People-First Builders Podcast Podcast Por Fletcher Wimbush arte de portada

People-First Builders Podcast

People-First Builders Podcast

De: Fletcher Wimbush
Escúchala gratis

Acerca de esta escucha

At People-First Builders, we shine a spotlight on the leaders who shape the construction industry by building more than projects—they build teams, culture, and legacy. This podcast is your gateway to the stories of exceptional CEOs and visionaries who prioritize their people, achieve remarkable success, and redefine what it means to lead in construction. Discover how family-owned businesses, niche projects, and innovative leadership styles are driving progress in steel erection, bridge rebar, and infrastructure installation. Each episode celebrates leaders who have spent decades honing their craft, advancing their operations, and achieving results that inspire their teams and peers alike. Whether you’re a construction professional, a leader looking for inspiration, or simply someone fascinated by people-centered success stories, People-First Builders offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways from industry’s best. While People-First Builders is a new podcast, it’s backed by years of experience. Host Fletcher Wimbush is a seasoned podcaster with over seven years behind the mic, having built a dedicated audience with The Hire Talent—a show focused on optimizing hiring and leadership in the industry. Now, he’s bringing that expertise to People-First Builders, highlighting the construction leaders who are shaping the future through culture, innovation, and operational excellence. Economía Exito Profesional Gestión y Liderazgo Liderazgo
Episodios
  • From Grizzly Screens to Generational Impact: Mike Frick’s Blueprint for Trades-Led Entrepreneurship
    Jun 16 2025

    In this compelling episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush welcomes Mike Frick, president of Bear Ironworks, to share the incredible story of how a simple welding project turned into a thriving, multi-generational manufacturing business. From his early days in the oil fields and rural road building to managing over $200 million in infrastructure projects, including a $6 billion LNG plant, Mike’s career spans the full arc of American blue-collar ingenuity. What began as a practical solution to a job-site challenge, designing a rock screen for a skid steer, eventually became Bear Ironworks, a Colorado-based fabrication company that now ships across the country and employs a team of dedicated craftspeople. Mike recounts how his son, then a college student, took the reins, built a website, and helped scale the business before returning to finish his degree. Together, they rebuilt the company during COVID, running it remotely across multiple states while staying grounded in family values and a shared belief in hard work. Along the way, Mike discusses how he has consistently inspired and trained young people, including his son and stepson, to pursue careers in the trades, often helping them launch their own businesses.

    Key takeaways from this episode include:

    • The power of hands-on experience in launching successful entrepreneurial ventures

    • Why blue-collar careers offer financial freedom, personal pride, and long-term opportunity

    • The importance of teaching and mentoring the next generation, even if they eventually leave your company

    • How to build a values-driven culture that balances safety, autonomy, and professional development

    • Why leaders in the construction and manufacturing sectors must champion the trades as viable and noble career paths

    Mike’s story is a timely reminder that building things with your hands can also build a legacy. Leadership, at its best, is about investing in people for the long haul.

    Más Menos
    29 m
  • From Jobsite to Boardroom: Jeff Forrest on Legacy, Leadership & Learning from Poker
    Jun 9 2025

    In this episode of the People-First Builders Podcast, I’m joined by Jeff Forrest, successor and co-owner of WPC, a family-run construction powerhouse based in Central Florida. Jeffrey shares his journey from pushing a broom on job sites at 15 to leading one of the Southeast’s premier construction management firms.

    We dive into his unique career trajectory, including a fascinating stint as a professional poker player, and how those lessons in risk, adaptation, and incomplete information translate directly to the world of construction leadership. Jeffrey also opens up about the generational transition at WPC, the evolving people-first philosophy that guides their work, and how they’re navigating the ongoing labor challenges in the trades.

    We explore:

    • The power of starting early and learning from the ground up

    • How poker taught Jeffrey about decision-making and resilience

    • WPC’s shift to empowering the next generation while honoring the past

    • Why construction remains a deeply rewarding, purpose-driven career

    • Practical insights on hiring, talent development, and fostering a growth mindset

    Join us as we share stories, insights, and lessons that bridge generations, champion the trades, and build a better future one project at a time.

    Más Menos
    30 m
  • Serving People First: How WPC Built Culture and Resilience Over 50 Years
    Jun 2 2025

    In this episode of The People-First Builders Podcast, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Jeff Forrest Sr., President and CEO of WPC, a construction industry titan with over 45 years of hands-on leadership experience. From humble beginnings in 1979 to overseeing thousands of units across the Southeast, Jeff shares a candid look at the art of leadership transitions, generational shifts, and the evolving face of construction.

    Jeff opens up about his journey from apprentice to president, the challenges of following in the footsteps of his visionary brother, and the rewards of guiding his own son, Jeffrey Jr., into the family business. With warmth and humor, he recounts how his son's pivot from professional poker to construction infused the business with fresh perspectives, balancing analytics with hard-earned wisdom.

    We delve into the trials and triumphs of succession planning, navigating leadership tensions, and fostering an environment that champions both tradition and innovation. Jeff underscores the power of peer groups and lifelong learning, while highlighting the crucial role of culture and mentorship in cultivating the next generation of builders.

    From reflections on the talent shortage crisis to the future of work in the trades, Jeff’s insights offer a masterclass in sustainable leadership and the power of people-first practices. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to build not just great projects, but great teams.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Navigating generational transitions in family businesses

    • The essential role of mentorship and open communication

    • The growing appeal and opportunities in the construction industry

    • Lessons from leadership transitions and the importance of peer networks

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the human side of building—one that leaves you rethinking what it takes to succeed and sustain in a dynamic, people-driven industry.

    Más Menos
    44 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup
Todavía no hay opiniones