Monroe Made: Jed Wright
Monroe Made: Jed Wright
For Jed Wright, Monroe County isn’t just where he grew up; it’s the foundation that shaped his life. A 1989 graduate of Madisonville High School, Jed went on to build a successful career as a structural engineer and now serves at Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. But long before designing structures across the country, his confidence was built in the classrooms of Monroe County.
“When my wife Debbie and I left MHS to go to Tennessee Tech, we were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to compete against students from larger schools,” Jed recalls. “We were surprised to find that our chemistry and calculus classes were mostly review. Marsha Standridge and Lou Gray had prepared us perfectly. We were ahead of the students from larger schools, not behind.”
That early academic foundation assured Jed that a Monroe County education could stand toe-to-toe with any in the state and beyond. But for Jed, Monroe County Schools offered more than strong academics. They provided a sense of community that left a lasting impression.
“I loved the fact that our community was so intertwined,” he says. “Our teachers were also our coaches or our Sunday School teachers. Their kids were our classmates, teammates, and friends. My teachers had taught my sisters and knew my parents well. My parents were good friends with my classmates' parents. Our teachers cheered for us at ballgames or concerts. Most of our graduating class had been together since first grade.”
When asked about his proudest accomplishments, Jed doesn’t hesitate to point to his family. “I’m most proud of my family,” he shares. “Debbie and I will be celebrating our 35th anniversary in 2026. Our three sons loved growing up in Monroe County and are now grown and moving into their careers, starting families, helping at church, and serving their communities.”
Professionally, he’s equally proud of the work he and his team have accomplished. Cornerstone Engineering is now in its 27th year, with roots in Monroe County and expansion into Blount County. Their projects span the United States and even international markets!
In addition to engineering, Jed has cultivated another passion: writing. “About 17 years ago, I took up the hobby of writing,” he says. “Mary Tallent, English teacher at MHS, had challenged me to be a better writer, and I found that I really enjoyed it.”
That challenge led to the publication of three novels in the Wake Up O Sleeper trilogy, many of which are set in the mountains of Monroe County. His most recent book, 2024: Adelphi Unveiled, is a sci-fi thriller that blends his engineering background with storytelling, proving that the skills he developed in Monroe County classrooms continue to influence his life in unexpected ways.
From engineering structures around the world to crafting stories rooted in his hometown, Jed Wright exemplifies what it means to be Monroe Made: always connected to where it all began.
