Employee Spotlight - John Graff

From Groundskeeper to Project Manager, Jason’s path at Lewis has been anything but linear, and that’s exactly what has made it so rewarding. What started in the field became a front‑row seat to how the company truly operates, setting the foundation for a career built on curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn wherever he landed.

Tell us about yourself?

I started with Lewis in 2006 as a groundskeeper and quickly transferred to the mailroom, which turned out to be a great move. The mailroom provided exposure to all aspects of the company and helped me understand how different teams worked together while I continued going to school to complete my degree in Economics.
After graduating in 2015, I was promoted into the Community Development department as a Project Assistant, where I provided broad administrative support to the development team, including document management, meeting coordination, and day to day project organization.
In 2021, I was promoted to Assistant Project Manager and assigned to support The Preserve team. In this role, I supported entitlement processing, consultant coordination, and agency submittals while taking on increased responsibility to help move projects forward.
In December 2025, after completing the LEAD program, I was promoted to Project Manager. Having grown with the company over time, I bring a broad perspective and a long-term commitment to continued learning and development, and I value the growth opportunities Lewis provides for those willing to invest in their careers.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Seeing a project come together from concept to reality. There’s something extremely rewarding about driving past a finished project and knowing the amount of coordination, persistence, and teamwork it took to get there. I also enjoy working through challenges with different stakeholders and finding solutions that keep projects moving.

How do you stay busy outside of the office?

I’m a Planning Commissioner for the City of Claremont, which keeps me involved in community development. Outside of that, I’m a big sports fan, love cycling and playing pickleball, exploring local breweries and restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities help me recharge and stay engaged both at work and in life.
Whether I’m supporting complex development efforts, serving the Claremont community, or trying to win a pickleball match I probably shouldn’t have signed up for, I’m motivated by growth, collaboration, and seeing ideas through to completion. Lewis has provided the opportunity to build a career one step at a time, and I’m excited to continue contributing, learning, and helping bring great projects to life.

Those who have worked alongside Jason, from peers to managers, speak to a career defined by his positive attitude and strong, collaborative relationships.  Combined with a genuine enthusiasm for the work and the people around him, Jason has long believed it’s not the pursuit of happiness but the happiness of the pursuit that drives meaningful work. Whether you’d like to congratulate Jason on his recent promotion, learn more about his work as a Planning Commissioner, or get his take on the best breweries in town, reach out to him directly at Jason.Wong@LewisMC.com.