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Empowering Our Frontline Leaders: The Supervisor Excellence Award

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Empowering Our Frontline Leaders: The Supervisor Excellence Award

At S&B, great projects start with great people — and our field supervisors prove it every day. They guide teams, solve challenges, and set the standard for safety, quality, and teamwork on our jobsites.

The Supervisor Excellence Award (SEA) recognizes those whose leadership inspires others and drives success from the ground up.

“Our supervisors are the heartbeat of every project,” said Dale Haynie, S&B’s SVP of EPC and Construction. “When they lead well, our entire company moves forward.” 

Why SEA Matters

Supervisors are the foundation of trust, skill and relationships in construction. SEA highlights the impact of their leadership and reinforce S&B’s commitment to investing in our people.

Through the program, we:

  • Elevate supervisors as leaders
  • Empower field professionals
  • Encourage mentorship and growth
  • Celebrate those making a lasting impact

“Recognition fuels retention,” said Haynie. “When people know their work matters, they stay, grow and lead others to do the same.”

What Makes a Supervisor Excellent?

SEA recipients exemplify leadership in four key areas:

  1. Safety Leadership – Leading by example with exceptional safety performance, accountability, and commitment to Human and Organizational Performance principles.
  2. Leadership – Mentoring others, building cohesive teams, and fostering a respectful, positive work environment.
  3. Communication – Listening, guiding and communicating clearly across crews and departments.
  4. Execution Excellence – Delivering quality results, driving accountability and setting the bar high for project performance.

“These aren’t just checkboxes — they’re behaviors that build trust, deliver results, and strengthen our company’s reputation,” said Scott Pope, VP of Field Operations at S&B.

Spotlight on Excellence: Leadership in Action

Leading with Safety

Lance Lehman, SEA Gold and Silver Winner
As a Rigger AGF, Lance starts every shift with a conversation, asking his crew what they need to go home safely — rather than focusing on a checklist. His proactive approach has led to 20 years without a recordable incident.

“Lance’s leadership is about connection,” said Milton Rich, Crane and Rigging Manager at S&B. “He makes every team member feel responsible for each other — that’s how you build a true safety culture.”

 “They’re the ones who make safety real every day,” Lehman said, crediting his team.

Setting the Standard for Quality

Marcos Ramirez, SEA Gold Award Winner
As a Civil AGF, Marcos Ramirez leads with precision and pride. He’s known for producing top-tier work, overcoming obstacles, and guiding his team with clear communication and high-level planning — all while ensuring safety and quality without compromise. 
 
“Marcos sees quality as the standard — for the work, for the team and for the client,” said Jared Biard, Construction Manager at S&B. “He shows that excellence isn’t about perfection — it’s about pride and representing more than just yourself.”
 
SEA reminds everyone why their work matters. “It’s more than an award,” said Ramirez. “It recognizes an individual’s efforts and accomplishments through their leadership and dedication.”

Building a Culture of Recognition

The SEA program reflects our belief that leadership deserves to be seen and celebrated. It is part of a larger effort to grow our craft professionals and help them build rewarding, lifelong careers with S&B.

“The SEA program is how we say thank you to the leaders who guide with integrity, build with pride and make our teams stronger every day,” said Haynie.

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