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On this episode of the People-First Builders Podcast, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Russ Seamon, President of Seamon Whiteside, a fast-growing civil engineering and landscape architecture firm in the Southeast. Russ shares how his firm transformed from a small, family-founded business into a 250-person, multi-office organization—without losing its culture. At the core of their growth? A deliberate decision to scale for their people, not just for profit. From implementing leadership training and mentorship programs to building structured onboarding, project management boot camps, and a culture of intentional development, Russ breaks down how Seamon Whiteside is accelerating the growth of its people while maintaining excellence across the organization. He also dives into: Why growth is essential for creating opportunity and retaining top talent How to develop future leaders faster through intentional delegation and training The power of culture in attracting and retaining experienced professionals Why organic growth can outperform acquisitions when building a people-first company Practical strategies for balancing accountability and empowerment in leadership If you're a leader in construction, engineering, or any service-based business looking to grow without sacrificing culture—this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Uri Pearl, owner of Nealon Insulation, a fast-growing home services company in Connecticut built on a powerful people-first philosophy. Uri's journey into construction is anything but traditional. With a background in capital markets, startups, and even serving as a First Sergeant in the Israeli Defense Forces, Uri entered the trades through entrepreneurship via acquisition—taking over a 50-year-old insulation business and transforming it into a rapidly scaling, culture-driven company. Together, Fletcher and Uri dive deep into what it really takes to build culture fast in a growing trade business. Uri shares how focusing on intangibles like integrity, ambition, and attitude—rather than just experience—has helped him recruit, train, and retain top talent in a competitive labor market. They also explore: Why hiring for character beats hiring for experience How to create a high-performance culture in blue-collar industries The importance of investing in people—even when it impacts short-term margins Practical strategies for attracting, filtering, and retaining the right team members How growth creates opportunity—and why it's a responsibility of leadership Uri's perspective is a refreshing reminder that great businesses aren't built on systems alone—they're built on people who care, grow, and take pride in their work. If you're a leader in construction, home services, or any growing business, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building a team that drives long-term success.

In this episode of the People-First Builders Podcast, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Clark Lowe, President & CEO of O'Connor Company, to explore how leadership, culture, and innovation are reshaping the construction industry. Clark shares his journey from the United States Marine Corps to leading a national, fully remote construction firm—bringing with him a powerful philosophy rooted in discipline, emotional intelligence, and people-first leadership. Together, Fletcher and Clark dive into: Why only a small percentage of construction projects finish on time—and how to change that The rise of remote work in construction and what it takes to succeed in it The concept of self-regulated individual contributors (SRICs) as the future of leadership How outcome-based roles and Lean "standards of work" are redefining performance Why hiring for intangibles like self-regulation, empathy, and communication beats experience alone How intentional leadership development and coaching can transform company culture Clark also breaks down how O'Connor Company is attracting top global talent, building a high-performance culture, and achieving remarkable employee retention—all while operating fully remote. If you're a leader in construction, engineering, or any people-driven business, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, hiring, and the future of work.

What happens when a construction company grows from a small operation to a national firm in just a few years? In this episode of the People-First Builders Podcast, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Angelica Connor, CEO of Stansell Construction, to discuss the leadership lessons behind scaling a people-focused company across more than 20 states. Angelica shares how Stansell Construction evolved from a small Florida contractor with a single client into a nationally recognized, woman-owned general contracting firm serving major brands across the United States. Along the way, she learned firsthand that rapid growth can expose weaknesses in hiring, systems, and leadership—and that prioritizing quality people over sheer hiring volume is essential for sustainable success. In this conversation, Angelica and Fletcher explore the realities of hypergrowth, the emotional challenges of leadership decisions, and the systems required to build a strong culture in a distributed workforce. From improving recruiting and onboarding to leveraging technology and intentional communication, Angelica explains how her team transformed their people strategy to support long-term growth. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hiring for quality over quantity is critical during rapid growth How Stansell Construction scaled from a small team to 130+ employees across 20+ states The leadership challenges of letting go of the wrong hires How intentional recruiting, onboarding, and culture-building drive company performance Strategies for maintaining strong communication and culture in a remote workforce If you're a leader in construction, engineering, or any growing organization, this episode offers practical insights on building a company where people, culture, and performance grow together.

What does it really take to scale a franchise organization without losing your culture? In this episode of People-First Builders, Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Chris Bue to unpack the systems, leadership discipline, and people-first infrastructure required to drive high-performing franchise growth. Chris shares the behind-the-scenes framework that allows franchise organizations to expand strategically — while maintaining operational excellence, accountability, and alignment across locations. From leadership development and performance standards to building scalable systems that empower teams, this conversation breaks down what sustainable growth actually looks like in practice. You'll learn: The foundational systems required before scaling How to balance autonomy and accountability in franchise models Why culture must be operationalized — not just talked about The leadership mindset needed to grow without chaos How high-performing organizations align vision with execution If you're a builder, operator, or leader looking to scale without sacrificing your people or standards, this episode delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.

In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Michael Feazel, Co-Founder and CEO of Roof Maxx, to explore how structured training, intentional leadership, and innovative business models are reshaping the roofing industry. With decades of experience as a roofing contractor and industry thought leader, Michael shares his journey from climbing roofs in the 1980s to building one of the fastest-growing roofing service networks in the country. He explains how Roof Maxx created an entirely new category—roof rejuvenation—and how simplifying the work has opened the door to scalable teams, broader talent pools, and more sustainable careers in the trades. The conversation dives deep into workforce challenges in construction, the importance of always recruiting, and why training and onboarding are not optional—but foundational—for long-term success. Michael also breaks down how systems, peer learning, and clear expectations help small operators grow beyond the one-man-band stage. In this episode, you'll learn: How structured training enables scalable roofing teams Why simplifying work expands access to talent in the trades Best practices for recruiting, onboarding, and retention Lessons from building a national dealer network and training platform How people-first leadership supports growth without sacrificing culture This episode is a must-listen for roofing contractors, trade business owners, and construction leaders looking to build stronger teams, extend asset life for customers, and grow with intention. 🎧 Subscribe to People-First Builders for more conversations with leaders who build lasting businesses by investing in their people.

In this episode of the People-First Builders Podcast, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Chad Raymond, General Manager and Head of Sales at Henry Company, a subsidiary of Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies. Chad brings a unique perspective from the supply-side of the construction industry, working daily with builders, contractors, architects, and developers across residential and light commercial markets. Chad shares what he's seeing firsthand on the front lines of today's labor shortage—how skilled trade shortages are impacting project timelines, business growth, and quality, and why the challenge extends far beyond any single segment of the construction supply chain. Together, Fletcher and Chad explore why attracting younger talent to the trades has become one of the industry's most urgent priorities. The conversation dives into: Why labor availability—not demand—is limiting growth in construction How builders are adapting to retain skilled trades and reduce work stoppages The real opportunity in skilled trades as a viable, high-earning alternative to traditional college paths The importance of career perseverance, long-term skill development, and "failing forward" Why construction, at its core, is still a people business—and always will be Chad also reflects on his own career journey, sharing insights on leadership, discomfort as a catalyst for growth, and how serving customers well creates meaningful, mission-driven work. This episode is a must-listen for builders, suppliers, and leaders who care deeply about developing people, strengthening the workforce, and building a more sustainable future for the construction industry. 🎧 Tune in to hear how making the trades more attractive starts with leadership, planning, and putting people first.

In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Scott Menard, President & Chief Operating Officer of Homes Built For America, to discuss how strong leadership, accountability, and purpose-driven culture shape successful construction organizations. Scott shares his perspective on leading teams in the residential construction space, the importance of operational excellence, and how aligning people, process, and mission creates long-term stability and growth. Drawing from his experience overseeing large-scale operations, he offers practical insights into building trust, developing leaders, and sustaining performance in a demanding industry. In this episode, you'll learn: What people-first leadership looks like in residential construction How operational discipline supports team success and scalability The role of accountability and clarity in building strong cultures Lessons learned from leading through growth and complexity This conversation is a must-listen for construction executives, operations leaders, and business owners who want to build resilient teams and organizations that last. 🎧 Subscribe to People-First Builders for more conversations with leaders who build lasting success by investing in their people.

In this powerful episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Chad Abernethy, CEO of Abernethy Contracting, for one of the most honest conversations we've had about leadership, burnout, culture, and what it really takes to transform a construction company from the inside out. Chad opens up about: • Leaving his family's business after burnout and how it reshaped everything he believed about leadership • Scaling a civil contracting company from 0 to $45M — and the personal cost behind the growth • How a merger forced a complete culture reset • Building a people-first organization in an industry not known for warm fuzzies • Why accountability, vulnerability, and transparency must be non-negotiable for leaders • The measurable impact of shifting from "bid-build-bill" to "develop people first" Whether you're a construction leader, a builder of people, or someone navigating the challenges of company growth, Chad's story offers a blueprint for real, sustainable culture change.  

What happens when a small crew of "hippie carpenters" grows into a nationally admired, employee-owned company that changes lives, families, and communities? In this inspiring episode, Fletcher sits down with John Abrams, founder of Abrams+Angell, formerly of South Mountain Company, who spent 50+ years proving that business can be both profitable and profoundly people-centered. John shares how he transitioned his company into a worker cooperative long before employee ownership was common, how that decision transformed culture, turnover, customers, and leadership—and why he believes employee ownership is the path to a more equitable future. From open-book business practices to "subsidized housing for the rich," near-collapse during the 2008 recession, and rebuilding with shared sacrifice, John's story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Guest Takeaways: How employee ownership unlocks deep commitment and long-term retention Why culture, transparency, and shared responsibility attract ideal clients What truly differentiates co-ops, ESOPs, and employee ownership trusts How founders can create lasting impact and a strong succession plan Why building with kindness, humanity, and collaboration changes communities A must-listen for leaders who want to build something that outlives them.

In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Jim Robinson, President & CEO of CGP Maintenance & Construction Services, leadership coach, and soon-to-be author of Lead With Empathy (co-written with Chris Voss). With 40 years in business, Jim has grown CGP into a people-first organization known for unmatched employee loyalty, multi-decade tenure, and an education-driven culture. His approach is simple but rare in the trades: grow the person first — and performance will follow. What You'll Learn from Jim in This Episode: • How leading with empathy builds long-term loyalty Jim shares how early experiences serving others shaped his leadership philosophy and taught him to meet people where they are — whether they want slow growth or rapid acceleration. • Why CGP trains not just employees, but their spouses You'll hear how CGP discovered that growing an employee too quickly without involving their partner created conflict at home — and how including significant others in conferences and education transformed entire families. • The power of structured education and the "law of anticipation" Jim explains CGP's multi-year training journey, weekly assessments, and how always giving employees something to look forward to keeps them engaged, hungry, and committed. • Why hiring for character beats hiring for skill CGP hires tradespeople based on empathy, urgency, energy, and values — not technical ability — because skills can be taught, but character can't. • How CGP fills leadership roles exclusively from within You'll learn why Jim avoids hiring competitors' employees, why the company never rehires people who leave, and how internal promotion protects culture. • CGP's lightning-fast "application to offer in 8 hours" process Jim breaks down how they evaluate values alignment, involve supervisors immediately, and create a high-urgency experience that mirrors what's expected on the job. • How CGP runs 24/7 operations with cross-trained teams Hear how they prepare people for multi-disciplinary work across nights, days, and three construction shifts — and why it creates pride, mastery, and team connection.

In this inspiring episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Scott Walters, President of Walters Services, a family-run waste management company built on one simple belief: "We love people." From humble beginnings on a chicken farm to a thriving multi-location business, Scott shares how his parents' people-centered values shaped a 50-year legacy that continues to grow today. He opens up about giving second chances to employees, leading with empathy, building mentorship into company culture, and using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to scale with purpose. If you believe business is ultimately about people — not products — this conversation will remind you what authentic leadership really looks like. 💬 Key themes: People-first leadership in "unsexy" industries Giving second chances and rebuilding lives through work Core values that attract (and retain) great people Mentorship, humility, and growth through EOS 👉 Subscribe to People-First Builders and join us in celebrating leaders who build success through their people.

In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Scott Harvey-Lewis, founder of Billing Mavens and a seasoned engineering leader who left corporate consulting to build something of his own — a firm grounded in integrity, intentional hiring, and creative leadership. Scott shares how his background leading large engineering teams inspired his approach to people-first entrepreneurship: hiring for humility, building global teams with purpose, and blending technology, AI, and offshoring to create a lean and human-centered company. From "being your own headhunter" on LinkedIn to leveraging authentic content to attract talent, Scott's insights are a masterclass in modern recruiting and leadership for engineering and consulting professionals alike. 💬 Key Takeaways: Why every hire should be a "Hell Yes" How to find and keep great talent in a tight labor market The power of authenticity and storytelling in employer branding Building efficient, global teams through intentional leadership 🎙️ Listen now to learn how Scott engineered his company's success — by leading with purpose, building with vision, and always putting people first.

What happens when the discipline of the court meets the chaos of business? In this People-First Builders episode, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Uros Vasiljevic to unpack how athletic rigor and coaching fundamentals translate into predictable, scalable operations. From daily cadence and clear roles to simple "scoreboards" that make performance visible, Uroš shares the systems leaders can use to reduce noise, build trust, and grow without burning out their teams. You'll learn: The mindset shift from heroics to repeatable processes How to design weekly rhythms that keep everyone aligned Why scorecards and scoreboards beat long reports Practical ways to coach accountability without killing autonomy The small disciplines that compound into culture (and revenue) Perfect for founders, construction leaders, ops managers, and any builder who wants structure without bureaucracy.

What if a construction company were known first for who its people become, not only for what it builds? In this People-First Builders episode, Fletcher Wimbush talks with Chad and Cory Kundert of Kundert Construction in Monroe, Wisconsin, about turning a job site into a launchpad for growth. They share how school partnerships and hands-on "Trades Day" experiences spark curiosity in students, how paid apprenticeships give teens a direct path into meaningful work, and how transparent pay ladders keep talent engaged from apprentice to foreman. Inside the company, carpenters earn leadership reps on smaller projects, learn to make confident decisions through coaching, and receive consistent feedback that builds judgment. The result is a team that feels supported, customers who feel cared for, and a community that sees the trades as a respected, modern career. You will hear practical tactics you can apply right away — how to co-create events with local educators, structure the first leadership opportunity so it succeeds, and use social media to make your company's values visible and magnetic to A-players. What You'll Learn: Clear career paths in the trades, from apprentice to foreman Coaching questions that build ownership, not dependence How to partner with schools to run hands-on career days Realistic earnings ranges and timelines that rival college routes Ways to give first leadership reps without risking the whole project Why public values create internal accountability How a supported crew delivers a better client experience At Kundert Construction, building people is just as important as building homes. Chad and Cory prove that when leaders invest in growth, mentorship, and community, the ripple effects reach far beyond the job site. Their story is a blueprint for every contractor who believes the future of the trades depends on culture, education, and creating a place where people grow — not just work.