Meet Jeff Fought - Crusher Operator at Knik Construction. Originally from Sisters, Oregon, Jeff joined Knik Construction in the fall of 2020. With a background in carpentry, he traded in his tools for the grind of crushing rock in remote corners of Alaska—and hasn’t looked back since.
He started as a ground guy, but it didn’t take long for him to prove he had what it takes to run the crusher. By the next season, he was in the seat operating on night shift—and from there, he’s only leveled up. From Platinum to Dutch Harbor, Jeff has taken on some of the toughest pits Knik Construction has worked in.
“I like the challenge,” Jeff said. “Dutch Harbor was rough—completely different setup, not much maintenance, not built for what we do. But we figured it out. Platinum was the opposite: peaceful, good rock, steady setup. Both places had their own rewards.”
That mindset—adapt, overcome, get it done—is what makes Jeff stand out. He’s not just operating equipment; he’s solving problems. Whether it’s belts, bearings, motors, or specs that change, he’s in the thick of it making it work. “You have to think outside the box out here,” he said. “Nothing is handed to you. You earn every win.”
Over the years, he’s added more skills to his belt—from running loaders and RTCHS to managing full crushing spreads. And even though he’s confident in what he does, he’s not afraid to give credit where it’s due. “Dakota Faxon brought me in and showed me the ropes. Jay Bitney’s taught me more than I could list. If I’m stuck, Jay’s still the guy I call. You don’t stop learning, especially when you’ve got access to the best.”
Jeff thrives in tough conditions, but he knows how to enjoy life off the clock too. Snowboarding, golfing trips to Ireland and Scotland, and traveling with friends and family are his go-to ways to unwind after the construction season ends. That chapter’s about to get even more exciting—he and his partner are expecting a baby next month. “I’m pumped,” he said. “Time to hang up the travel bag for a bit and be a dad.”
When asked what advice he’d give to a new crusher operator, Jeff didn’t sugarcoat it: “It’s hard. You’re going to get dirty, frustrated, and tested. But if you put in the work, pay attention, and care about doing it right—you’ll learn. And when you figure it out, there’s nothing better.”
Jeff’s been part of some of Knik Construction's most grueling projects—Chefornak, Nightmute, and more—and each time, he’s risen to the challenge. He’s the kind of operator who doesn’t wait for problems to be fixed—he rides the waves and fixes them.
After five solid years with Knik Construction, he’s still all in. “I’ve worked with great people and learned from every single one. They’ve all taught me something,” he said. “Knik Construction’s more than just a job. It’s a family. And I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Topics from this blog: Lynden Employees Knik Construction