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The seasonal nature of the construction industry has historically been a challenge, but it can also be an asset in terms of set-aside time to review, plan, and strategize for the upcoming season. Debriefing at the end of a season is a building process that allows time to look at leveraging strengths and honing in on areas of improvement. In this fast-paced retail construction environment it is critical to always stay ahead of the curve. Debriefing allows you to do so by identifying the root causes of successes and failures and using the knowledge gained to continually improve the performance of each individual and the entire team. As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20, so when looking back at a completed project from the year, one can use debriefing as a powerful tool to structure the process and capitalize on meaningful learning.

This time on CEO-Ready, we're visiting with U.S. Pavement's Superintendent of Asphalt Maintenance, Chris Snyder.  Chris brings a perspective of knowing the work, having led crews and teams in multiple divisions over the years.  He talks with us about how the CEO-Ready culture plays out in the field and the types of individuals he's looking to bring into "the family": Hungry people looking to learn, listen, and eventually lead.

Chris has led our Asphalt Maintenance and Infrared Repair divisions, learning along the way what it takes to be recognized as a leader: The experienced person with all the answers.  It doesn't happen overnight, but it can come to fruition with the right mix of trust, experience, and everyone driving for one goal.

Check this installment out - the sixth in our CEO-Ready video series!  Join us again next week as we continue the exploration of this topic.

This week, we're visiting with Samuels & Associates' COO and Principal, Leslie Cohen.  Leslie talks with us about how the CEO-Ready culture plays out in the real estate and development industry.  How developing the soft skills and intangibles - along with active learning and working to "fine tune these skills" - leads to better communication, more active listening, and ultimately a stronger executive presence. 

Samuels & Associates is known as one of the most creative and entrepreneurial mixed-use developers based in the Boston area.  Leslie discusses how leadership often involves taking calculated risks, analyzing all the information available to you but also realizing that the information available is never perfect. 

By working continuously and deliberately on developing skills at all levels, everyone in the organization has access to the tools needed to improve communication, to build relationships, and successfully execute strategy.

Check this installment out - the fifth in our CEO-Ready video series!  Join us again next week as we continue the exploration of this topic.

CEO-Ready culture is not just about the pavement industry.  This week, we are in Allston at Boston's leading after school and youth development organization - The West End House - with VP of Program Services Mark DaCruz. 

Mark discusses how the West End House career development program focuses on helping provide young people with the path and plan to be CEO-Ready for employment and internship opportunities.  The West End House is a leading year-round employer of teens in Boston and this program is expanding rapidly due to the depend for "West End House brand" young people: capable, confident, civically-minded youth ready to make an impact.  

What are the steps in the preparation process to help young people be CEO-Ready for their careers?  Mark explains how the House's program teaches young people the soft skills and intangibles necessary to be successful in the workplace and the community.  Ultimately, meeting kids where they are and helping each young person learn to recognize his or her high standard and the "best version of themselves" - all part of the West End House Expect More campaign.

Check out this fourth installment in our video series!  Join us next week, to explore more perspectives to the CEO-Ready concept!

This week, we are in the office for our CEO-Ready culture video series, visiting with our Director of Production, Seth McNary.  Seth oversees our in-house operations and production.

How do you hire a CEO-Ready person for your crews and operation?  It turns out you don't!  Seth explains how he depends more on the good people within the organization - with the positive morals and values - to train new people and help develop the next CEO-Ready member of the team. 

For Seth, he "hopes the [customer] CEO does show up" because seeing our crews in live action will show how our people perform at the highest level and that's truly the differentiator in our customer experience.

Check out this third installment in our video series!  Join us next week, to explore more perspectives to the CEO-Ready concept!