05-15-2025

Elevating Leadership, Elevating Project Success

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Elevating Leadership at Every Level Drives Results

Elevating leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about growth, influence, and impact. At Catamount Constructors, developing leaders isn’t reserved for executives; it’s a company-wide investment designed to empower employee-owners by elevating leadership across every role. As a best-in-class, employee-owned company, we’re committed to cultivating leadership at every level. This effort strengthens our teams, enhances our culture, and delivers exceptional results for our clients.

Catamount’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) reinforces this commitment, providing the tools, mentorship, and hands-on experiences employee-owners need to grow into confident, capable leaders. By investing in leadership development, we elevate both our employee-owners and the outcomes we deliver for our clients on every project.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my ELP program experience,” said Eva Thorn, Marketing Coordinator with Catamount and recent graduate. “The mix of personalized assessments and leadership training pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me recognize the value of my own voice. I was given the opportunity to grow alongside coworkers I may have never met because the program intentionally brings together diverse viewpoints. Each perspective was truly valued equally, and we were encouraged to challenge each other in discussions, regardless of position.”

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

ELP is a structured development initiative designed to support employee-owners at different stages in their careers. It also serves as a stepping stone to Catamount’s Leadership Academy, which prepares leaders for senior management roles.

“ELP gave me a new set of tools, not just for being better at my job, but for becoming a better teammate and leader,” said Walker Bacon, Assistant Project Manager with Catamount and recent graduate. “We focused on things like emotional intelligence, self-leadership, and how to navigate challenges with confidence and composure. What stuck with me most was the mindset: leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about staying open, being coachable, and creating space for others to bring their best ideas forward—regardless of their title. That kind of culture makes us stronger as a team, and when we’re working better together, our clients feel the impact.”

Learning, Collaboration & Real-World Impact

The ELP curriculum covers leadership fundamentals, communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and decision-making. The program is delivered through dynamic sessions and guest speakers, including senior Catamount leaders and ELP alumni.

Through a cohort model, participants engage in cross-departmental collaboration with employee-owners from across the company. This structure fosters exposure to a wide range of perspectives. Engagement from new professionals to seasoned leaders enhances learning and encourages stronger team dynamics across our job sites.

Success Stories that Drive Project Success

ELP graduates like Brandon Kirn, Director of Field Operations with Catamount, have not only advanced their careers but also mentored others through the same journey. His experience reflects the program’s impact in building strong, collaborative project teams grounded in trust and mutual respect.

“I didn’t realize just how fundamental ELP would be to my success until I went through it,” said Brandon. “It helped me understand the people side of leadership, the emotional intelligence and communication skills most companies never teach. What’s powerful is it doesn’t stop with the individual. As I mentor others, I see the shift in them too. That ripple effect makes our teams stronger, more connected, and more resilient, which absolutely benefits our clients. At the end of the day, it’s not just a program; it’s a culture that shows up on every job site, every day.”

Other program participants echo the same spirit of camaraderie.

“The openness and trust in our ELP group was an unexpected learning moment for me,” said Michelle Carneal, Project Manager with Catamount and recent graduate. “Hearing others share their challenges made me reflect on how I might be contributing to those struggles. Being a leader isn’t about ‘my way or the highway’—it’s about being introspective, staying open to different perspectives, and always looking for ways to improve.”

Leadership Development: A Strategic Advantage

Investing in elevating leadership development gives Catamount a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. Employees seek companies that prioritize professional growth. The ELP contributes to how Catamount fosters a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and long-term engagement.

“Catamount doesn’t confine leadership to job titles, it’s embedded in how we operate as a GC,” said Merrill Bottoms Diaz, Talent Acquisition Manager with Catamount. “Nearly every role requires leading by influence, whether it’s with subcontractors, internal teams, or clients. Exposing our employee-owners to leadership skills early and often is a big part of what sets us apart.”

Evan Barber, People Team Manager with Catamount, adds: “ELP is more than a leadership program, it’s a transformative experience. It builds confidence, strengthens collaboration, and fuels ownership. That shows up on our projects every day—through proactive problem-solving, smooth coordination, and stronger team and client partnerships.”

Client-Driven Leadership in Action

Leadership isn’t a destination—it’s how Catamount delivers results. Through programs like ELP, we prepare employee-owners to lead with intention and collaborate with purpose. These qualities directly translate into seamless execution, problem-solving, and best-in-class client experiences.

By elevating leadership at every level, we build agile project teams aligned and equipped to meet our clients’ highest expectations. Let’s connect to explore how Catamount’s leadership-driven approach can bring value to your next project.

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