More Than Words on a Wall: Why Core Values Matter in the Trades

by Marcus R. Geiser Sr.

As our business grows and evolves, we’ve come to understand the true power of values like respect, responsibility, integrity, productivity, and perseverance—not as slogans, but as standards. Here’s how they’re shaping our work, our culture, and our future.

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What Growth Taught Us About Culture

In construction, most people focus on the physical: the tools, the blueprints, the deadlines. But when you start growing a business, you begin to realize that what truly determines your success is how you show up—for your clients, your crew, and your commitments.

We’ve experienced the growing pains that come with expansion: new people, new processes, and new expectations. Through all of it, one truth has become clear—a strong code of values is more important than ever.

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“It’s not about what we build—it’s about how we build it.”

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Our Core Values: More Than a Slogan

There’s a set of words I used to walk past on a wall without much thought. But now? Now they guide how we do business.

Respect

We treat people and property with care. Whether it’s a customer’s home or a teammate’s time, respect shows up in our actions and our attitude.

Responsibility

We own what we do. We follow through, finish what we start, and fix what goes wrong. It’s about being reliable—on and off the job.

Integrity

We do what’s right, even when it’s hard. Honesty and transparency are part of our brand, not optional add-ons.

Productivity

We value time—ours and our clients’. Staying focused, working efficiently, and always moving forward is how we deliver results.

Perseverance

We don’t give up when things get tough. Setbacks are part of the job, but we rise, we learn, and we push through—together.

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Why We’re Writing It on the Wall

There was a time I thought values on the wall were just decoration. Now I know better.

They’re not marketing—they’re marching orders.
They say to every crew member, every subcontractor, and every client: this is who we are, this is how we work, and this is what you can expect.

Values like these don’t just show up in mission statements. They show up in how we handle problems, how we treat customers, and how we hold ourselves accountable.

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Looking Ahead: Change, Challenge, and What Comes Next

The road hasn’t always been easy. But every obstacle, every misstep, and every hard lesson has brought us closer to what matters.

We’re growing—not just in size, but in purpose. We’re exploring new ventures, taking bold steps into new markets, and building smarter systems for a better future. And every bit of progress has been earned through the lessons learned along the way.

“May our failures pave the way to success.”

We’ve learned to embrace the challenges and use them as fuel. Because each time we fall short, we gain clarity. Each misstep gives us insight. And each success that follows is stronger because of the road we took to get there.

So as we move forward, those five words—Respect. Responsibility. Integrity. Productivity. Perseverance.—aren’t just painted on the wall. They’re built into our future.

Ideas I am exploring while thinking about this topic.

Company Standards Ethics and Values Policy

Leadership & Setting the Standard: The organization is only as strong as the example at the top.

Building a business to fit your lifestyle: Garyvee and his wisdom. I am thinking more in terms of measuring success by happiness and not in dollars…

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