Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
Episode: Ames Construction w/ Jerry Ouimet – DT 308
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host: Aaron
Guest: Jerry Ouimet, Leadership at Ames Construction

Introduction

In episode DT 308 of Dirt Talk by BuildWitt, host Aaron engages in an insightful conversation with Jerry Ouimet from Ames Construction. Released on January 30, 2025, this episode delves into the strategic transformations, cultural ethos, and operational excellence that define Ames Construction as a leading player in the Dirt World. Jerry, bringing a wealth of experience from risk management and insurance, shares his journey and the pivotal changes underway at Ames to sustain growth while preserving core values.

Strategic Shift: From Regional to National Focus

One of the primary discussions revolves around Ames Construction’s significant structural change—from operating within three regional offices to adopting a unified, national framework.

Jerry Ouimet explains, “[...] We have offices. This, we really are one. Ames.” (01:38). This transition was motivated by the need for consistency in both client experiences and internal processes across the company's expansive footprint, spanning 32 to 35 states. By consolidating regions, Ames aims to enhance support for its 3,500 team members, ensuring uniform training, development, and operational standards nationwide.

Aaron reflects on this move, noting, “You'd think as you get bigger, you would split it up more. You would do the opposite,” (04:08), highlighting the unconventional yet strategic approach Ames has undertaken to maintain cohesion amidst growth.

Maintaining Culture and Family Values

A core theme of the episode is how Ames Construction preserves its family-oriented and humble culture despite its nationwide presence.

Jerry emphasizes, “The company really still is focused on delivering with our field craft team members and they really are the heartbeat and what we run the company with,” (05:50), underscoring the importance of the craft workers to Ames’s identity. He attributes the preservation of this culture to intentional leadership and continuous engagement with the founding Ames family members, ensuring that the legacy and values remain integral to the company's operations.

The discussion highlights the challenge of maintaining humility at scale. Jerry shares, “we try not to read our own press releases. We just get after it and try, try to help people out,” (16:04), illustrating how Ames fosters a genuine, down-to-earth environment that resonates with team members across all levels.

Support and Development Programs: Elevating the Workforce

Ames Construction places significant emphasis on supporting and developing its workforce beyond the traditional scope of employment.

Jerry discusses initiatives like the Ames Academy, which focuses on leadership development and essential life skills. “We want to be a place that helps you learn all the stuff you should have learned in high school,” (47:18), he states, advocating for comprehensive education that equips team members with financial literacy, relationship skills, and personal development tools.

An example of Ames’s commitment is their program addressing financial well-being. When it was discovered that many team members lacked checking accounts, Ames implemented educational programs to guide them through establishing and managing banking relationships. This proactive approach ensures that employees are well-supported both professionally and personally.

Safety Culture: Built on Care and Relationships

Safety is paramount in the construction industry, and Ames Construction distinguishes itself by fostering a safety culture grounded in genuine care rather than mere compliance with rules.

Jerry explains, “Most people [...] if you feel connected, if you feel like you belong and they feel the emotional safety that someone actually gives a shit about them and is looking out for them,” (52:04), emphasizing that emotional connections enhance safety protocols. This approach encourages team members to look out for one another, creating a supportive environment where safety is a shared responsibility.

Aaron adds, “I think you all do a very good job of that because that's how like it does feel,” (51:46), acknowledging Ames’s effective implementation of a safety culture that resonates with employees.

Navigating the Tight Labor Market: Opportunities Over Challenges

Despite the tight labor market, Jerry views it as a significant opportunity rather than a setback.

Jerry shares, “I think the folks who do the work [...] they deserve that. Right. So we love that because we just think the world of them,” (72:24), highlighting Ames’s appreciation for its workforce and their essential role in the company's success. By valuing and supporting their team members, Ames positions itself as an attractive employer, fostering loyalty and attracting new talent eager to contribute to impactful projects.

Industry Insights: The Vital Role of Construction

The conversation underscores the indispensable role of the construction industry in societal advancement.

Jerry passionately states, “There's no arbitrage without construction,” (26:14), articulating the foundational impact of construction on everyday life—from infrastructure to technological advancements. He urges for greater appreciation and recognition of construction's contributions, advocating for educational field trips and increased visibility to bridge the disconnect between the public and the industry.

Aaron concurs, emphasizing construction's crucial role during disasters and societal rebuilding efforts. “These horrible things happen. These first responders go in right after that or even alongside the first responders are contractors,” (77:47), highlighting the industry's frontline role in crisis response and recovery.

Operational Excellence: Self-Performing Work and Team Dynamics

Ames Construction’s operational strategy centers around self-performing a significant portion of their work, which grants them greater control over project outcomes.

Jerry notes, “70% of our volume is us building stuff,” (62:23), illustrating Ames’s commitment to internal execution, which enhances quality control and project reliability. This self-reliant approach allows Ames to offer certainty to clients, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high standards.

The dynamic between teamwork and individual responsibility is also highlighted. Jerry describes the crew-based approach: “You're working as a team with a crew. Maybe a small crew, maybe a big crew, but you're working with a crew with a shared purpose,” (95:18). This structure fosters a sense of belonging and collective achievement, essential for maintaining high morale and productivity.

Recruitment and Training: Building the Future Workforce

Ames Construction invests heavily in training and developing its workforce to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Jerry shares success stories from their training programs, such as new hires transitioning from unrelated fields to skilled construction roles. “Before this, I was working at Walmart, but now I got health insurance. I've got a skill, I've got a career,” (67:56), illustrating the transformative impact of Ames’s training initiatives. These programs not only develop technical skills but also empower employees to achieve personal and professional growth.

The emphasis on early responsibility and accountability nurtures a strong sense of ownership among team members, fostering a workforce that is both skilled and dedicated.

Conclusion: A Unified Vision for the Future

As the episode wraps up, both Aaron and Jerry reflect on the profound impact of Ames Construction’s work and the company’s unwavering commitment to its people.

Jerry encapsulates the company’s ethos: “We just have to focus on what we need and what's going to help our team members be successful,” (85:03). This focus ensures that Ames not only builds infrastructure but also cultivates a thriving, supportive community for its employees.

Aaron concludes with admiration for Ames’s extensive reach and the tangible legacy they build: “Probably a majority of the United States has been touched in some way by Ames. If you think about the airports, the rail lines, the mines, the power plants, I mean it's a massive impact,” (96:52). This sentiment underscores the essential role Ames Construction plays in shaping and sustaining the nation’s infrastructure.

Notable Quotes

• Jerry Ouimet: “We really are one. Ames.” (01:38)
• Aaron: “You'd think as you get bigger, you would split it up more. You would do the opposite.” (04:08)
• Jerry Ouimet: “The company really still is focused on delivering with our field craft team members and they really are the heartbeat and what we run the company with.” (05:50)
• Jerry Ouimet: “We try not to read our own press releases. We just get after it and try, try to help people out.” (16:04)
• Jerry Ouimet: “Most people [...] if you feel connected, if you feel like you belong and they feel the emotional safety that someone actually gives a shit about them and is looking out for them.” (52:04)
• Jerry Ouimet: “70% of our volume is us building stuff.” (62:23)
• Jerry Ouimet: “We just have to focus on what we need and what's going to help our team members be successful.” (85:03)

Final Thoughts

Episode DT 308 offers a comprehensive look into Ames Construction’s strategic evolution, unwavering commitment to its workforce, and the indispensable role of construction in societal progress. Jerry Ouimet’s insights provide listeners with a deep appreciation of how a company can grow expansively without compromising its foundational values, ensuring sustained excellence and a positive impact on both employees and communities nationwide.