40 Under Forty

January 31. 2012 3:17PM

Preston Hunter' s construction knowledge has served school well

By KATHY REMILLARD
Union Leader Correspondent

Preston Hunter

Preston Hunter, 32

Home: Bedford
Birthplace: Auburn, Calif.
Family: Father, Beatty Hunter; mother, Susan Hunter; sister, Laura Hunter
High school: The Derryfield School, Manchester
College/post-grad degrees: Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa., bachelor of science in electrical engineering
Current job: Director of business development for Eckman Construction
Key past positions held: Project engineer and director of marketing
Volunteer activities: Chair of board of directors for Manchester Young Professionals Network; trustee and chair of buildings and grounds committee for The Derryfield School
Key current professional challenge: Finding prospects and developing large commercial construction project opportunities for our company in a down economy
Last major achievement: Being selected to manage the construction of three new projects totaling over $10M all in the same week
Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: Attracting and retaining talented young professionals
Favorite place in New Hampshire: Franconia Notch
What book are you reading now? “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest” by Stieg Larsson
How do you relax? Enjoying the company of friends and family
What websites do you visit most often? www.theatlantic.com
Favorite TV show, radio station or musical artist: “Modern Family”

BEDFORD - Preston Hunter's experience in the construction field has served him well in his volunteer endeavors.

He is director of business development for Eckman Construction, but as a member of the board of trustees at the Derryfield School and chair of its buildings and grounds committee, he's been able to use his knowledge to spearhead projects for the school.

Hunter facilitated the addition of a turf field at the Derryfield, and a building that houses its admissions, business and advancement offices as well.

“It's good when you can use what you know to help an organization you're connection with," Hunter said.

Another passion of Hunter's is his involvement with the Manchester Young Professionals Network, where he is chairman of the board.

Hunter said the group creates opportunities for young professionals to network, gain skills and give back to their communities.

“Our challenge is to retain youth in New Hampshire,” Hunter said. “We want to keep them interested, keep them energized.”

Hunter led this year's Start-Up Challenge for the NHYP, which gives one smallbusiness owner the chance at $25,000 for start-up funding.

Hunter said that New Hampshire provides a unique opportunity because of its size and its culture to cultivate good business relationships.

“One of the best things about doing business in New Hampshire is that it's a state where relationships come before transactions,” he said.

Hunter said he finds people in New Hampshire, from business owners to local officials, to be very accessible, which he said facilitates doing business in the state.

When Eckman Construction was working on a charity project for Girls Inc., helping with renovations, Hunter said he walked into the building, and one of the first people he saw was Gov. John Lynch.

“That's not uncommon here,” Hunter said. “Not many states have that level of access to the governor.”

Hunter said he's pleased to be considered one of New Hampshire's 40 Under Forty.

“There have been a lot of really influential people who have been on the list,” he said. “I'm flattered to be in that company.”