Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Clarifier Aerial Photo
Navigating a Changing World
As we navigate through times of rapid change and uncertainty, I want to take a moment to address some of the concerns that many of you may be experiencing. The world and the United States are undergoing significant economic, political and societal shifts that can cause a sense of insecurity. If we are realistic, some of these changes may be positive and some may be negative for our company and for us personally. Sometimes we may be on the opposite side of issues from our coworkers which adds to stress and uncertainty.
However, I want to reassure you that Crowder is in a strong and stable position. Doing “what we do, how we do it” matters and has led to much success over the years. As we continue to work together, treating one another respectfully and fairly, we will navigate through changes and continue to be strong and stable.
Crowder is blessed with a substantial backlog of work and a team of dedicated, talented individuals. The infrastructure markets we serve are not just robust; they are essential for the long-term well-being of our communities and society as a whole. People will always need clean water, safe and reliable roads and bridges, and consistent electricity. These are the pillars of our modern world, and Crowder’s reputation puts us at the forefront of delivering these critical services. Our outlook remains positive, bolstered by the steady demand in these areas, ensuring a promising future for our employees and for the Company.
Thank you for being an essential part of Crowder and the Crowder family.
Warm regards,
Lynn Hansen,
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE
Safety Updates on pages 3, 9, 15, & 17
OUR CLIENTS
All pages with job news
OUR EMPLOYEES pages 19-23
WE’RE LISTENING
If something is bothering you, if you have a question, if you feel you or another employee are being harassed, or if you believe that you have not been treated fairly, WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. Please go to your bulletin board and use our Employee Concern and Complaint Procedure (or call 1-800-849-2966 and ask for Employee Services) to get your question answered, your concern addressed, or your problem resolved.
The Secret Sauce of World-Class Safety Programs
by Scott Allen, Corporate Safety Director
Recently, I was part of a panel that reviewed safety programs from companies across the United States. These companies ranged in size from mom & pop specialty companies to large, extremely diverse General Contractors that perform work all over the world. At the end of each day, I walked away with the same three thoughts regarding company safety programs.
First, companies genuinely want to protect their employees from harm. From the company owner(s) to the Foremen to the Craftworkers, nobody truly wants to see anyone get injured. The concept is basic, but the pieces in place to protect employees tend to overlap regardless of the size of the company or type of work they perform.
This leads me to my second thought. Most safety conscious companies have similar programs in place. For example, within Crowder we utilize our Pre-Task Plan (PTP) to help ensure all our crew members understand their role to complete a given task, the hazards associated with each step and the required mitigation process to eliminate or control the hazard(s). This similar process is widely used in the construction industry by safety conscious companies but may be referred to by a different name/acronym. All safety conscious companies also complete training, require pre-use inspections of tools/equipment, are creative with implementation strategies to get their employees involved (i.e. safety committees, Behavior Based Observations, Dynamic Learning Activities, leading Stretch & Flex), have written safety programs and accountability processes for non-compliance, etc. In short, the components of effective safety programs are known world-wide, and safety conscious companies are continuously evaluating their safety policies and procedures to identify areas of improvement, primarily focusing on streamlining efforts and simplifying processes. Hence, my third and final thought.
The true differentiator of World-Class safety programs is NOT how well the program is written or the age/size of the company. It’s NOT the type of training conducted or the various ways a company may get their employees involved. It’s NOT the task planning process or the various inspections being completed on tools/ equipment. In my opinion, the difference is NOT that you do those things, it’s at what STANDARDS employees do those things that make the difference; it is the secret sauce!
Are you raising or lowering the standards of our safety program? That’s a simple question, one that should be given deep thought. Everyone’s mindset should be aligned towards perfection. We have the elements in place of a World-Class safety program, but at times our biggest obstacle can be ourselves. Individually, we fail – as a team, we will continue to succeed! My challenge to you all is to hold each other accountable and ensure that the standard for all elements of our safety program is executed to perfection.
Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility Bioenergy Recovery Project
The Neuse River Bioenergy Project is finishing up its final stage of its newest addition, the “Sidestream Process.” All of the previous equipment has been properly commissioned, including the pre-conditioning and screening buildings, the Cambi system, the digesters, the steam building, and gas treatment. The team’s next steps include the final commissioning and biological startup of the sidestream process, and the final startup of the digester cleaning system and gas production to the grid.
Terrible Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Phase 2 Expansion
Work has just begun at Terrible Creek, with trailers being mobilized in early February. Grading work has begun, including the creation of two temporary sediment ponds and the clearing and grubbing of the surrounding areas. Crowder will begin work on the excavations of both the biological nutrient removal (BNR) tank and the secondary clarifier and install the under slab piping in the Spring. Once these are completed, concrete work can begin.
Sidestream Process
Trailers
Sediment Pond
Gas Flares Cambi System
Graham Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Expansion
Crews at the Graham WWTP Expansion project continued work on BNR tanks 3&4 concrete, the installation of 42” yard pipe, finalizing digester 3&4 mechanical work, site concrete around the filters, and chemical piping for the chlorine contact tanks (CCT). The BNR walls were finished in late February, the decks are set to finish early April. After that, we plan to move to air pipe, diffusers, mixers, complete the 42” yard pipe, and perform startup on the digester complex with sludge pumps and blowers.
City of Sanford TIP Water & Sewer Improvements
At Little Buffalo Lift Station we have finally installed all our ductile iron pipe. We have set our precast electrical building and final touchups are being completed. At Traingle Innovation Point East (TIP), we completed our yard piping and backfilled up to subgrade. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) coatings have begun in the wet well. The electrical team will begin to fit-out the precast building at Little Buffalo. Civil crews will finish in the wet well and hand it off to be MIC coated. At TIP East, we will begin to start work on our site slabs and electrical building slab on grade.
TIP East Lift Station
Pipe Delivery
Digester
Filters, CCT, & Chem Buildings
P.O. Hoffer & Glenville Lake Water Treatment Facilities (WTF) Improvements
Work has been progressing nicely at P.O. Hoffer WTF. The electrical building and carbon slurry have been structurally completed and have masonry and roofing installed. The filtered water mixing vault has walls placed, with the suspending slab to come afterwards. Miscellaneous piping work has also taken place, including installing a large run of 54”carbon steel piping. The electrical team will begin to receive deliveries of major electrical equipment, which will be installed in the late Spring. We will complete the filtered water mixing vault (FWMV) structure and begin our 36” bypass via change order, which will allow us to install the new 30” and 48” butterfly valves and 48x30 crosses.
Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 3 Upgrades
Crews remained focused on the Thickened Solids Pump Station (TSPS) and Gravity Thickeners (GTs) 3 & 4, with start-up expected in April. Coating work continued at the primary clarifiers, and the slab on grade for the interceptor building was completed. The next steps for the project include the start-up of the GTs and TSPS, the beginning of the pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) erection for the interceptor building, and the completion of coatings at the primary clarifiers.
Pipe Install
Interceptor Building Aerial
TSPS & GTs 3 & 4 Aerial
Carbon Slurry Masonry
Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Phase 4 Upgrades - GMP #3
We are currently working in the Anoxic/ Aeration Basin #5 for the diffused air conversion, completing repairs of 4 of the 8 secondary clarifiers, installing yard piping, yard electrical, setting the electrical equipment, installation of secondary flow splitter boxes, and beginning construction of 12.5 MGD equalization (EQ) tank. Our next steps include continuing concrete and mechanical work at Anoxic/Aeration Basin #5, proceeding with repairs on the remaining four secondary clarifiers, upgrading electrical systems and controls at the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) pump stations, advancing the installation of secondary flow splitter boxes, and continuing construction of EQ Tank #2.
Calls Creek Phase 2
The Calls Creek Phase 2 project reached substantial completion in November 2024. GA Power received the new utility transformer in February 2025 and Crowder electrical crews are remobilized to complete the remaining electrical work. Startup and commissioning of the effluent pump station is scheduled for mid-March 2025 and final completion of the project is expected by end of March 2025.
Anoxic/Aeration Basin #5 Aerial
Stowe Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) - Construction Phase
The Stowe Regional WRRF project is officially 50% complete! Though our utility work related to yard piping and electrical duct banks will continue throughout 2025, we are starting to see a transition in the scope of work being installed. Additional building subcontractors have mobilized, and we are moving away from deep yard piping, building structures in excavations and cast in place concrete into above grade building and architecture trade construction and the installation of process mechanical piping, equipment and exposed electrical. We are looking forward to longer days and better weather as Spring approaches. The project is tracking towards substantial completion of Stage #1B (primary clarifier structure) in April. This Summer, our teams will commence construction of the remaining ‘slab on grade’ structures.
A. Scott Emmons Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF) Phase 2
Crowder began the construction phase of the new industrial wastewater reclamation facility in October 2024. The project includes a new membrane building, complete with reverse osmosis (RO) and ultrafiltration (UF) equipment, chemical feed equipment, and office/lab space. Also included is a 0.5MG prestressed equalization tank, a 1.5MG reclaimed storage tank, and lime storage & feed system. Currently, crews have completed mobilization and are working on the underground site utility installations. Crowder anticipates starting excavation and underground piping for both the EQ and reclaimed storage tank in March. The prestressed tank construction is expected to begin in April and excavation and subgrade prep for building foundation is also projected to start in March.
Crowder electrical crews are continuing to install control panels, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems, conduit, and wire in preparation for the first conversion activities which are scheduled to begin on March 31st. Crowder and MR Systems will be upgrading the SCADA system for the entire treatment plant and reclaimed water pump station (RWPS) to a new system. This work is expected to continue until March 2026.
Safety Champions
by Denis Logie, Crowder Construction Company Safety Director
Dedication and hard work are not new concepts to the Quarles Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant project team. Crowder Construction has been a long-time partner with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the Georgia region. The Quarles Creek project team participated in OSHA’s “Voluntary Protection Program” (VPP) renewal, which is a very detailed, technically intensive process designed to evaluate an organization’s overall safety program. This process begins with an administrative audit of our written safety programs and ends with an on-site inspection conducted by OSHA professional staff. After completion of the onsite inspection, the Quarles Creek project team received high praise from OSHA staff regarding safety compliance, culture and overall project safety management. This successful evaluation resulted in the renewal of Crowder Construction’s VPP status which indicates strong safety underpinning, demonstrated excellence and is an organizational differentiator.
This could not have been accomplished without the support, commitment and consistent performance of the Quarles Creek project team. Great work safety champions!
From left to right: Dan Wilson, Joel Zambrano, Michael Britton, Scott Fincher, Jesus Zambrano, Andres Albarran
Pump Control Panel
New UPS
Windsor Woods Tide Gate Project
The Windsor Woods Tide Gate Project is currently pending formal acceptance from the Owner. Work on the sensors will be completed within 32 weeks of formal execution of change order #3.
SCDOT Calhoun Lexington I-26 Corridor
As we enter the beginning of 2025, girders have been set on bridge 1 and the superstructure activities are under way. All substructure work is complete on bridge 3 and preparations are underway for girder erection. The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) work is ongoing at bridge 5 and multiple permanent retaining walls are ongoing.
Project Aerial
Project Aerial
Performing Leak Tests
Work on Bridge 3
Work on Bridge 3
Girder Erection
Testing Pumps
Cosgrove Ave Extension Bridge and North Hobson Ave Roadway Improvements
The Cosgrove Avenue Extension Bridge project in North Charleston, SC consists of a 1,032 LF Bridge over the Palmetto Railways and improvements to North Hobson Avenue. There are many subcontractors working with us on this project. Cape Romain is the Subcontractor responsible for the construction of the Bridge. The bridge deck is around 80% complete. Chandler Construction has started relocating some waterline that is in conflict with the storm drain and Carolina Conduit Systems is 98% complete with the duct bank. Lowcountry has installed all available storm drain, continues to install flatwork, and has started on a section of the project that was previously under a “surcharge” program. Red Electrical Design has installed the traffic signal mast arms at Spruill Ave and 75% of the lighting conduit in Package A of the project. LCS will continue installing curb and sidewalk throughout the project but will shift focus to the surcharge as that is now on the critical path of the schedule. Cape Romain made their last deck pour in mid-February and will move into the final diaphragm pours, the approach slab, and then install the ornamental fence. Chandler Construction should finish the waterline down North Fork soon and Red Electrical Design will start setting light poles on the bridge.
Wake Forest Dunn Creek Greenway Phase III
Clearing & grubbing operations have been completed on the Wake Forest Dunn Creek Greenway project as well as installation of the erosion control measures. Crowder crews are working hard to place fill, install RCP pipe crossings and begin building the bridge substructures. Moffat Pipe is gearing up to install 700LF of 12” DIP waterline and various connections. The Town of Wake Forest continues to speak highly of the work our crews continue to put in place!
Cosgrove Ave. Extension Deck Pour
New Section “North Fork”
Clearing & Grubbing Installing Storm
Structure #1
North Hobson
Wake Forest Dunn Creek Greenway Phase IV
On Septmember 19, 2024, Crowder received the Notice of Award for the Dunn Creek Greenway Phase IV for the Town of Wake Forest. This project is to construct approximately 3,250’ of greenway. The greenway portion includes one prefabricated steel pedestrian bridge, and one precast concrete boardwalk. The staggered notice to proceed (NTP) is due to having upfront subs on Phase 4 also being the upfront subs on Phase III. Anticipated NTP is March 31, 2025.
Black Creek Greenway Project
Crowder Heavy Civil continues progressing work on the greenway bridge abutments, micropiles, and retaining walls. We are working with the Owner to release all materials associated with the Cary Parkway Bridge and working with the bridge supplier to keep bridge delivery on schedule. Crews are working to complete abutments at Bridges B & D and make progress on the retaining walls along the greenway. The grading work along the greenway is continuing and we are starting work for the Cary Parkway Bridge pile caps & columns.
USC Campus Village Pedestrian Overpass
In January we mobilized onsite, installed test pile, and worked on demolishing the existing structure. Our next steps here include installing micropile, form & pour columns, and form & pour footings and walls on the cast in place section.
Forming End Bent 2 at Bridge D
Excavation for Retaining Wall 2
Completed 5X3 Culvert
Beginning Work
Bridge Concept
Bridge Concept
Bridge Concept
Project Team
Oconee/Jasper Emergency DB Package 29
At the Oconee site, we are working on HP pile driving at bent 1 & 4 and the subcontractor is working on drilled shafts at interior bent 2 & 3. Once completed, we will start the interior bent forming of columns and forming of end bent caps. At the Jasper site, crews are working on driving both concrete and HP piles and moving into installing the earthquake drains and forming and pouring bent caps.
Mountain Island Embankment Seismic Stability Improvements (ESSI)
Completed work at the Mountain Island project includes the backfilling of the pipe crossing and laying pipe crossing. We have excavated and stockpiled material from the sediment basins and completed clearing and grubbing. We are now working on setting the transformer pad for temporary power.
Drill Rig Sitting in Crane Mat Trestle
Setting Up Template at Bent 2
Oconee US 76 Site
Site Aerial Site Aerial Bridge Demo
PROJECT & SAFETY UPDATES
VDOT Route 58 Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) Flyover Interchange Improvements
Crowder mobilized to the project in September and switched traffic from 3 lanes to 2 on both eastbound (EB) sides of the job and a barrier wall was put in place to begin construction. Gray and Sons started clearing & grubbing operations on the EB & westbound (WB) side of the project and is 85% complete. Gray & Sons has finished cutting the new ditch to relocate the water in order to provide Crowder access at pier 1 to start driving sheet pile for pier 1 construction. Gray & Sons will continue the demucking of ditch EB and fill operations day and night under a lane closure. Additionally, they will install an access road along the entire length of the project on the WB side to ensure access. Crowder crews are working to install EC-14 (temporary vehicular watercourse) crossing with 42” pipe for crane access WB at Pier 3.
Old Dowd Road Relocation Project
The Old Dowd Road project consisted of constructing a new roadway alignment for the Charlotte airport for the construction of new runway and taxiways. The project consisted of a new 5 span, 561’ bridge over 4 sets of Norfolk Southern railroad tracks. The bridge included 60” drilled shafts, 63” bulb T girders, driven H pile, and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. The bridge deck has a dedicated bike lane and sidewalk with safety fencing attached. The project consisted of roughly 50 acres of clearing, 242,000 CY of dirt moved, installing 4,500’ of new 36” waterline, 6,500’ of new 24” waterline, 1,400’ of 18” gravity sewer, 4,000’ of storm drainage, 74’ of 10’x9’ box culvert, and 14,600 tons of rip rap. The Old Dowd Road Relocation project was completed on time and under budget with a final contract value at roughly $38 million.
Demuck & Fill EB
Demuck & Fill EB
Completed Project Aerials
Installed Access Road WB
Bridging Safety and Operations
by Denis Logie, Crowder Construction Company Safety Director
A typical Crowder Construction project is complex regarding work scope, planning requirements, and implementing concept-to-field operations. These modern-day projects require highly skilled, experienced and adaptive professionals capable of making decisions in real-time. Here at the SCDOT Calhoun-Lexington I-26 Corridor project, the project team demonstrates all these attributes during lifting operations while setting girders into place. The I-26 project team seamlessly integrated required safety controls to manage hazards associated with lifting operations, fall protection and work zone locations. This integration resulted in the successful setting of a 144-foot, 140,000-pound girder into place while controlling traffic using a 20-minute pacing operation. The I-26 project team exemplifies Crowder excellence and the importance of empowering people to get the job done, safely.
Crabtree Creek West Greenway is Award-Winning!
Crowder’s Crabtree Creek West Greenway project was awarded a Carolinas AGC 2024 Construction Excellence Award.
The CAGC Construction Excellence Awards honor projects recognized by the CAGC Pinnacle Award judges as projects of distinction. This complex 1.8-mile concrete and asphalt multi-use path included 4 prefabricated steel bridges, an elevated boardwalk switchback, and a 216-foot suspension bridge. It was the final greenway connection to Umstead State Park as part of the Capital Area Greenway System which stretches through Morrisville, Cary, and Raleigh.
Congratulations to the Crabtree Creek project team!
Note: The employees located in the areas of the downed guard rails are equipped with a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).
Bob Dommer accepting the award on behalf of the project team.
Lake Michie and Little River Raw Water Pump Station Improvements
In January, the project reached a major milestone with the successful start-up and commissioning of the temporary bypass pumping system at the Lake Michie Pump Station. With this temporary pumping system on-line, work fronts opened up for mechanical and electrical demolition of the existing pumping systems to proceed, allowing for nstallation of new permanent pumping systems to begin. Subcontracted work for the building renovations is also in progress involving replacement of all exterior windows & louvers, metal stud/drywall partitioning for motor control center (MCC)/Switchgear rooms & offices and interior painting.
The diving subcontractor, Crofton, continues to work the waterside of the intake dam on wall extensions and bulkheading of the existing gates. Work at the 2nd site, Little River, has been mainly associated with installation of new electrical duct banks, potable water service/utilities and lighting/receptacles conduit, pending the start-up of the temporary bypass system at Lake Michie.
Next steps will be focused mainly on the Lake Michie Pump Station for: Interior new concrete work for support beams and elevated slabs, the installation of new pumps and intake/discharge piping, the installation of new electrical equipment/panels and the conduit/ wiring for power & controls, the waterside work on new intake piping and concrete fills, and the completion of subcontract work for interior wall partitioning and painting.
Framed West Rooms
Demolished Pumps
Maintaining a Culture of Safety and Appreciation
by Steve Fortson, CIC Division Safety Director
Let’s all take a moment to express our appreciation for the safe work our Industrial Division has been doing. As we continue to branch out and work with new clients in new markets, our team has really come together to continue to make safety a top priority. Over the past year, our Industrial Division has worked hard to maintain a high level of safety on some very complicated projects. No matter the demands of the various schedules, our teams have continued to hold our standardized weekly awareness training classes, which has helped to ensure that every single one of us is up-to-date and ready to tackle any situation that comes our way. These meetings have helped us in building a true culture of awareness and preparedness. Our Safety Committee meetings have steadily improved, and our weekly Division Management meetings continue to get better engagement each week. By bringing everyone to the table and encouraging open, honest conversations, we’ve been able to identify potential hazards and come up with effective solutions. It’s this kind of teamwork that makes our projects not just safer, but stronger.
Behavior-based observations have also played a crucial role in our success. By keeping a close eye on how we all go about our daily tasks, the Industrial Division has been able to spot some patterns and make necessary adjustments to improve. This proactive approach has helped us nip potential issues in the bud and keep everyone safe. Let’s not forget the weekly Dynamic Learning Activities (DLA’s). These hands-on training sessions continue to equip our teams with the skills and knowledge we need to stay safe. Being able to see, hear, and engage with a project team develops a group that knows what to do, how it should be done and what to look for regarding the safety of themselves and their peers while performing their tasks. The Industrial Division’s hard work has not only ensured a safe place to work but has also fostered a culture of safety that runs deep in our company.
I’d also like to mention the outstanding leadership in safety we’ve seen from so many of our team members. Recognizing and celebrating our craft employees who go above and beyond has proven to be a real game-changer. Our leadership also continues to express the importance of safety at every opportunity. Their leadership includes everything from choosing the right clients, estimating our projects with employee safety in mind, and choosing safe subcontractors with proven track records. This kind of effort allows our field team the ability to keep safety on the forefront and to never allow time pressure to be the reason for a poor decision.
Striving for zero incidents is a constant and difficult task. To do this, our field teams and our leadership continue to show that safety isn’t just our priority, it’s our way of life.
Temporary Pumps in Service
Elm City Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facility
The surveying & layout is complete at the Elm City BESS Facility. We’re currently installing the underground conduit between the medium voltage (MV) skid and battery foundations. We’ve prefabricated all the formwork and rebar, and initial roadway improvements are complete. The Issued for Construction (IFC) package was finalized, and phase one of our concrete install began at the end of February. We plan to complete our first pour the week of 3/10. All underground conduit in the BESS area will be complete by the week of 3/17. The horizontal directional drilled conduit will be installed between the BESS area and the substation. The MV Skids are expected to arrive at the end of March and the batteries are expected to arrive at the end of April.
Roadway Installation
Underground Conduit
Welcome Spring 2025 Co-Ops
Alex Fischer-Samano University of Cincinnati
Alana DeVilbiss Purdue
Cody Drummond Clemson University
Bradley Budds University of Tennessee
Brandon Keating University of Cincinnati
Connor Fitzsimmons Clemson University
Karson Faria University of Cincinnati
Luke Shore NC State University
Maddox Bass NC State University
Maxine Elloian Purdue University
Emma Knapp NC State University
Sarah Donnelly NC State University
Evan Olszewski Clemson University
Recognizing the Women of Crowder During Women in Construction Week
Women in Construction Week is usually held the first full week of March each year. This event highlights and celebrates the contributions of women in the construction industry, aiming to raise awareness about opportunities available for women in the field, challenge stereotypes, and encourage more females to pursue careers in construction.
The construction industry is undergoing a powerful transformation. At Crowder, we’re not just witnessing this change; we’re actively embracing and celebrating the vital contributions of women who are shaping the future of our company and the construction industry as a whole. We want to give you a closer look at some of the women who here work at Crowder.
From project management and engineering to skilled trades and administrative roles, women at Crowder bring a unique blend of expertise, perspective, and dedication that strengthens our teams and elevates our projects. Their contributions are not just valuable; they are essential to Crowder’s success.
We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the women of Crowder. Your hard work, dedication, and expertise are invaluable to our company. You are instrumental in building not just structures, but also a stronger future for Crowder and the construction industry.
We are proud to have you on our team. Thank you for your contributions, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. We are dedicated to supporting your continued growth and success at Crowder!
With over 12 years of experience in the construction industry, Lauren has made an impact at every stage of the construction process. Before joining Crowder, she honed her expertise on Heavy Civil mega projects (tunnels, bridges, and roadways), each valued over $1 billion, where she played a key role in the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure. Her diverse skill set has allowed her to contribute to projects from the ground up, ensuring the safety and efficiency of all operations.
What motivates Lauren most is seeing a project completed and knowing that she had a hand in bringing it to life. Whether it’s the satisfaction of completing a challenging project or the feeling of leaving behind something that will stand for generations, construction has always been her passion.
Despite the challenges that often come with being a woman in construction, Lauren has been able to thrive by seeking out mentors who share their knowledge and guidance. Her journey is a testament to the power of learning and growing through the wisdom of others. Her advice to women looking to break into or advance in construction: “Be humble, let your work speak for itself, and never stop learning. Always strive to sharpen your skills and be open to growth.”
Nancy Krug’s journey into the construction industry was inspired by her dad, who has over 30 years of experience in the field. She began as an intern while studying at ECU and quickly realized how welcoming and supportive the industry is, with everyone from foremen to project executives eager to teach. After her internship, Nancy was fortunate to have great mentors who encouraged her to pursue a career in construction. She spent the first years of her career as a Structures Field Engineer for a Heavy Civil contractor where she had the opportunity to learn from Laborers, Superintendents, Engineers, and the NCDOT. It was truly a great hands-on introduction to the construction industry.
For almost four years now, she has been with Crowder as a Concrete Estimator on the C&E team. One of her favorite projects is the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement and Capacity Upgrades project in Wilmington, NC. It’s a design-build project currently at 30% design, and the largest project she has ever estimated at around 40,000 CY of concrete.
A fun fact about Nancy is that construction runs in the family—her dad is a Superintendent in Raleigh, her sister is a Field Engineer, and her brother is studying construction management at ECU.
Lauren Vick
Nancy Krug
Maggie Wheatley
Maggie Wheatley is a Project Engineer for Crowder’s C&E Division in Richmond, Virginia. She chose to work in construction because she wanted to have a career where she was faced with a new challenge every day. Site operations are so complex, and each new task comes with a new set of hazards. There are always new challenges and new opportunities to learn on a construction site.
Maggie chose Crowder because she wanted to work for a company that prioritized safety above all else and committed time and resources to their employees’ growth. She said that the most surprising part of being a woman working in construction is how supportive everyone is! She is so lucky to have mentors that prioritize her growth and learning. When Maggie began her career, she was intimidated by working in a male dominated field, but with the support of her managers and superintendents, she said she has been able to build her confidence and overcome that. Maggie’s favorite part of her career is contributing to a safe working environment.
Maggie loves to read and said her favorite books are The Geography of Nowhere by James Howard Kunstler and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
Claudia Dodgen’s construction roots trace back to her father, a post-WWII homebuilder in Virginia’s Tidewater region. She is our Vice President of Employee Services and People Development and has been working at Crowder for the past 25 years. She actually met the Crowder leadership team in the late 90’s while delivering leadership training through a consulting firm, and joined the team in June 2000.
Claudia has championed Crowder’s mission to make a positive difference in the lives of our employees, emphasizing that “people are the heart of our culture.” In addition to overseeing the Employee Services team, her other key focus when joining Crowder was to put in place a training curriculum that assured continued growth for all employees. Her leadership extends beyond internal operations, as she actively participates in the Carolinas AGC, advocating for women in construction.
Claudia considers herself fortunate to work alongside valued leaders and believes the construction industry offers a rewarding career path. She highlights the tangible impact of the work, stating, “The work we do makes such a difference, and you couldn’t find a job with such a visible and positive impact on the world around you.”
Lynn Hansen is Crowder’s CEO and has been working here at Crowder for over 25 years. She said that she knew within the first year that she would be happy to make her home and career here at Crowder. The family culture was what first attracted her to the company and at the time, she had two young children and that stood out as important to her. It was not just the family culture, but the people that worked at Crowder and within the construction industry that have kept her here.
Lynn has had the opportunity to learn from many great construction and business minds. Although she did not have a construction background prior to joining Crowder, she has focused on learning as much as possible by asking lots of questions. In the construction industry, every day and every project is different, which requires lots of individuals with different talents and viewpoints. Lynn said: “I love getting up in the morning and doing my part to make sure that we build successful projects and ensuring that everyone in the company has the tools to do their job and understands that their individual job is just as or more important than mine.” She encourages other women to see where their talents can fit and she hopes that she is an example that women have a valued place in the construction industry.
Lynn Hansen
Claudia Dodgen
Your Employee Services Team
The Employee Services and People Development teams are here to support our employees and managers at every level. A few of our focus areas include candidate on-boarding, performance management, learning and development, and benefits. We love engaging with our field employees, whether by supporting and encouraging our talent through training and coaching opportunities or by helping our employees and their families during challenging times. Our teams are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our employees so our employees can continue to build America.
Cigna Healthy Workforce Gold Level Distinction
We are proud to receive the gold level distinction of the Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation for our wellness program! This designation from Cigna healthcare recognizes that a commitment to employee well-being and vitality can impact everything from employee health and satisfaction to company productivity and business performance. Thank you for participating in Crowder’s wellnes program and we hope that you take advantage of it in 2025!
Pictured Left to Right: Brittney Bliss, Ashley Howcroft, Kelly Kurc, LaQuinsha Smith, Darcie Gregoire, and Shannon Chavis
A New Era with Crucial Conversations
In today’s fast-paced work environment, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. This two-day training course on Crucial Conversations is designed to equip employees with tools to navigate high-stakes interactions seamlessly.
Over the course of two days, participants learn the art of handling difficult conversations with poise and confidence. The training highlights the importance of open dialogue, mutual respect, and active listening. Through engaging activities and real-life scenarios, employees learn how to stay composed, articulate their thoughts clearly, and foster a culture of understanding.
One of the key takeaways from the training is the concept of creating a safe space for dialogue. By encouraging an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, we can address issues proactively and collaboratively. This training also emphasizes the power of asking the right questions and using neutral language to defuse tension.
As we move forward, the skills gained from this course will undoubtedly enhance our teamwork, boost roductivity, and strengthen our organizational culture.
As we continue to prioritize communication and personal growth, we encourage all employees to take advantage of the 2-day Crucial Conversation training. Together, we can create a more connected, collaborative, and thriving workplace.
Upcoming Crucial Conversations Classes:
• April 16-17 Apex Office
• November 12-13 Charlotte Office
Testimonials
“Regardless of your role within an organization, communication plays a part in your ability to succeed. I feel strongly that this training should be an internal requirement at Crowder at least every five (5) years. Whether you are just starting and want to express yourself to your managers or you were recently promoted and are now responsible for multiple direct reports, the situations presented in this course and suggestions on how best to approach these situations is very helpful.”
- Marc Bradley, Civil & Environmental General Superintendent
“I was extremely pleased with the relevance of the course content, as it pertains to my everyday job experiences in dealing with superiors, subordinates, clients, and subcontractors/suppliers alike.
This class also taught me the importance of being quiet and listening, rather than trying to jump to conclusions based on limited information. By breaking down the conversation and asking meaningful questions, I’m in a much better position to understand what another person is truly looking for in a conversation and I’m able to work with them to resolve any issues quicker and more efficiently, which usually leaves our relationship in a better place.”
- Ben Hesley Industrial Sr. Project Manager
“The main skill I learned from this course was how to feel comfortable as well as making the other person feel comfortable when having a tough or sensitive conversation. I have already used some of the techniques which include “sharing my intent in an effective way.” I am much more cognizant of how I communicate now when having a crucial conversation.”
- Carol Byassee, Corporate Executive Assistant
