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EPISODE
12

Brian Keller

QBC

QBC

In this episode of the CO Pod, host Caroline Raffetto sits down with Brian Keller, CEO of Quest Building Corporation (QBC). With more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Brian shares his leadership journey from starting as a young carpenter to becoming the head of a thriving construction company.

Brian discusses the importance of reshaping leadership in construction, shifting company culture, and creating opportunities for employees to grow into leaders. He dives into the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, the value of training programs, and how redefining leadership has helped QBC scale and maintain a strong company culture. His insights shed light on the future of leadership development and workforce growth in construction.

Episode Highlights

1:00 – 2:54 | The Start of QBC

Brian shares his personal background in construction, starting young with his father and launching QBC in 1998. He talks about early challenges in valuing employees, shifting industry perceptions, and building a company where people felt appreciated.

3:00 – 5:26 | Leadership Lessons & Growth

Brian reflects on how his leadership style evolved. He notes the lack of formal leadership training in construction and how he had to research, learn, and develop QBC’s own programs. He stresses that leadership is more than delegating — it requires understanding the whole person and adapting to generational shifts.

6:28 – 8:11 | Building a Leadership Pipeline

Brian explains QBC’s approach to creating leadership pipelines, emphasizing training programs, mentorship, and cultivating the right attitude. Entry-level leaders graduate into elite leadership roles, ensuring long-term growth for both employees and the company.

8:18 – 10:26 | Unique Approach to Leadership Training

Caroline and Brian discuss how QBC stands out in the construction industry for providing structured leadership training. While rare in construction, this approach has helped QBC avoid chaos and grow sustainably.

10:40 – 14:26 | Overcoming Challenges & Attracting Talent

Brian reflects on scaling challenges and the need to demonstrate career growth opportunities to younger workers. He highlights how leadership training builds confidence and shows that construction offers a viable, rewarding career path.

15:19 – 17:56 | Changing Recruitment & Culture

Brian explains how QBC shifted hiring practices to attract the right people, focusing on transparency, realistic expectations, and cultural fit. This shift strengthened retention and ensured long-term success.

20:23 – 22:44 | Investing in People & The Future of Work

Brian shares how QBC invests in employee growth by checking in regularly, aligning professional and personal goals, and creating a vision for the future. He emphasizes the importance of helping younger generations see their place in the industry.

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