Tidewater Homes

Jamie Martin

Quality Leadership Champion

Project Leadership: Adapt Without Losing Direction or Momentum

I believe that clear communication, adaptability and resilience have all been key leadership principles in guiding teams and projects throughout the years. Constant communication with trades, vendors and customers has been key to our success. Proper scheduling and clearly communicating expectations to our trades are crucial in our industry.

Being able to communicate effectively with customers regarding timelines, updates and the overall construction process has also helped the building process. We mitigate most obstacles with customers by being open and honest with them about anything that could happen during the homebuilding process. We constantly have to adapt schedules, timelines and the building process for countless reasons. Being able to adapt the build process and move forward will not only keep the budget on track, but also the overall timeline of the build.

Lastly, being resilient has been a great leadership principle to help guide me through the construction process. So many items, selections, choices and decisions go into building a home that you will inevitably make the wrong choice at some point. Resilience helps you bounce back from that choice and continue building at the highest level possible.

Balancing Priorities: Let Quality Lead Every Decision

When making key decisions, you will ultimately have to weigh many factors. I personally base a lot of my key decisions on whether I would accept it in my home for my family. The timeline will always be there, as well as being able to make it up in the budget somewhere else, but you would never want to sacrifice the quality of the home you're building to save a few dollars. The reputation you earn is what you must be proud of. I would much rather have a reputation for higher quality standards than for taking a couple of extra days or saving a few dollars on a major customer project.

Leading with Care: Every Home Is Personal

I once had a customer share that building this home would be the most expensive purchase they had ever made. For most customers, this is the case. Once we turned the home over to them after the entire building process, they were so overwhelmed with joy, thankfulness and pride that this was something they owned now. The lesson is that homeowners trust us so much with their biggest asset in life and you cannot treat it as just another house. You need to take the time, care, effort and energy to build each home as if it were your own. We personally craft each home and tailor each floor plan to our customers' preferences. Take pride in each and every home that you build was the main takeaway from that lesson.

“You will make mistakes over time, but if you learn from them and don't repeat the same mistakes, you will gain the confidence in leading your team. I would also lean into constant learning and seeking new ways to achieve the same goal more effectively.”

Industry Challenge: Rebuild the Skilled Trades Pipeline

The biggest challenge that I see in the homebuilding industry is the lack of skilled trades. The majority of technically trained tradesmen are at the end of their careers, with hardly any younger generations coming in behind them. The lack of technical classes in schools and the increased focus on technology have driven a massive wedge in the home-building process. There is a massive lack of talent in skilled trades, ranging from framers to plumbers, finish installers, drywallers and electricians. Leaders should respond by getting involved with different organizations to make technical training a focus in schools again. NEFBA, the Northeast Florida Builder Association, is making a huge push not only for training, internships and recruitment for the trades but is also leading the nation in legislation to support the growth of technical trades and the building industry.

Wisdom from Experience: Stay Humble, Learn and Connect

Seek key leadership training and find a mentor in the construction industry. Be humble in your growth and cut yourself some slack when gaining experience. You will make mistakes over time, but if you learn from them and don't repeat the same mistakes, you will gain the confidence in leading your team. I would also lean into constant learning and seeking new ways to achieve the same goal more effectively.

Lastly, expand your network with other builders, trades and industry professionals. Everyone deals with the same obstacles and challenges and it would be more effective to be able to pick up the phone and talk through them with another professional in your field.

We know a lot, but we are not experts in everything; however, there is someone who is and you will want that help at some point.