People-First Builders
People-First Builders
Podcast Description
People-First Builders is the ultimate platform for celebrating leadership in construction. Each episode dives deep into the journeys of industry leaders who have made a profound impact by prioritizing their people and embracing innovation.
From family-owned businesses to groundbreaking projects, the podcast showcases the vision, values, and achievements of construction’s finest minds. As a guest, you’ll join a legacy of leaders recognized for shaping the future of the industry through operational excellence, cultural alignment, and unwavering commitment to their teams.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.fletcherwimbush.com/podcast-guest-application.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers around themes of leadership, talent management, and cultural transformation within construction organizations. Specific episodes cover topics like building a people-first culture, addressing talent shortages, and utilizing innovative recruitment technologies, showcasing industry leaders who prioritize their teams and foster a collaborative work environment.
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.
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.
Disclaimer
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