At Crain, our values aren’t just words in an employee handbook or painted on a wall. They guide how we make decisions, how we show up for our clients, and how we approach every project. We believe our culture directly impacts outcomes, and we’ve seen that proven time and again on job sites across Nashville and beyond.
What makes us most proud is when those values show up in the real world. Whether it’s finding a creative solution, owning a challenge, or going the extra mile for a client, our values push us to deliver better results. Here are a few recent examples of how Crain’s values have shaped projects in meaningful ways.
1. Doing the Right Thing
We are relentless in doing the right thing, even when it comes at a cost. Integrity matters to us. We follow the golden rule: treat others the way we’d want to be treated, even in seemingly small ways.
Project Example: TownePlace Suites
During the construction of this hotel on a busy Nashville corridor, we realized the wind could blow dust or debris toward the nearby car lot. Instead of waiting for complaints, our team built a canopy to shield vehicles and even paid to wash cars when dust collected. Doing the right thing protected our neighbor’s business and built trust in the process.
2. Knowledgeable
We value expertise and best practices. Being knowledgeable doesn’t mean being the smartest person in the room—it means knowing when to rely on others.
Project Example: Aertson Midtown
This complex project required placing nearly 30,000 cubic yards of concrete in a tight, urban environment. To overcome challenges, we leaned on our trade partner, Charter Construction Inc., during preconstruction. Their expertise allowed us to create a practical plan and deliver a complicated structure safely and efficiently.
3. Passionate
We love what we do. Our passion shows in the energy and creativity we bring to each project, especially when faced with something new.
Project Example: Prancing Horse of Nashville – Ferrari Dealership
This dealership required innovative thinking to source specialty materials worldwide and plan for significant supply chain issues. Instead of feeling discouraged, our team leaned in with energy and creativity. Our passion turned obstacles into solutions, and we delivered an exceptional facility worthy of the Ferrari brand.
4. Team Dedication
We believe a successful project requires everyone rowing in the same direction. That includes our internal team, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
Project Example: Turnip Truck of West Nashville
Transforming a warehouse into an urban grocery store required coordination with 20 engineers and contractors scattered across the country. In early 2020, tornadoes hit Nashville and then COVID-19 nearly brought the industry to a halt as the store opening approached. To keep everyone on track, Crain Construction conducted weekly conference calls involving all parties working on the project. These talks kept information flowing, helping us to understand and accommodate any issues as they arose.
5. Client Focused
We treat every project like it’s our own. That means advocating for our clients and building long-term value into the projects we take on.
Project Example: BNA Hilton Hotel
Building a hotel connected to an airport presented a unique challenge: noise. To ensure comfort, we coordinated the installation of higher-rated acoustical windows in all guest rooms. The manufacturer had to prove their performance with data and engineering information. The result has been one of the hotel’s best features—guests often comment on how quiet the rooms are, even next to active runways.
6. Owning It
We take accountability for outcomes, even when circumstances are outside our control. Pointing fingers doesn’t solve problems—owning them does.
Project Example: Hilton Alpharetta
Unexpected site issues from work completed by a prior subcontractor created delays and cost pressure. Instead of pushing blame, Crain and Chartwell worked side by side to resolve problems and keep the project moving forward. By owning the situation, we delivered a successful project despite the hurdles.
7. Communication
We believe strong communication leads to strong outcomes. Listening, collaborating, and problem-solving together ensure projects move forward smoothly.
Project Example: Feintool Expansion Projects
Since 2007, we’ve partnered with Feintool on multiple expansions. Each required close communication to allow construction while their facility operated 24/7. By working closely with their team, we were able to expand their operations without disrupting productivity. Years of trust and collaboration made these complex projects successful.
Building on Our Values
At Crain, our values shape every project we take on. They push us to do right by our clients, our partners, and our community. They guide us when challenges arise and keep us focused on outcomes that matter.
That’s the difference decades of experience and a commitment to values can bring to commercial construction.
Ready to talk about your next project? Connect with our team today to see how our values can create better outcomes for you.
