October is ESOP Month, a time to celebrate the power of employee ownership and its impact on our employee-owners, projects, partners, communities, and clients. At Catamount, being 100% employee-owned means, we take full ownership in what we do every day. Employee ownership and client success go hand in hand: when every team member has a stake in the outcome, clients benefit from higher accountability, stronger collaboration, and better results.
From mentoring teammates to taking fearless action, Catamount employee-owners live our values every day. This ownership mindset creates lasting value for the clients and communities we serve because when our employee-owners succeed, our clients succeed.
Living Catamount’s Core Values
Our core values serve as the foundation for our actions:
- Drive Performance: We don’t coast.
- Enjoy Relationships: We embrace, foster, and own them.
- Go Forward: We take action and lead fearlessly.
- Share Success: We build, win, and celebrate as one.
- Be Authentic: We are honest, humble, and ever-growing.
Leadership in Action
One way we celebrate our ESOP culture is through our Leadership Coins. Nominated and awarded by peers, these coins honor employee-owners who exemplify Catamount’s Core Values, Vision, or Purpose in meaningful ways. Each story demonstrates how individual leadership strengthens our teams and provides excellence for our clients.
- Go Forward: Jeff H., Senior Estimator
Jeff spent months mentoring his estimating team, teaching them about various trades, and walking them through detailed checklists. His dedication improved their skills, resulting in stronger preconstruction services and more accurate budgets.
- Purpose: Jax R., AP Coordinator
From championing Women for Catamount to serving on the ESOP Committee, Jax brings energy and inclusivity to every team she joins. Her leadership nurtures a culture of collaboration and positivity, directly strengthening the project teams that serve our clients.
- Go Forward: Lee K., Assistant Project Manager
When faced with a medical emergency while traveling, Lee quickly took action, retrieving an AED and performing CPR. His bravery reflects the proactive mindset that demonstrates our safety culture, safeguarding not only our employee-owners but also community members, trade partners, and client interests.
- Drive Performance: Brandon S., Assistant Project Manager
Brandon consistently goes above and beyond for his project team by managing logistics, supporting field teams, and keeping momentum during challenging phases. His reliability and initiative ensure projects stay on track and our clients’ goals are met without delays.
- Be Authentic: Jerri W., Assistant Superintendent
Jerri embodies servant leadership, putting others first, and guiding with integrity. Her thoughtful presence strengthens teams, helps projects run smoothly, and ensures clients experience consistency and trust in every interaction.
- Enjoy Relationships: Chris L., Cost Engineer
When a last-minute gap threatened a Catamount team running relay, Chris stepped in without hesitation. His willingness to jump in wherever needed reflects the collaborative spirit our clients experience when working with Catamount.
Celebrating Employee Ownership
We honor our employee-owners for their contributions that extend beyond Leadership Coins:
- Employee-Owner of the Quarter and Employee-Owner of the Year peer nominations and selections highlight the many ways our employee-owners live our ownership values.
- Spot Awards recognize quick action that strengthens our business, like Emily D. and Tomas B’s efforts in leading this summer’s internship program. Their initiative not only built a stronger pipeline of future talent but also ensures clients benefit from highly trained, motivated, and connected teams.
A Culture of Engagement
Catamount’s ESOP culture is reflected in our full participation in the most recent engagement survey, as well as stories like Emily’s journey as a young leader. These examples demonstrate how employee ownership fosters accountability, innovation, and excellence throughout Catamount, ultimately driving client success.
Sharing Success as One
Sharing success is one of Catamount’s most cherished values. From our yearly Owners’ Summit to milestone celebrations at our offices and job sites, we take pride in our collective achievements. That team spirit encourages better collaboration with clients, design partners, and trade partners, demonstrating that when everyone is committed, it cultivates ongoing success.