Meet Jacob Torell

The Horwitz Fit

Jacob first joined Horwitz in 2019 as an apprentice, kicking off his career in the millwright trade. He found himself drawn to the variety and challenges of the work, enjoying the opportunity to adapt to new equipment and changing jobsite conditions. "A lot of the millwrights trade involves thinking on your feet, being creative and making your own way," he describes.

Throughout the years, Jacob has enjoyed working alongside mentors and peers who helped shape his career. He credits Wade Peterson as an important mentor who supported him early in his career and continued to create opportunities for Jacob to join him on projects. Working alongside Wade helped Jacob build lasting relationships at Horwitz and ultimately led him to join the team full-time.

Since his apprenticeship, Jacob has grown to be a field leader, overseeing projects and coordinating crews to complete work safely and efficiently while helping shape Horwitz's growing millwright division. "I've been able to watch our Millwrights team grow from the beginning to where we are now," he says. "It's like being part of the project itself. I've been able to put input on how things are done."

Lessons Learned

As a leader, he learned understanding different personalities, communicating effectively, and working through challenges together are essential parts of leading successful teams. When asked what advice he would give someone entering the trades, Jacob keeps it simple: "Show up on time, be present, watch what other people do, and don't be scared to take constructive criticism." That willingness to learn from others has been a key part of his own growth and continues to guide how he approaches leadership today.

On and Off the Clock Work

Outside of work, Jacob enjoys many of the same hands-on activities that attracted him to the trades in the first place. Whether he's working on house projects, spending time in the garage, or maintaining four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles, he enjoys staying busy and building things. Family is also a major part of his life, as he enjoys spending time with his three stepchildren and new baby. One aspect of Jacob's journey that many people may not know about is his commitment to personal growth outside of work. This year marks nearly nine years of sobriety, a milestone he is proud of and one that reflects the same discipline, accountability, and perseverance he brings to his career every day.

Through every stage of his career, Jacob has remained committed to growth, accountability, and quality workmanship. As Horwitz's millwright division continues to evolve, he remains focused on helping teams succeed, developing the next generation of tradespeople, and finding new ways to tackle the challenges ahead. His journey reflects the collaborative, can-do mindset that continues to drive Horwitz forward.