The construction entailed a complete remodel within an existing structure, which Bozarth notes was riddled with unexpected changes.

“Since this was a remodel, we had to make due with what the building gave us,” he says.

And what it gave was challenges. Unplanned dimensions as the basement was shorter than planned, unanticipated cleanup due to damage from an unreported fire and other adjustments resulted in over 100 changes to the design, Bozarth says.

Through his continued communication with the installation team to resolve new issues as they arose, CJD helped to complete the remodel. And Bozarth notes the ultimate proof of a job well done was when CJD was hired for Hotel Vandivort’s second phase expansion, V2.

At CJD, he also trains new hires and interns, equipping the next generation of engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to design HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. He guides them through the design and construction process for greater confidence on the job, creating an enticing and supportive career environment for young jobseekers.

“I would like to continue to expand and grow our business and attract talented engineers to Springfield,” Bozarth says of his plans for the future.

Part of doing so includes supporting organizations like the Ozarks chapter of American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, better known as ASHRAE. Bozarth is the research and promotion chair and handles fundraising efforts and annual tournaments for the organization, which promotes engineering, education, construction, research and advancement of the industry.

Even in his faith, Bozarth is invested in the next generation. He is a church council member at Campbell United Methodist, where he served on the search committee for a new youth director.

“As a parent, I found this role especially important, as my children will be going through the youth program, and I want the right person to be guiding them,” Bozarth says.

Bozarth is also on the board of directors for the Betty and Bobby Allison Ozarks Counseling Center, where he serves on the strategic planning and fundraising committees and helped raise $22,000 in the organization’s 2019 golf tournament.

Ultimately, Bozarth’s forward-looking action and community investment is another way to give back to the place he loves.

“Springfield is a very special place to me and is full of amazing people,” he says.

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