The Heart of Crain: Developing People Through Our Culture

two construction workers posing in front of commercial construction project

At Crain Construction, our people are the foundation of everything we build. Our team-oriented culture ensures that every employee feels valued and supported. While 37% of our team has worked at Crain for more than 15 years, we are also committed to investing in the next generation of construction talent by providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Spencer Rankin is a great example. He first joined Crain through our internship program. In 2022, he became a full-time project engineer. He plays a valuable role in keeping projects on track, and his daily responsibilities include reviewing submittals, taking field measurements, and coordinating with subcontractors. More importantly, he has experienced firsthand how Crain’s culture helps employees grow.

To get a true inside look at how Crain supports and develops its employees, we asked Spencer to share his experiences with the culture, opportunities, and mentorship that define life at Crain.

An Inside Look at Crain Construction’s Culture: Developing Our Team 

A Culture Built on Core Values

A strong work culture is the foundation of job satisfaction. At Crain, we’ve created an environment built on core values that inform the way we approach every project. For Spencer, two core values have made a lasting impact. 

“Communication and Doing the Right Thing are two of our core values that we strive to embody every day. It’s critical to remember that we are all on the same team working towards the same goal.”

This combination of collaboration and integrity ensures that every employee, regardless of experience, has the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Learning by Doing, Not Just Watching

We don’t believe in a “sink or swim” mentality. Instead, we provide real opportunities for growth through hands-on experience, all while ensuring a strong support system is in place. Spencer experienced this approach early in his career. Just nine months into his role as a project engineer, he was given the opportunity to manage the amenity spaces at the BNA Hilton project. This new assignment required him to take on scheduling and subcontractor coordination for a major project. It was a big challenge, but he wasn’t alone. With the trust and guidance of his team, he was able to step up and deliver.

“It completely changed my daily responsibilities and I could not have done this without a supportive team around me,“ Spencer shared. “I am very grateful for the trust placed in me by Crain and my coworkers as well as the support of the team to help get the job done.”

That trust and mentorship have continued as Spencer tackles new challenges.

Investing in Individual Growth

Every person’s career path is different, so we take an individualized approach to professional development. Whether expanding an employee’s skillset or preparing them for leadership opportunities, we focus on equipping our team members with the tools they need to reach their goals. For Spencer, that means continuing to take on new opportunities while knowing he has the full support of his team. 

“I am now getting the opportunity to take on more on-site responsibilities at the Crestmoor project. There was a need and I was happy to fill that need. It has been another great opportunity that has taught me a lot.” 

Ready to Build Your Career with Crain?

At Crain Construction, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a general contracting firm where you can grow, learn, and be part of a team that truly values its people, we’d love to connect. Check out these unfiltered reviews from our team members or explore our careers page to learn more about opportunities with us.

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