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.

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.

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.

• 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.