Last year, I lost a dear friend and colleague, Buddy Brumley, who was a senior superintendent at my firm, Skiles Group. I joined the company over ten years ago with the goal of introducing Lean Construction tools and processes to foster a Lean culture. Change is often met with resistance, and I was uncertain how experienced leaders like Buddy might embrace these new methods and philosophies.
Buddy was already successful by all measures: clients trusted him, his projects met deadlines, and the quality of his work was unmatched. However, when I introduced Lean principles—focusing on respecting people, minimizing waste, and promoting continuous improvement—Buddy didn’t resist. He immediately recognized the value of these changes, embraced them, and became one of our strongest advocates. Years later, he even co-authored a book on Lean Construction.
The Changing Landscape of Construction
Working alongside Buddy, I learned valuable lessons that he referred to as “old school.” Today, the construction industry has evolved significantly, and there’s a growing tendency to view “old school” superintendents as out of touch with technology, poor team players, or overly authoritative. While this perception may apply to some, the best individuals from that generation adhered to a code that is not always evident in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven environment.
This code closely aligns with Lean thinking. In tribute to Buddy and his impact on our industry, I would like to share five timeless lessons he taught—lessons that are just as relevant today as they were in his early years.
- Follow the Golden Rule
“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” For Buddy, this wasn’t just a platitude; it was the way he led. He believed that your word and the way you treat everyone, regardless of title, define your reputation.
“Respect is everything,” he would say. “When you keep your promises, people trust you. When you don’t, they won’t forget.”
This principle mirrors Lean’s core value: respect for people. A strong team culture begins with leadership that values and supports every worker.
- Admit Your Mistakes Before Others Do
Everyone makes mistakes; what truly matters is how you handle them. Buddy believed quickly owning up to errors builds trust and encourages others to think of solutions.
“A leader’s job isn’t to have all the answers,” Buddy would say. “If a superintendent is always the first to offer a solution, others might hesitate to share ideas that could be even better.”
Leaders create a culture of honesty and collaboration by admitting mistakes and allowing space for others to contribute.
- Failure is Part of Success
“Success is a poor teacher,” Buddy often said. “It rarely teaches us as much as failure does.”
Things don’t always go as planned in construction. What matters is how you respond to those challenges.
“I’ve had projects that didn’t go how I wanted,” he would share, “but those experiences helped shape me into a better superintendent.”
This mindset aligns with Lean’s principle of continuous improvement: always learning and growing. The best builders don’t fear failure; they embrace it as a way to improve.
- Lead by Example with Servant Leadership
Construction is not an individual effort; it relies on teamwork. The best leaders serve their teams instead of merely directing them. Buddy exemplified authentic leadership by rolling up his sleeves and working alongside his crews.
“Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about ensuring your team succeeds,” he would say. “My success is reflected in the growth and achievements of those I lead.”
- Stay Humble
In an industry driven by expertise, it’s easy to assume that experience alone makes a great leader. But Buddy knew better—humility keeps leaders learning, growing, and earning the respect of their teams.
One of Buddy’s favorite proverbs was: When pride comes, disgrace follows; but with humility comes wisdom. He understood that humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s openness to learning from and acknowledging the strengths of others.
“This mindset has been invaluable throughout my career,” he shared. “It reminds me to stay open-minded, embrace new ideas, and not insist on doing things ‘my way’ just because I’m in charge.”
Carrying the Lessons Forward
Buddy’s influence endures. The lessons he taught us continue to shape our lives. His wisdom, grounded in experience, respect, and an unwavering commitment to improvement, still guides those who continue to build.
No matter the era, the best builders uphold these values. The tools may evolve, but the foundation of great leadership—integrity, humility, and respect—remains unchanged.
This article was written for Constructor Magazine’s May/June 2025 issue; you can read it here: https://constructornovdec2024.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=845291&p=1&view=issueViewer
