At Crain Construction, our people are more than just employees—they’re family. That’s why we’re committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes employee contributions today and their growth for tomorrow. We believe in going beyond the typical “climb the ladder” mentality. Instead, we focus on helping each employee become the best version of themselves while aligning their career goals with what matters most to them in life.
As we’ve considered how we want to live out our values and continue to make an impact over the next decade, we have prioritized career pathing and development as part of our strategic plan. We’ve been working diligently to create more structured growth opportunities with clear paths and attainable goals. Transparency is key—we want our team members to understand the various paths and steps needed to get there. To that end, we’re developing an interactive process to help employees collaborate with their managers to achieve their career aspirations.
In this blog post, we’ll offer an exclusive look at Crain’s approach to career development and the inspiring stories of employees who’ve thrived within our company.
An Inside Look at Crain’s Approach to Career Development
Our approach to career development is built on four key pillars:
1. We Offer Clear Paths to Success
We value open and honest communication and strive to keep things straightforward. Career development shouldn’t be shrouded in mystery. That’s why we provide clear expectations and a roadmap for success, fostering a long-term commitment from our employees. Throughout the years, we’ve discovered that a robust career development program is an investment in both the individual and the company, ensuring mutual growth.
2. We Tailor Professional Development
We understand that each team member has unique passions, interests, and motivations. That’s why we tailor our development plans to the individual, focusing on expanding their current skillset or equipping them with the tools they need to take steps towards their goals. This personalized approach ensures we’re nurturing every employee’s specific talents and goals.
3. We Believe in Collaboration Over Competition
We believe in fostering a collaborative “learn by doing” environment, not a “sink or swim” one. We strategically staff projects to allow for ample learning opportunities. We value continuous effort and prioritize knowledge and experience as stepping stones to career advancement.
4. We Hire Leaders Who Mentor
Influential leaders understand that by helping others grow, they contribute to the team’s success and refine their leadership skills through delegation and teaching. That’s why we prioritize a passion for mentorship and training when hiring senior-level personnel.
Real-World Examples of Career Growth at Crain
Crain Construction boasts a rich history of fostering career development. We have dozens of stories from our 90-year history that are worth sharing. Here are a few examples of team members who have flourished within our company:
- Chad Thomas: Chad’s journey began over 22 years ago as a field laborer while attending school. He transitioned into a Project Coordinator role and steadily progressed, eventually becoming a lead project manager. “At Crain,” Chad reflects, “they allow you to thrive. You truly feel like part of a team with one goal: to deliver exceptional results for the client the right way.”
- Brian Hopwood: Brian’s 25-year tenure with Crain is a testament to our commitment to growth. Starting as a Carpenter, Brian’s dedication led him to Foreman and then Superintendent roles. He’s played a crucial role in establishing best practices, which has left a lasting impact on Crain’s construction principles.
- Will Compton: Will joined Crain as a Project Engineer, then transitioned into Assistant Superintendent and ultimately took on a Superintendent role. However, Will discovered that his true passion lay in Project Management, and we’re working to equip him with the skills and experience needed to achieve his goal.
These are just a few of the many career success stories at Crain Construction. We take immense pride in empowering our team members to reach their full potential.
Ready to Build Your Career with Us?
At Crain Construction, we offer more than just a job. We provide a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and achieve your full potential. Interested in learning more? Visit our careers page to explore current openings and see if a position aligns with your goals. We look forward to hearing from you!
