John Cottis

Wielding more than three decades of experience in the construction industry, John’s leadership, expertise, and solutions-driven approach guide project teams and ensure success on behalf of Choate’s clients. Leading key projects for Choate’s Tampa operations, John’s knack for building and maintaining strong owner and trade partner relationships drives him to inspire teams in Choate’s pursuit of operational excellence.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

I would invest $150K in every one of my close friends’ children for their future education, then I would take my mom on the trip of her dreams.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself as a child and why?

My nickname was “Kamikaze” – I was fearless, afraid of nothing and no one.  To me, this nickname described my relentless pursuit to move forward no matter the obstacles.

There are two types of people in this world. What are the two types?

I believe some people are Givers, while others are Takers. If you are a taker, you know who you are. I’ve always been a giver by default. That trait comes from my mom -- she would do just about anything for someone and always put herself last. Somehow, that made her feel like she was in first in my book, and I’m proud to be like her.