Mike Smith

Construction is about solving problems. No job ever goes 100% according to plan and no job is ever the same as the one before. Sometimes it feels like we’re firefighters, putting out small fires every day. To be successful, we need teams in which every single person feels empowered to develop solutions. Nobody can do all this alone.

Truebeck is a company that stands behind our promises. We don’t just throw out catchy slogans and meaningless words. Truebeck lives our values every day, it is part of our DNA. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. 

At Truebeck, we are builders first and foremost. Our self-perform teams put that into practice every day, and this is our biggest opportunity to provide enduring value to our clients. If we are doing the work ourselves, we have a lasting impact on the schedule, quality, value, and safety of our jobsites.

The best idea wins every time, regardless of who comes up with it. Some of the brightest minds I’ve encountered on the job are people just starting their career. My job, as a leader, is to create an environment where everyone is comfortable sharing their ideas—to ensure my teams feel their input is valued and championed. I’m not just going to listen; I’m going to work with them to execute their ideas. Support and encouragement foster more contributions and more ideas—and teams flourish as a result.

I caught the construction bug in high school. I worked with my high school shop teacher on his furniture-building side gig. It was hard work, but amazing to watch something I’d built come together—with just my hands and my mind! In this industry, we get to physically see the fruits of our labor every day. We can look around a jobsite and can see what is put in place. It’s instant gratification and always worth the effort. 

People will always remember two things: first, how you made them feel, and second, if you told them the truth. We are only ever as good as our word. Honesty is essential and honesty builds trust. In my life, I have found that most people can handle and appreciate honesty—much more than we might give them credit for. Things flow more smoothly when we’re all upfront with one another.

I will never take living in California for granted. I moved here a few years ago, but never cease to be amazed by this area. There is just so much to see and experience. And it’s beautiful here. The Golden Gate Bridge still takes my breath away every time I see it. I’m like a kid on Christmas morning living here, it’s just incredible.

As much as possible, I take advantage of being outside. Growing up on the east coast, we didn’t have weather like we do here in the Bay Area—rain and snow could keep us inside for months at a time. All this sunshine is not to be wasted! I’m out whenever I can be, riding my bike, golfing, exploring—you name it.

Be honest and keep the drama to a minimum. Our job is hard enough without bringing ego or upset feelings into the mix. Teams are so much stronger when people can put any quibbles aside and get down to business.

I’ve got some stories about my time on jobsites! Like the time an airplane crash-landed while I was out grading a road. Sometimes I think about creating a book of short stories about my experience in the industry—there are just so many outrageous and hilarious tales to tell.