Thompson traveled the world in the military but made Coshocton home

COSHOCTON – Jason Thompson started doing light construction work at a young age and has turned his passion into a career.

Thompson graduated from Coshocton High School in 1996. During his junior year, he enrolled in the building trades program at the Coshocton County Joint Vocational School, now known as the Coshocton County Career Center. Thompson was so passionate about his work and eager to enter the workforce that he completed his senior course requirements during the summer of his junior year, and began working at Clow Water Systems his senior year of high school.

After graduation, Thompson entered the Marine Corps. and served from 1997 – 2001. During that time, he travelled the world, but always knew he wanted to make his home in Coshocton.

“I like the community,” said Thompson. “When I was in the Marine Corps., I lived in the big cities. This is a good place to raise your kids. It’s a safe community and everything you’d expect from a small town. There are a lot of good people here and it’s so much more friendly and personal than in big cities.”

While working at Clow, Thompson dabbled a little in construction work and finally decided to turn it into his business. On June 15, 2013, Thompson and his wife Carly started their company Grason Properties and Construction. What started out with rentals has grown into renovating homes, commercial and residential construction, and commercial and residential concrete work. Jason also supervises the local Home Owner’s Association’s maintenance and lawn care.

Each job through Grason Properties is done internally. No job is contracted out. They currently have 11 employees.

“I think one of the biggest things Grason has done is this cabin,” said Carly. “That was a testament to what Grason does.”

The cabin where the business has been located since July 2017, was an old, run-down building in Plainfield that was moved to Chestnut Street in Coshocton bit by bit and piece by piece. It was then completely reconstructed and renovated to fit the office’s needs. Employees at Grason did everything from roofing and electrical to painting and adding on the beautiful wrap-around porch.

Grason has also been involved with the community through sponsoring various activities and events such as sponsoring a local baseball team, dirt racing cars, and buying an animal each year at the Coshocton County Fair. They also do volunteer projects such as Patios for Patriots, and have volunteered to help a local Boy Scout complete his Eagle Scout project. Grason Properties is also a Coshocton Chamber of Commerce member and safety council member. Jason and Carly just graduated Leadership Coshocton County this year.

“The best thing about my job is I get to go to work with my wife every day,” said Jason. “We might not be in the office together every day, but we get to work together every day.”

Jason and Carly have three children: Haley, 16 years old; Justin, 12 years old, but soon to be 13, and Lily, 12 years old.

“The people and the community are great,” said Jason. “I think there’s a ton of opportunities here. So many people make negative comments about Coshocton, but I think it’s just like anything else. You get out of it what you put into it. I’m proud to be here and I’m proud Coshocton accepts us and supports us.”

Category: Business