People-First Builders Podcast

Fletcher Wimbush
  • 4.6 (5)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

At People-First Builders, we shine a spotlight on the leaders who shape the construction industry by building more than projects—they build teams, culture, and legacy. This podcast is your gateway to the stories of exceptional CEOs and visionaries who prioritize their people, achieve remarkable success, and redefine what it means to lead in construction. Discover how family-owned businesses, niche projects, and innovative leadership styles are driving progress in steel erection, bridge rebar, and infrastructure installation. Each episode celebrates leaders who have spent decades honing their craft, advancing their operations, and achieving results that inspire their teams and peers alike. Whether you're a construction professional, a leader looking for inspiration, or simply someone fascinated by people-centered success stories, People-First Builders offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways from industry's best. While People-First Builders is a new podcast, it's backed by years of experience. Host Fletcher Wimbush is a seasoned podcaster with over seven years behind the mic, having built a dedicated audience with The Hire Talent—a show focused on optimizing hiring and leadership in the industry. Now, he's bringing that expertise to People-First Builders, highlighting the construction leaders who are shaping the future through culture, innovation, and operational excellence.

  1. 12/29/2025

    Building Scalable Roofing Teams Through Structured Training with Michael Feazel

    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.

    29 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    Developing Future Talent by Making Trades Attractive with Chad Raymond

    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.

    30 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    Why Paying Top Talent Pays Off Scaling in Tough Markets with Scott Menard

    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.

    29 min

  4. 12/01/2025

    Turning Burnout Into Culture Change in Construction with Chad Abernethy

    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.

    39 min

  5. 11/24/2025

    Build Together Thrive Forever Creating an Employee Owned Future with John Abrams

    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.

    32 min

  6. 11/17/2025

    Lead with Empathy Growing People, Then Performance with Jim Robinson

    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.

    32 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    Lead with Love, Build with Purpose: Growing Through People with Scott Walters

    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.

    29 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Engineer the Vision, Build the Team: Leading with Intention with Scott Harvey-Lewis

    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.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

At People-First Builders, we shine a spotlight on the leaders who shape the construction industry by building more than projects—they build teams, culture, and legacy. This podcast is your gateway to the stories of exceptional CEOs and visionaries who prioritize their people, achieve remarkable success, and redefine what it means to lead in construction. Discover how family-owned businesses, niche projects, and innovative leadership styles are driving progress in steel erection, bridge rebar, and infrastructure installation. Each episode celebrates leaders who have spent decades honing their craft, advancing their operations, and achieving results that inspire their teams and peers alike. Whether you're a construction professional, a leader looking for inspiration, or simply someone fascinated by people-centered success stories, People-First Builders offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways from industry's best. While People-First Builders is a new podcast, it's backed by years of experience. Host Fletcher Wimbush is a seasoned podcaster with over seven years behind the mic, having built a dedicated audience with The Hire Talent—a show focused on optimizing hiring and leadership in the industry. Now, he's bringing that expertise to People-First Builders, highlighting the construction leaders who are shaping the future through culture, innovation, and operational excellence.

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