Building Careers That Last: How Holland Construction Services Retains Top Talent

By SUSAN SCHULTZ

Retaining top talent in today’s competitive construction landscape requires more than competitive pay and benefits.

It requires a culture where people feel genuinely valued, supported and empowered to grow.

At Holland Construction Services, we’ve made it our mission to foster an environment where employees are recognized for their unique strengths, given opportunities to lead and encouraged to shape their own professional journeys.

My own career path reflects this belief. I spent more than 25 years in higher education, serving in various leadership roles that prioritized mentorship, growth and people-first leadership. I was fortunate to have a mentor early in my career who not only encouraged my development but actively supported my pursuit of training and education. That support made a profound impact on my professional development and instilled in me a deep appreciation for leadership that invests in others.

Eventually, I made a significant career shift into the construction industry, an exciting but intimidating move after more than two decades in a completely different field. Although my background in relationship-building, communication and strategy translated well, stepping into a new industry required a leap of faith. But Holland’s reputation for excellence and its people-first approach gave me the confidence to take that step. The leadership here took a chance on me, recognizing the transferable skills I brought from another industry and invested in my growth and development, helping me grow into a well-rounded and impactful member of the team.

That kind of belief in people is powerful – and it’s exactly the kind of leadership that builds loyalty, fuels engagement and ultimately retains top talent.

At Holland, we’re deeply committed to helping our team members succeed. We promote ongoing professional development and encourage employees to take ownership of their growth through training, mentorship and continuous learning – including leadership training and project management certifications. Whether someone is just getting started in his or her career or preparing to take the next step into leadership, our goal is to provide the tools and support to help him or her thrive.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role in talent acquisition is seeing that growth firsthand. We’ve celebrated numerous internal promotions over the past year, watching team members step into new responsibilities with confidence and pride. That’s not by accident. It’s the result of a workplace culture that empowers people to stretch, learn and lead.

Having made a career transition myself, I know how important it is to work for a company that not only values your contributions but also shares your core principles. When I interview candidates, I assess technical ability and industry experience, but I also listen for alignment in core values. At Holland, values like integrity, excellence, teamwork and community aren’t just words on a wall. They guide our daily work and decisions. I listen for candidates who demonstrate self-awareness, a growth mindset, a strong work ethic and respect for collaboration. These traits often come through in how someone talks about past challenges, team experiences and lessons learned. When values align, candidates are more likely to thrive in our culture and grow with us over the long term.

Our employees stay because they trust leadership, feel a sense of purpose in their work and thrive in a collaborative environment. What sets Holland apart is our family-oriented culture. We continue to receive positive feedback from employees who are grateful for the culture. We offer flexible schedules, team-building events and regular recognition that reinforces a sense of belonging. Leadership is highly accessible and regularly shows appreciation for the work being done across the company. Our benefits package includes not only competitive pay but also education reimbursement, a sabbatical program and subsidized fitness memberships.

But the reason people stay goes far beyond the perks. It’s about feeling connected and valued.

One of our team members said it best: “Working for Holland Construction has been a fantastic career choice. I feel valued both personally and professionally, and that keeps me engaged and motivated.”

At the end of the day, Holland doesn’t just build projects. We build careers. Through values-driven leadership, a supportive culture and a deep respect for people, we’ve created an environment where top talent chooses to work, stay, grow and succeed.

Susan Schultz is Holland Construction Services’ senior talent acquisition specialist.