By George Stanley
When people talk about what makes a construction company successful, they often point to the equipment, the contracts, or the size of the operation. But in my experience, the most valuable asset a company has is its crew. The people who show up day in and day out—swinging hammers, pouring asphalt, running machinery, or cleaning up behind everyone else—are the heart of everything we do.
Over the years, I’ve learned that building a reliable crew isn’t something that happens by accident. It takes intention, consistency, and leadership that starts from the top and works its way down. In this line of work, you can’t afford to be hands-off. If you want people to work hard for you, you’ve got to be willing to work just as hard for them.
Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill
When I’m hiring, I’m not just looking at someone’s résumé or how many years they’ve been in the trade. What I care more about is their attitude. Are they dependable? Do they show up on time? Do they listen? Are they willing to learn?
I’d take a guy with zero paving experience who’s hungry to work and shows respect on the job site over someone with 15 years under their belt but a lousy work ethic. Skills can be taught. Attitude can’t.
We’ve brought in plenty of new hires over the years who didn’t know a thing about laying asphalt or operating machinery. But because they were coachable and committed, they became some of our most trusted crew members.
Set the Tone by Showing Up
Leadership in construction isn’t about barking orders from the sidelines. It’s about showing up, day after day, and proving to your team that no one is above the work.
I still spend time on-site—not just because I like it, but because it matters. When your crew sees you working beside them, checking quality, helping load materials, or troubleshooting a machine issue, it sends a message: we’re in this together.
That kind of example builds trust and respect. It shows your team that you’re not just the boss—you’re part of the crew, too.
Communicate with Clarity and Respect
One of the biggest breakdowns on any job site is communication. Misunderstandings lead to mistakes, which lead to rework, which leads to lost time and money. That’s why I put a strong emphasis on clear, direct, and respectful communication.
Before every project, we walk through the job, talk about expectations, review safety protocols, and outline who’s doing what. I don’t leave room for guessing. And during the workday, I make sure everyone knows they can speak up—whether they see a potential issue or just have a better way of doing something.
A healthy crew dynamic depends on mutual respect. That starts with how you talk to people. Yelling doesn’t make you a leader. Listening does.
Create a Culture of Accountability
A reliable crew doesn’t just show up on time—they take pride in the work they do. That kind of mindset doesn’t happen overnight. It has to be built from the ground up.
We hold each other accountable. If someone misses a detail or cuts a corner, we don’t let it slide. But we address it professionally and constructively. The goal isn’t to tear anyone down—it’s to make sure the work we deliver meets our standards.
When your team knows that quality matters on every job—big or small—they start holding themselves to that same standard. That’s when you know you’re building something special.
Invest in Your People
I believe in taking care of the people who take care of the business. That means fair pay, consistent hours, and opportunities to grow.
We train in-house. We promote from within. We recognize good work. And when someone’s going through a hard time, we do what we can to support them.
You don’t build loyalty by demanding it. You build it by earning it—through fairness, support, and shared success. When your crew knows you’ve got their back, they’ll go the extra mile for you without being asked.
Build a Team That Works Like a Family
In the construction world, there are good days and tough days—extreme weather, long hours, tight deadlines, and physical exhaustion. What gets you through it isn’t just grit—it’s the people you’re working alongside.
We’ve built a crew that works like a family. We celebrate wins, joke around during breaks, and have each other’s backs when things go sideways. That sense of camaraderie can’t be forced—but it can be nurtured through consistent leadership and shared experience.
When your team feels like they belong, they stay. And when they stay, they get better. And when they get better, your whole business grows stronger.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortcut to building a great crew. It takes time, effort, and the willingness to lead by example. But when you invest in your people, the payoff is huge: better work, happier clients, and a team that’s proud to wear your company’s name on their shirt.
I’ve built my business from the ground up with the help of some truly dedicated people. And I’ll tell you this—no piece of equipment, no contract, and no office space will ever matter as much as the team that shows up every morning ready to do the work.
If you want to build something that lasts, start by building a crew you can count on. Everything else will follow.