President/Owner of Firm
Jennifer Powers
Place of Birth Long Beach, CA
Lived most in your life
In California, the last 20 years in Sacramento, with a 4-year stint in New York
Recruitment Specialties and Geographies
Jennifer specializes in heavy civil construction, transportation (such as rail) and underground construction. Her geography is Northern CA and Washington State- however, she recruits nationwide as necessary.
Recruiter’s Background
Jennifer worked for Caltrans (CA DOT) for 5 years before working for self-performing heavy civil construction firms for 8 years. She became a recruiter in construction in 2005.
About your Team
Jennifer leads our heavy civil construction team. We have split the Western US into territories so that we have an up-to-the-minute pulse on what is happening in the market.
What sets you apart?
J Powers Inc recruiters are able to place a candidate for every 1.5 first-time interviews we arrange. The national average is 1 placement per 8 first-time interviews. We have been able to significantly reduce this ratio due to our quality control and a well defined, office-wide, recruiting process.
Our clients say, “we love working with you because you don’t waste our time sending the wrong candidates.”
Key to success
Focus on what the client and candidate need.
What is the one thing you would tell your younger self?
Things work out for the best on their own, so don’t stress!
Senior Executive Recruiter
Jenna Flanagan
Education B.S. Business Administration and Human Resources; California State University, Sacramento.
Place of Birth Roseville, CA
Lived most in your life
Placer County, CA
Recruitment Specialties and Geographies
Jenna specializes in executive-level recruitment in the Energy, Power, and Construction industries. While she works a national desk, her specialty is working with clients and candidates west of the Rockies, emphasizing on the West Coast.
Recruiter’s Background
Jenna started working at J Powers Recruiting in 2012 as an executive recruiter. Prior to working with JPR, she worked at one of the largest recruiting firms in the nation, Management Recruiters International. It was there she worked under the direction of her current boss, Jennifer Powers, developing clients and placing executive level positions in the construction, engineering, and public industries.
About your Team
Jenna started working with Jennifer Powers in 2006 and has been on and off her team since. “We have a professional relationship built on mutual respect, hard work, and talent. She has been the single-most important person in my professional development, and I am fortunate to continue to work under her heavy civil division.”
What sets you apart?
Jenna prides herself on being loyal, determined and has, over time, developed a certain level of grit that has allowed her to be successful in recruitment for over 10 years.
Key to success
If you just stay quiet, listen, and focus on what you can do to help a person, rather than what they can do for you, you will always come out ahead.
What is the one thing you would tell your younger self?
Learn to handle fear and overcome it. It is a pathway to success. For every difficult situation, you learn, grow, and further develop the type of person you are meant to be.
Something surprising about you
She started her last semester of college 3 days after she gave birth to her second son. Getting her degree was one of most important professional achievements of her life.
Executive Assistant - Office Manager
Gina Academia
Education B.S. Business and Secretarial Administration
Place of Birth Manila, Philippines
Lived most in your life
Elk Grove, CA
Gina’s Specialties
Gina is a seasoned executive assistant with over 25 years in the field. She has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including planning, scheduling, and correspondence.
Background
Having held positions in all fields, Gina is able to tailor her skills to meet the needs of various clients. She has increased efficiency in several of her assigned roles and is very effective at office management. As a senior assistant, she emphasized having specific skill sets in the realms of analysis, savings, organizational efficiency, and planning. She also planned several events including a company open house, golf tournaments, employee training programs and activities. Gina interacts directly with potential and existing clients and has increased customer satisfaction ratings at several companies.
About your Team
Gina helps with research in the field of heavy civil construction, transportation, rail, roads and bridges.
What sets you apart?
Gina is the first person one meets when they enter our office, and her job is to create the first impression for the organization. Having an optimistic outlook is critical to her; to keep morale high and be a positive influence in the office.
On a daily basis, she is faced with endless requests from employees, and her goal is to continue to prioritize requests and to anticipate recurring requests. She strives to move forward the overall success of the organization. Having an active interest in the company’s well-being allows her to identify and improve areas of office life that will promote the company’s future success.
As the point of contact for questions about company policies and more, she is big on efficient, coherent and effective communication, whether it is face-to-face conversation, on a call, via email or via instant message. Her goal is to carefully and clearly communicate successfully with her peers.
Her ultimate job is always to be available. When there is an issue in the office, she solves it. Her goal is to have a successful and productive office environment.
Key to success
“Executive level support and office management is my forte. I believe in partnership and a long‐term collaboration with my manager and colleagues. I view my accomplishments as mutual– the success of my manager and my teammates are a reflection on myself and vice versa. Thus, there is a true atmosphere of teamwork and solidarity between us. I am blessed to be part of J Powers, Inc. because I’m surrounded by amazing people who bring so much positive energy to the company.”
What is the one thing you would tell your younger self?
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Something surprising about you
I was born and raised in the Philippines, and my dad is from Spain- I am 50% Spanish and 50% Filipino.
Account Executive
Aaron Mielke
Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, was born in Wisconsin, and has spent most of his life living in both Wisconsin and Oklahoma.
Recruitment Specialties and Geographies
Aaron brings deep expertise in heavy civil construction, transportation infrastructure (including rail systems), and underground construction projects. While his primary focus is Northern California and Washington State, he actively recruits talent across the U.S. to meet project needs wherever they arise.
Recruiter’s Background
Accomplished leader with a proven track record in the recruiting field. Over 16 years of recruiting experience, placing candidates across a wide range of fields. Complex problem solver with a superior work ethic and excellent organizational abilities.
About your Team
Aaron began his journey with JPR as a SkillBridge intern, gaining valuable experience over four months. In August 2025, he transitioned into the role of Account Executive, where he now contributes to the heavy civil industry under the mentorship of Jennifer Powers.
What sets you apart?
As a recruiter, I specialize in managing the full recruitment lifecycle with precision and purpose—sourcing, screening, and placing top-tier talent across a variety of roles. I partner closely with hiring managers, operations leaders, and HR business partners to align recruiting strategies with business goals. Known for my responsiveness and relationship-driven approach, I focus on delivering not just qualified candidates, but long-term fits. Whether supporting established teams or scaling high-growth operations, I bring a proactive mindset and a commitment to getting it right the first time.
Key to success
I’m a people-first recruiter known for my ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in fast-paced environments. I take a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues, with a strong focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. My success is rooted in my genuine passion for working with people—building strong relationships, earning trust, and creating a positive experience for both candidates and clients. I’m a collaborative team player who thrives on helping others succeed, which has been key to consistently delivering results.
What is the one thing you would tell your younger self?
Don’t let the things that you can’t control, control your life. Work hard and do the right things and it will all work out as it is supposed to.
Something surprising about you
I recently retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service.
