Happy Skilesentine's Day! (It's a real holiday, didn't you know?) Shelby McEntire, SHRM-CP, PHR, Kamie Harrison, Dara Davulcu, Brent Brown, Andrew Bond, Becky Blank, Michael Knapp, Lillian Puente, Kari Westrup, Rebecca Smolik, Brooklyn Woodard, Wayne Hendrix, Jami Krueger, and Ana Melecio Patino hand-delivered cookies today to jobsites in Santa Fe, Kerrville, Celina, Richardson, Plano, and across... read more
5th Ever Chili Challenge Crowns Winner, By a Landslide
And then there was ONE! Brent R. Brown swept our 5th Ever Chili Challenge yesterday with a landslide win, leaving three others to share a distant second. However it ended, we had a great time getting together to share Frito pie, homemade cookies, and conversation. Thanks to our other chefs—John Tribble, Brooklyn Woodard, Jean Robinson, Dara Davulcu, Michael Piscopo, Jake Pechauer, and Shelby... read more
Constructor: Learning to Delegate on the Jobsite – 5 Steps for Success
Throughout my career, I've learned from several construction superintendents, each imparting unique lessons. One earned respect with his team by ensuring the trailer's coffee pot was ready before he arrived each morning, while another valued the site's security. And there was one whose trust I gradually gained by simply asking to join him during his early morning rounds—albeit under the condition that I remain... read more
General Contractor 2.0: Breaking Down Boundaries Between the Field and the Office to Make Way for the Future of Construction
By Katayoun Mokhtarzadeh and Justin Davis We have all heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Many of us live by it. Some of us strive to grow past it and continuously grow…albeit within our comfort zones. It is hard to imagine the “fix” involves changing everything you have known and seeing things from an entirely new perspective. That being said, the only way to move forward is to... read more
The Zweig Letter: A Leadership Vision for 2024
Embrace significance over success, treat everyone with respect, and challenge conventional thinking for a more inclusive and compelling leadership approach. In reflecting on my leadership journey, I wanted to recognize some of the principles I’ve worked to adopt that have shaped my approach – all gleaned from the most impactful leaders I’ve encountered on jobsites and in corporate settings. As you set goals... read more
Crushing the Profit First Mentality: How to Cultivate People-centric Leadership
In the dog-eat-dog world of the construction industry, the prevailing culture often echoes the sentiment that more is better. Bid more projects, acquire more work, and generate more revenue at all costs—a formula that has long been considered the pathway to success. However, I’d like to challenge this conventional wisdom and debunk the myth that “more” translates to the “best” way to grow your... read more
Celebrating the Holidays at Skiles Group
Our team—and their “plus-ones”—celebrated the winter holidays together last weekend. We had a great time, with some help from a DJ, casino games, and a raffle with LOTS of prizes! This awesome video really captures our special evening and all the fun we shared! We also found some fun in the office one Friday when staff came by to decorate cookies while enjoying holiday music and hot chocolate! Some... read more
Skiles Group Team Members Volunteer with Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children has striven to eliminate starvation in children for over 35 years. Part of this work involves coordinating volunteers to package and provide meals across roughly 70 countries. A few weeks ago, Brooklyn Woodard, Shelby McEntire, Lillian Puente, Rebecca Smolik, Michael Blakemore, Michelle Davis, Robert Ellis, Jeanne Robinson, Brent R. Brown, Kari Westrup, and Adam Brown... read more
Buddy Brumley of Skiles Group Named TEXO 2023 General Contractor Superintendent of the Year
What a night! We had a fantastic time at TEXO The Construction Association’s 2023 Holiday and Awards Gala, celebrating achievements across our industry—and especially our own Buddy Brumley, who was honored as Superintendent of the Year! This annual award is based upon excellence in technical ability, team-building skills, quality/project success, and personal character, and we can’t think of anyone more... read more
Constructor Magazine: Working Through Conflict on the Jobsite
Effective, respectful conflict management is an art—especially in an industry as stressful as ours. Conflict is often uncomfortable, so actively avoiding it can be an appealing solution. While this tactic may be more comfortable in the heat of the moment, it only leads to unexpressed frustrations, unmet needs, and superficial harmony. In contrast, going too far in the opposite direction can create a damaging and... read more