People come to construction for many reasons. Some, for the hands-on work or problem-solving. Others for the fresh air, or the satisfaction of seeing something real take shape. For Chuck, it started with a draw to the craft, and it stuck because of people.
In college Chuck worked for a housing restoration company specializing in Victorian homes. What drew him in wasn’t just the buildings themselves, but the deep attention to detail shown by the craftspeople at every stage of the process. The care and deliberateness of the work left an impression and has guided his approach ever since.
Decades later, that sense of satisfaction still matters. “I love seeing what’s accomplished over a day or months’ worth of work.” He enjoys showing up in new places, meeting new clients and coworkers, and imagining what the end product will look like. Getting to work outside is a bonus! “Construction, at its best, brings together people from all walks of life to work toward a shared goal. I find that can be a really humanizing experience,” he says. “All voices are heard, and all contributions are recognized.”
Over the years, both building materials and job sites have changed quite a bit. Jobsites twenty years ago weren’t as welcoming as they are today. He promised himself that if he ever moved into a leadership role, he wouldn’t perpetuate the culture of verbal takedowns and drill-sergeant management. Thanks to mentors who modeled calm, steady leadership, he learned that staying positive builds confidence and leaves a lasting impression. He likes to remind folks that “there are better ways, and they work.”
A few simple secrets to Chuck’s leadership:
1. Attitude trickles down.
2. Make time for everyone.
3. There’s no hierarchy in being human.
4. Actions speak louder than words.
These show in how he mentors newer crew members. “Patience is key,” he says. “So is encouraging apprentices to slow down and soak up time with veteran builders. Learning through observation is the best way.”
Chuck’s real superpower is staying cool under pressure. The inevitable roadblocks in a project are stressful for clients. But for an experienced builder, they’re solvable problems. By staying calm and focused, he restores a client’s confidence while showing apprentices how to handle this pressure without panic.
One thing that folks really appreciate about Chuck is that his values are clear: high-performance building practices matter, even when they challenge design decisions. Ignoring the building science costs clients time and money. Navigating those tensions – especially on custom projects – is part of the job. “It’s about maintaining quality while respecting the broader vision.” Client satisfaction is fundamental. Pride comes from knowing the home performs well and that the people living in it feel cared for.
If he could wave a magic hammer, he’d put his skills toward low-income green housing: making healthy homes accessible for all. Until then, he keeps doing what he does best: showing up with a sense of humor and calm presence, ready to build!
Check out some of the builds he’s been a part of!