The Real Work of Leading in Construction

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Building trust, culture + people By Kurt Zuegel Ask anyone who’s spent real time in construction what the job demands, and you’ll get some familiar answers. Fast decisions. Clear communication. Problem-solving on the fly. Keeping schedules moving, trades aligned, clients informed. But here’s what doesn’t get said enough: if you want to lead a team that can actually handle all that, you’d better be building more than just buildings. You need to be building trust, building culture and building people.In the field, leadership develops over time. It’s not about control. It’s about consistency. It’s about showing up in a way … Read more

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What Superintendents Really Leave Behind

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Advocacy, mentorship + developing next-gen leaders   By Kiersten “KZ” Kaplan In more than 25 years in the industry, I’ve built almost everything except a bridge or a stadium. Today, I’m leading a major project in Baltimore, Maryland that will add more than a half-million square feet of life sciences research space. But it’s also an opportunity to reach more than 1,000 people, from carpenters and laborers to young professionals starting their careers. I’m at a point where I’m not just building projects; I’m building people. And that means I can help affect how my company shows up in our … Read more

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Gilbane Building Company’s Rising Contractor Initiative Continues Rapid Growth

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As part of the company’s commitments to drive economic opportunity and build the capacity of diverse-owned businesses, Gilbane Building Company celebrates 76 new graduates of its Rising Contractor Program. Since being reimagined in 2020, the program has graduated over 270 diverse and disadvantaged businesses. The Rising Contractor Program is an integral component of Gilbane’s economic inclusion strategy, as it offers participants an opportunity to expand their industry knowledge, while providing formal mentorship to support capacity for sustainable growth. The program is designed to foster partnership and promote opportunities to work on Gilbane projects. Gilbane is committed to generating $100 million … Read more

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A Chat with Octavous Crosby, Superintendent at Barton Malow

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Living the dream By Chris Maday Schmidt Octavous Crosby began working at Barton Malow 20 years ago as a carpenter journeyman before transitioning into his role as superintendent. Throughout the past two decades, he’s served as the superintendent on many different projects, from K12 education to sports and entertainment. With his background as a skilled carpenter, he has the experience of working in a hands-on environment with the capability to either perform the work himself, or direct a work crew onsite. Join Construction Superintendent as Crosby shares his passion for people and his daily role, the person he credits as … Read more

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Intentional Onboarding, Recognition + Mentorship

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Setting up craft professionals for success right out of the gate By Jason Aspinwall The construction industry is an incredibly competitive landscape when it comes to recruitment and retention, especially for the unique and innovative leaders who fill superintendent roles. As such, it’s crucial to not only focus on setting employees up for success, but to also support tenured superintendents so they can continue to engage and learn. Best-in-class construction firms are intentional about onboarding superintendents, leveraging talents and coaching them throughout their careers. Solidify the onboarding process Most contractors are focused on covering all their bases when it comes … Read more

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