Growing Your Company? It Takes Hard Work
By Craig Jewett
(Raymond, NH) Working hard has always come easy to me. I’ve always had a fast-paced drive and the energy it takes to push through to get the job done, whatever that may be. It may sound strange to some, but when I am working hard I am most comfortable.
For Jewett Construction, 2017 was the busiest in our 45-year history. We’ve grown nearly 400% over the past few years, with more clients in more markets than ever before. Thanks to a solid core of existing and long-term repeat clients, we have achieved and exceeded our growth and revenue goals. I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment. As I look back at the whirlwind year that was 2017 and push forward in 2018, I can’t help but reflect on what it has taken to grow our company.
Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
We’ve always been a relatively small, family-owned construction company. We’ve had a handful of projects, a manageable staff size, and as President, I’ve been able to oversee and keep on top of all of our work. We had some basic processes in place, but our flexibility and get-it-done attitude helped us push through most unexpected challenges.
In 2016, our growth was anticipated and I knew that we needed to start surrounding ourselves with people who have more knowledge in more areas of expertise than I do. As the leader of a company, it is important to recognize what you don’t know and bring in the people who do know it. In just the past two years I’ve hired a Director of Pre-Construction, Director of Marketing, Director of Construction, and Chief Financial Officer. This team of individuals challenge me and push our company forward every day. Does it make me uncomfortable sometimes? Absolutely. But we have a rule here at Jewett that we “check our egos at the door.” Nobody is immune to that—especially not me.
Take Time to Work ON the Company
When we were smaller, I was always working IN the company. Visiting clients, managing jobs, covering vacations, and getting into the weeds on each project. For a smaller company, that was okay—I was busy but could stay involved. It has always been go, go, GO! This year, as we’ve grown and expanded, our team came to a quick realization: we all needed to take more time to work ON the company rather than IN it. So we’ve blocked out time every week to do just that.
We’ve worked on our mission statement and redefined our core values. We’ve talked about what and where we want Jewett Construction to be this year, in two years, and in five years. And more importantly—how we’ll get there. We’ve made standard operating procedures a priority for each role, redefined and reallocated responsibilities, and solicited feedback from all staff to improve processes.
The Year of Our Associates and Embracing Technology
Looking ahead to 2018, we’ve declared this year as The Year of Our Associates. In many ways, I’m old school. When I was first introduced to construction, it was all about rolling up your sleeves, working long hours, weekends, and doing whatever it takes. That still matters. But today’s workforce demands more, and technology allows us to work smarter—not just harder.
Smartphones, tablets, drones, 3D modeling, and project management software connect our employees to the office and field without physically being there. Our meetings are digital, we rarely print physical plans, and we deliver closeout packages digitally. These advancements make exceptional performance possible while supporting work-life balance, career growth, and a rewarding work culture. Attracting and retaining talent requires us to evolve constantly.
Changing Engines Midflight
If there’s one lesson I learned in 2017, it’s that it’s okay to make a change if things aren’t going to plan. I like to use the analogy of “changing engines midflight.” You’re 30,000 feet up and realize something critical isn’t working. You need to fix it—right there, midair—because landing the plane safely matters most. It’s scary. It’s uncertain. But with a team that supports and believes in your mission, anything is possible. If something doesn’t work, pause, fix it, and move forward.
I could never have imagined what a crazy ride 2017 would be. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about where we’re headed. Growing a company is fun, it’s rewarding—but be ready, because it’s hard work.
About the Author:
Craig Jewett is the owner and President of Jewett Construction Company in Raymond, NH—a second-generation design-build construction management firm with a 45-year history. Jewett has completed projects across New England, including the Exeter YMCA, LAARS Heating Systems, Sig Sauer, and more than 90 automotive dealerships throughout the East Coast.
