In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge engages in a riveting conversation with Raymond Sonnier, Director of Damage Prevention at GAC Enterprises. Bringing over 30 years of industry experience, Raymond discusses the transformative impact of leading by example, building trust within teams, and the importance of self-leadership. He shares personal stories and practical strategies for maintaining communication and fostering leadership in a rapidly expanding, multi-state team. Tune in to learn about trust-based leadership, the benefits of embracing technology, and the significance of self-reflection in creating a legacy of excellence in the construction industry.

00:00 Introduction to Construction Trailblazers

00:39 Meet Raymond Saunier: Leading by Example

05:14 The Importance of Trust in Leadership

06:10 Building a Culture of Safety and Excellence

13:52 The Journey from Pirate to Leader

18:54 Developing Future Leaders

21:52 Maintaining Self-Discipline and Empathy

29:30 Continuing the Story: Building Relationships and Respect

31:28 The Power of Personal Stories

32:26 Continuing the Mission

34:19 Practical Leadership Strategies

35:01 Challenges of Rapid Expansion

37:22 The Importance of Communication

41:08 Embracing Technology

46:13 Trust-Based Leadership

48:37 Conclusion and Future Insights