Relationships, Feat. Mark Story

How to Build High-Performing Construction Teams Lessons from Mark Story

In this blog, I had the absolute honor of interviewing one of my mentors and industry heroes Mark Story. Mark has over 37 years of experience in construction, from pouring concrete with tool bags on to leading massive projects with companies like DPR, Mortenson, and AECOM Hunt.

We talked about how he builds teams, what makes him such a strong relationship-builder, and why that matters more than ever in construction today.

Here are some key insights from our conversation.

1. Great Builders Build People First

Mark has built some of the most complex data centers, healthcare facilities, and semiconductors in the country but his secret sauce isn’t just in planning. It’s in people.

“I used to chase a career… now I chase legacy. And legacy is about helping others win.”

He believes in authentic relationships, and it shows. Whether it’s calling someone just to check in, encouraging a young assistant super, or backing up a trade partner Mark makes others feel like they matter. That energy multiplies across a team.

2. Look, Listen, and Feel

Mark shared something that hit me like a ton of bricks:

“First impressions are often wrong. Look, listen, and feel.”

When he joins a struggling job, he doesn’t show up swinging a hammer (like he used to). He observes. He asks questions. He doesn’t assume that underperformance means incompetence it often means overburden.

That approach can transform how leaders diagnose problems and build trust from day one.

3. Let People Fail And Then Stand With Them

Mark shared a story about a team member who made a mistake that cost $10K+. But instead of stepping in to “save” the day, he let the failure play out. Why?

“That mistake hurt but he never forgot it. It made him better.”

Leadership isn’t about being the hero. It’s about building people who can be the heroes. And sometimes, that means giving them space to learn through failure with your full support.

4. It’s Okay to Have Opinions But Listen First

One of my favorite takeaways from this episode:

“I used to write a big L at the top of my notepad just to remind myself to listen.”

That visual cue helped Mark slow down and stay curious. And that curiosity asking questions, not leading the witness, letting people own their process creates a job culture where people feel safe, seen, and motivated.

5. The Habits That Build Remarkable Teams

Mark’s approach is built on repeatable habits, not personality. Here are a few he shared that we can all learn from:

• Write “L” on your notepad to remind yourself to listen more than you speak.
• Make intentional calls he stays connected with dozens of people just by checking in.
• Ask great questions without pushing an agenda.
• Let others lead don’t dictate how, just clarify what the team needs to achieve.
• Care enough to have hard conversations correction doesn’t mean conflict when it’s done with care.
• Plan visually because most builders are visual learners.
• Focus on what’s right not who’s right. That one came from DPR and is now permanently in my builder’s code.

Final Thought from Mark

“Relationships are everything. Focus on what’s right, not who’s right. And self-reflection will take you further than skill ever will.”

Mark is a true example of someone who leads from the heart, listens deeply, and elevates the people around him.

This episode reminded me that while tools and tactics matter nothing drives a successful job more than authentic leadership.

Thank you, Mark. You’ve made me a better builder.

Key Takeaway:
Great teams are built through authentic relationships, active listening, and genuine care. When leaders focus on empowering others, staying curious, and doing what’s right not just being right they create a culture where people thrive and projects succeed.