Over the last six weeks, we’ve been celebrating our company’s new name, new look, and exciting evolution from DJA Engineering to Juno. We are also celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, making it an ideal time to share the story of our founder, Don Andrews, and reflect on how his values and commitment continue to guide and inspire us.
Don Andrews was driven to start DJA Engineering in 1984, amidst economic uncertainty and industry turmoil, following a disheartening experience with his employer. While working on a project, his team member was hospitalized due to injuries sustained in a climbing accident. Determined to meet critical deadlines, the two continued to collaborate from the hospital room and, thanks to their willingness to go above and beyond, managed to deliver their contributions on time.
When Don’s colleague sought payment for the hours he had worked from the hospital, however, their employer not only refused to pay him but also sought reimbursement for the days he had missed. This decision ran counter to Don’s belief that a company’s success hinges on the respect and support that it shows its employees, and ultimately became the impetus for him launching DJA Engineering.
The early days were tough. In addition to being an independent consulting engineer, Don handled every aspect of the business, including bookkeeping, accounting, invoicing, hiring, and field programming. He would work on engineering projects during the day and spend his evenings managing everything else, all while caring for his young family.
Don’s resilience and hard work paid off when he hired his first full-time staff member in 1987, the same year DJA became the electrical engineering group for Paramount Resources—a pivotal partnership that continues to this day. The rest, as they say, is history.
From the outset, Don cultivated a corporate culture that prioritized relationships. Whether with clients, partners, or staff, he believed that the foundation of success lay in mutual respect and collaboration. His towering stature at 6’8” was not just a physical advantage; it became a metaphor for how others looked up to him—not only for his height but also for his exceptional work ethic, intelligence, honesty, and integrity.
Don retired in 2013 and passed away in 2017, but the principles and values upon which he built the company still resonate deeply today. As Juno continues to thrive, we proudly carry forward Don’s legacy—a legacy that puts people first, believes in the power of positive relationships, and champions the principles of resilience, integrity, and excellence.
