Crain Construction’s employee retention directly reflects our commitment to people and our culture. With half of our team working at the company for over a decade, and more than 30% remaining with us for 20 years or more, it’s clear that something special is happening here. But that kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.
Since 1933, Crain Construction has been doing business differently. And it’s our intentional approach to caring for others that brings our clients back time and time again. Our focus on others is also deeply embedded in our company culture, and it’s what keeps our team members here for decades.
“It’s really a work family here. We all care about each other and we all support each other as a team. It’s not a cutthroat organization where you use people and just throw them to the side. There are a lot of long-term employees here, which is unusual for construction companies, but it’s not unusual for us.”
– James Williams, Senior Project Manager
Why Longevity Matters at Crain
Ask anyone why they’ve stayed at Crain for so long, and the answer almost always starts with the people. We’ve built a culture where employees feel respected, supported, and given room to grow.
That sense of connection starts at the top. Crain’s leadership team takes a personal approach to growth and development, intentionally placing employees in roles where they can succeed and thrive. Whether it’s expanding a skillset or preparing someone for leadership, we work to match people with the right opportunities at the right time. Feedback is encouraged. Doors are open. And decisions are made with people in mind, not just the bottom line.
“We do think about our employees individually as we make assignments and look at growth, as well as when we make business decisions. We’ve become even more intentional about development opportunities over the last few years, because we know that growth creates opportunity, not just for the business, but for the people who help build it.”
– Julie Lamb, Director of HR
That growth mindset, combined with Crain’s focus on safety, transparency, and communication, creates an environment where people can do their best work and feel good about it. And when employees feel supported, that culture shows up on job sites, in client meetings, and throughout every phase of a project.
“At Crain, they allow you to thrive, and you really feel like you’re part of a team with one goal: to give the client a great product and do it the right way. There is such a family feel here. There is no better feeling than getting up in the morning and enjoying coming to work.”
– Chad Thomas, Project Manager (Crain employee since 2001)
People Over Profit. Community Over Competition.
“People over profit, community over competition, and building relationships and structures to last a lifetime.” This is the purpose that drives the culture at Crain. And it’s our culture that sets us apart.
We prioritize safety and well-being. By conducting employee safety surveys, creating clear communication channels, and even providing a chaplain who is on call 24/7 for any employee in need, we actively invest in the health and security of our team on and off the job site.
“Crain says that they build relationships and structures to last a lifetime, and I sincerely believe that. I’ve worked for some big companies where you’re absolutely just a number. I feel welcome at Crain and a valued part of the company, and that keeps me going every day. I’m just very happy where I’m at with Crain, and I intend for this to be the last job I have until I retire.”
– JR Howell, Senior Superintendent
Legacies in Action
Crain’s culture supports long-term retention by building legacies. Many team members have grown their careers here—moving from the field into leadership—while others have followed in the footsteps of parents, siblings, or mentors. The Rankin family represents three generations of leadership, and team members like Tony Watkins have continued their family’s legacy of building with integrity at Crain.
When former CFO Jim Pedigo retired after more than 40 years with the company, a crowd of former employees came to celebrate.
“It was so great seeing them reunite, and you could really tell they cared for each other beyond just the important work they did together for years,” said Julie Lamb.
“Doing the right thing no matter what is a huge part of who we are,” said Executive Vice President Mark Rankin. “We care about each other, it’s not just work. These are our lives. These are our people.”
That sense of pride and purpose shows up in the work. Our clients and trade partners see it in how we communicate, collaborate, and consistently deliver a high standard of quality. As Michael Rankin, Crain’s President, put it: “We care about each other’s families. That creates a bond, and that bond is what drives everything else.”
Interested in Working at Crain?
Our culture of teamwork, support, and genuine care for our people makes Crain a special place. Head to our website to learn more about what it’s like to work here and explore our current job openings.
