In a recent episode of Titans of the Trade, Ryan Englin welcomed Don, CEO of RoMac Building Supply, to discuss one of the most pressing issues in the construction industry: the labor crisis. The episode, titled "Tackling the Labor Crisis in Construction," dives into Don’s innovative approaches to workforce development, community partnerships, and fostering a culture of respect and opportunity at RoMac.
The Evolution of RoMac: A Diverse Industry Leader
During the podcast, Don shared the incredible growth story of RoMac Building Supply. Starting with two locations, RoMac now operates across Florida, delivering everything from foundational materials to roofing supplies and offering specialized services like truss manufacturing and window installations.
“We sell everything from the foundation material to the rooftop,” Don explained. “We cover a footprint from south of Orlando to Tampa, north to Jacksonville, and west to Lake City. Our semi-trucks deliver coast to coast every day. I think we're now one of the largest independent building material suppliers in the state.”
RoMac’s success, Don emphasized, lies in its focus on structural building materials and its willingness to tackle challenges that others shy away from.
Building the Next Generation of Tradespeople
A key theme of the episode was RoMac’s commitment to solving the labor shortage through training and mentorship. Don highlighted the company’s “promote from within” culture, sharing stories of employees who began as installers or warehouse workers and worked their way up to management positions.
“We’ve been uniquely focused on identifying those with the mental acuity and drive to come up through the organization,” Don said.
In addition to internal growth, RoMac actively collaborates with local high schools to introduce students to construction careers. Don shared a success story from Leesburg High School, where RoMac played a pivotal role in revitalizing the school’s construction academy. Starting with 35 students, the program now boasts over 275 participants, building Habitat for Humanity homes and exploring career paths in construction technology.
“Anything is possible if you're willing to put the time in,” Don said, describing a young student who won a home design contest and inspired a new Habitat for Humanity subdivision.
Respect: The Cornerstone of Leadership
Throughout the conversation, Don emphasized the importance of respect in the workplace.
“In construction, being nice and respectful is not a character flaw,” he said. “It’s a way to live and grow a team. You can still lead sternly and hold people accountable while treating them with dignity.”
RoMac’s culture of respect, combined with its investment in employee success, sets a powerful example for the construction industry.
Tune In to the Full Episode
Don’s insights on workforce development, community impact, and leadership are a must-hear for anyone in the construction industry. Catch the full episode of Titans of the Trade: Tackling the Labor Crisis in Construction with Ryan Englin here.
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