Jack Topping
Hailing from Amsterdam, New York, Jack Topping actually started his woodworking career as a teenager in the world of soapbox derby racing. Building and driving his own machines, he captured his title as the winner of the All-American Soapbox Derby World Championships at the age of 13. Although his triumph was significant, it did not immediately convince him to pursue woodworking as a full-time occupation.
Topping attended HillsdaleCollege in South Central Michigan on a football scholarship, double majoring in English and Physical Education. After receiving his degree, he moved to Indiana, where he began working as a physical therapist. However, he continued to think about his childhood pastime and decided to take up construction when he moved to Atlanta in1974, initially working on remodeling projects and soon shifting to new construction.
A move to Sarasota, Florida in 1978, gave Topping the opportunity to work for commercial contractor Logan & Currin Building Corp. in a variety of positions, from carpenter foreman to project manager. While there, he oversaw the development of commercial, multi-family and high-rise buildings and became skilled in a variety of innovative building methodologies. He was able to use this knowledge when he moved to Miami in 1992, to help with rebuilding effort after Hurricane Andrew.
Jack returned to Georgia in the mid 90's and was recently recruited by Richard Bowers to act as a post tension concrete specialist for The Providence Group. He brings to the organization remarkable knowledge about various construction applications for residential and commercial development.
Topping resides in Commerce, Georgia, with his wife Mary and enjoys spending time with his four grown sons. Jack still participates in Soapbox Derby Racing.