Leadership, Culture, and Hiring Veterans

In this insightful episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with JJ Hardy, a retired US Army warrant officer and leadership expert, to discuss critical aspects of building successful teams in the construction industry. Their conversation delves into leadership strategies, company culture, and the untapped potential of hiring veterans.

What Makes a Construction Champion?

Key Leadership Qualities

According to JJ Hardy, a construction champion is someone who:

Demonstrates an excellent work ethic
Can connect personally with team members
Understands the work at every level
Respects and values labor workers

"Never forget where you come from... make sure that you're always making sure that you can stay valuable."

Transforming Construction Industry Culture

Moving Beyond the "Hammer" Mentality

The discussion highlights a critical shift in leadership approach:

Old approach: Using intimidation and force
New approach: Creating an environment people want to be part of
Focus on building relationships, not breaking spirits

Promoting the Right People

Ron shares a pivotal experience about promoting employees:

Not everyone wants to move up the career ladder
Critical step: Ask employees about their career aspirations
Avoid assuming top performers want management roles

The Power of Hiring Veterans

Why Veterans are Ideal for Construction

JJ Hardy passionately advocates for hiring veterans:

Reliable workers who:
- Show up on time
- Follow instructions
- Want to be part of a team
Potential for high loyalty and retention
Opportunity to support those transitioning to civilian life