At T.W. Frierson, we don’t believe in coffee runs and busy work. Our internship program is built with intention, giving students a hands-on, full-circle experience of how a construction project is born and brought to life.
Throughout the summer, our interns followed the path of a real T.W. Frierson project, tracking it from early pursuit through to construction. By the time they land in the field, they’ve already seen the full story unfold in our office, from Business Development and Marketing, to Preconstruction, and Project Management. This approach offers a unique, immersive experience they can’t get from textbooks alone.
This year, we hired seven interns from five different universities.
- Braden Thoeny – University of Tennessee
- Cyndie Reyes – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
- Kyler Stewart – Tennessee Tech University
- Matthew Botros – Tennessee Tech University
- Michael Bridges Jr. – Middle Tennessee State University
- Nate Edgeworth – Western Kentucky University
- Samia Smith – Middle Tennessee State University
Over the course of ten weeks, our interns rotate through every corner of T.W. Frierson. Starting with safety, they work their way through each department as a project would typically progress, experiencing firsthand the full range of what we do. Along the way, they’re not only gaining valuable industry exposure, but also working toward becoming a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), a credential that sets them apart as they launch their careers.
As part of their time with the marketing and business development team, we asked them to reflect on their journey with TWF. Here’s what they had to say.
What were you looking for in an internship?
“My degree program at MTSU is fast-paced. It takes only a year and a half to complete, which means I only have one opportunity to complete an internship. Because of that, I wanted to make it count. From the beginning, I was looking for a company that would offer hands-on, meaningful experience in the field. It was important to me to join a company with a well-structured internship program, one where I wouldn’t just be doing general labor but truly learning about the industry. I also wanted to find a company that values its employees and fosters a positive work culture.” – Samia Smith
“My main goal in the search for a summer internship this year was to try another part of the construction field, as my past two internships shadowed superintendents. When Brian told me about the rotation structure in the T.W. Frierson internship program, I was immediately interested. Preconstruction, controls, and design were all parts of the construction process I had both interacted with and wanted to see more about, and T.W. Frierson provided a unique opportunity to do so all in one internship.” – Kylar Stewart
“I first interacted with T.W. Frierson when Brian Criswell and Darion Campbell came to a MTSU career fair in Spring of 2025. The biggest thing that stood out to me when talking with Brian was the structure of the internship. I was very glad to hear that I would be able to spend time with each department as opposed to other internships where I might be stuck getting coffee or processing submittals for the summer.” – Michael Bridges Jr.
What stood out to you about T.W. Frierson?
“I went to the career fair not really expecting to find much, but I struck gold in discovering one of the best construction companies the southeast has to offer. I was really interested in the projects and team culture that went on at T.W. Frierson. One thing that surprised me was everyone seemed to get along very well, which is rare considering all the different personalities and career field we’re in.” – Nate Edgeworth
“I first heard about the company at a UTC engineering career fair, where I met Brian Criswell, their Talent and Training Manager. His passion for the company was contagious, and as he described the internship opportunity, I immediately knew it aligned with everything I was looking for. After doing more research, I was even more impressed by T.W. Frierson’s strong values, team culture, and dedication to their employees.” – Cyndie Reyes
How has your experience been so far?
“I have had a fantastic time at Frierson, learning more about the construction industry and meeting new people. Since my first day, everyone at Frierson has been exceptionally warm and welcoming to us interns and have treated us not just as interns, but as part of the Frierson family. The culture at Frierson is truly one I have not found at other places. There is no single person at Frierson that you could not approach and ask for help or converse with.” – Braden Thoeny
“One highlight so far has been spending a day shadowing Superintendent Zackary on-site. Even in just one day, I got a better sense of how planning, scheduling, and on-site work come together to keep a project running smoothly. Seeing both the office side and a bit of the field side has helped me begin to understand how much communication and coordination are needed every step of the way, and I know I still have a lot more to learn. I’m excited to continue learning about every aspect of the construction process, from planning and estimating to coordinating work on-site and communicating with clients. This internship has already shown me the importance of clear communication and teamwork, regardless of the role you’re in.” – Matthew Botros
“Our first three weeks consisted of trainings and safety visits, as well as a couple of days shadowing on active job sites. We’re currently in our first department rotation (marketing and BD), and I’m enjoying learning about how collaborative the process of winning a job is. Getting a real look at the first steps in a construction process is something I was looking forward to going into the summer and I’m excited to continue learning.” – Kylar Stewart
Are you glad you chose to intern at T.W. Frierson, and why?
“I think what makes this internship so unique is the fact that you allow us to visit all the different divisions in the company. Also to allow us to be in the field to get that field experience. The people, the projects, and the culture all together have been very impressive to me. It has shown me how a company should mesh and allow so many different types of personalities to work together.” – Nate Edgeworth
“T.W. Frierson’s 10-week rotational program, which allows us to explore different departments, has already proven to be an incredible learning opportunity. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for how every role contributes to a project’s success and has helped me grow into a more well-rounded future professional. Not many internships offer this level of exposure across departments, and that’s what makes this program truly stand out. I’m grateful to all the employees who have gone out of their way to be kind, supportive, and generous with their knowledge. It’s been an incredible experience so far, and I’m excited for what the rest of the summer holds.” – Samia Smith
“Everybody I’ve met has been extremely welcoming and eager to answer my questions, and overall, everyone has made me feel like family. So far, the interns and I have gone through fall protection, forklift training, and boom lift training. We have also been on several site safety visits. I was able to spend two days shadowing, one with a project engineer, and one with Superintendent. So far, I have been thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in this internship and I am looking forward to the rest of the summer with T.W. Frierson.” – Michael Bridges
Do you have any advice for potential future interns?
“If you’re considering interning here, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to build your skills, see how the industry works, and learn from people who want you to succeed. I’m thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to what the rest of the summer holds.” – Matthew Botros
“Unlike some internships that stick you with one task the entire time, every day at T.W. Frierson brings something new. That variety makes the experience stand out. If you’re thinking about applying, I encourage you to go for it. This internship helps you discover your strengths, learn from professionals, and grow both personally and professionally. And once you’re in, don’t be afraid to ask questions, everyone wants you to learn and succeed.” – Cyndie Reyes
“Advice I’d give to future interns, do it. Learn as much as you can, absorb as much knowledge as you can. Understand the culture and work as hard as you can to take as much information that you can.” – Nate Edgeworth
As the summer comes to an end, we’re proud to see how each intern has grown in confidence, knowledge, and passion for the industry. At T.W. Frierson, we believe in investing in the next generation, and if these interns are any indication, the future of construction is in excellent hands.
Check out more photos of our 2025 Summer Interns on Flickr!
