The construction industry is often perceived as a realm solely focused on bricks, mortar, and deadlines. However, we aspire to redefine this narrative. Our approach to construction transcends traditional paradigms by integrating a mission-driven ethos that prioritizes the growth and potential of every individual we work with.
From our skilled trade partners to our team and valued clients, we view each project as an opportunity to foster meaningful connections and create a lasting impact. By cultivating an environment of trust, integrity, and mutual respect, we inspire a broader, more impactful vision of what the industry can achieve.
In this article, we talk about our mission to help individuals and communities unlock their God-given potential. This guiding principle is at the heart of everything we do, driving us to exceed the expectations of our clients and partners while nurturing a culture of growth and achievement.
Table of Contents
Company Culture and Values
We believe that every work experience contributes to a larger narrative of purpose and growth. Our company culture is not just about fulfilling contractual obligations or meeting deadlines; it’s about building a community where hope and aspiration thrive. People look to us for more than just construction services; they see a beacon of a different kind of business culture that aims to inspire and elevate.
Our approach to business is deeply rooted in our values, which transcend the typical contractor-client relationship. We strive to create an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. This commitment to culture sets us apart and attracts clients and partners who share our vision of a purpose-driven work experience.
Mission and Purpose
Our carefully crafted mission statement is central to Gordon Highlander’s ethos: to help others reach their God-given potential. This mission is woven into the fabric of our company and is reflected in every aspect of our operations. It’s not just a statement; it’s a call to action that guides our decisions and interactions. We are dedicated to fostering strong, professional relationships with all our clients and partners.
Our mission is more than business success; it’s about building a legacy of support and empowerment. We believe that by helping others achieve their potential, we create a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved. This mission extends beyond our employees to our trade partners, clients, and the communities we serve. By inviting others into this mission, we foster a culture of collaboration and mutual growth.
The Reality and Challenges of the Construction Business
The construction industry is packed with challenges, and we face them head-on. Being in the service and construction business means navigating a landscape filled with risks and deadlines. The practical reality of delivering projects with excellence requires meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and a resilient team.
In this high-stakes environment, it’s easy to let the pressures and demands overshadow the bigger picture. However, we believe that service excellence is just the starting point. The true challenge lies in maintaining our integrity and commitment to our values, even when the going gets tough.
Beyond Excellence
Excellence is often seen as the pinnacle of success in the construction industry, but we aim for something more significant. We recognize that while being the best is essential, it shouldn’t be our ultimate goal. Instead, we strive to tap into a deeper, more spiritual purpose that drives our work.
Our journey is about more than just achieving high standards; it’s about embracing a mission beyond ego and identity. By focusing on a purpose larger than ourselves, we aim to inspire our team and partners to see their work as part of a bigger, more meaningful narrative. This approach helps us navigate the industry’s challenges with a sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that our pursuit of excellence is always aligned with our core values.
Relationships and Ecosystem
Our success is deeply intertwined with the relationships we cultivate. Our ecosystem includes a diverse network of partners, clients, and vendors, all crucial to our operations. We strive to foster relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual support.
Our approach to building relationships is rooted in the belief that people matter more than results. While delivering exceptional service is essential, we recognize that the true value lies in the connections we make. By prioritizing relationships over transactions, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. This philosophy extends beyond our internal team to include all our external partners, ensuring everyone who interacts with Gordon Highlander experiences our commitment to genuine, meaningful connections.
Value of Trade Partners
Trade partners are the backbone of our business. Without their expertise and dedication, we couldn’t achieve the level of excellence our clients expect. We view our trade partners as invaluable contributors to our success, often placing their importance above even our clients.
In the construction industry, where the practicalities of service delivery can overshadow the human element, we make a concerted effort to recognize and appreciate the role of our trade partners. Our trade partner relationships are the foundation of our business, and we want to invest heavily in nurturing them. By treating our trade partners with the same care and respect as our team members, we ensure that our entire ecosystem thrives.
Team Development and Growth
Investing in our team is the key to long-term success. This investment goes beyond professional development; it encompasses the holistic growth of each individual. Whether it’s our trade partners or our internal team members, we strive to create an environment where everyone can personally and professionally flourish.
Our commitment to team development includes various appreciation initiatives and development programs. From hosting appreciation lunches to offering comprehensive employee development programs, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported. We want every individual to grow not just as an employee but as a whole person—whether as a son or daughter, mother or father, friend or colleague. By fostering a culture of care and growth, we help our team members reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives.
More Than a Slogan
This concept is more than just a motivational slogan; it’s a deeply held belief that guides our actions and decisions. We recognize that each person has a unique potential beyond their professional capabilities.
Defining and reaching one’s God-given potential involves a journey of self-discovery and growth. We aim to support this journey by creating an environment where individuals can explore and develop their innate talents and abilities. We believe every person is made perfectly in God’s image, and their intrinsic value is immeasurable. By focusing on the holistic development of our team members, we help them pursue their God-given potential with confidence and purpose.
Overcoming Skepticism and Commitment to Truth
In business, skepticism about lofty mission statements and corporate values is expected. We acknowledge this skepticism, and we aren’t afraid to address it. We understand that phrases like “mission-driven” and “purpose-led” can often feel like corporate jargon, used more for marketing than genuine practice. However, these values are deeply embedded in our operations and culture at Gordon Highlander.
Combating skepticism involves demonstrating our commitment to these values is accurate and actionable. It’s about making these principles personal and relatable for everyone involved, from the leadership team to the newest hire. We strive to create an environment where our values are not just words on a wall but are lived out daily. This means being transparent about our challenges, acknowledging our imperfections, and striving to improve. By doing so, we want to show that our commitment to a higher purpose is genuine and positively impacts everyone connected to our business.
Commitment to Truth
Our commitment to truth at Gordon Highlander is unwavering, even when difficult. Authenticity and honesty are the cornerstones of a sustainable and thriving business. This means being open about and learning from our mistakes rather than hiding them or pretending they don’t exist.
We ensure this commitment to truth by fostering a culture of coachability. We encourage every team member to remain open to feedback and growth. The only way someone can fail at Gordon Highlander is by becoming uncoachable. This principle helps us maintain a culture of continuous improvement, where everyone is committed to their and the team’s development.
We recognize that implementing these values is not the easiest path. Many companies succeed without making such an effort, relying instead on superficial statements and short-term gains. However, we believe that the hard work of living out our values is worth it. Everything we love and cherish about our company has come through dedication and perseverance. Hype fades, but hope endures through the tough times. Our journey is filled with challenges, but these very challenges make our successes meaningful and lasting.
By staying true to our values and consistently striving to live them out, we hope to inspire others and create a lasting impact. This commitment to truth is at the heart of everything we do at Gordon Highlander, ensuring that our business remains not just successful but significant.
Join the Highlander Legacy
In a world where the construction industry often prioritizes profit over purpose, we want to stand as a beacon of integrity, growth, and genuine human connection. Our mission to help individuals achieve their God-given potential drives us to go beyond mere job performance, creating a work culture that values each person’s contribution and fosters meaningful relationships.
We invite you to become part of this incredible journey. As a Highlander, you’ll be joining a team that not only excels in delivering top-notch construction services but also believes in the deeper impact of our work. You’ll experience an environment where your skills are honed, your growth is supported, and your potential is truly recognized.
Become a Highlander
Take the first step toward a fulfilling career that aligns with your professional aspirations and your personal values.
About Gordon Highlander
Gordon Highlander, headquartered in Texas, is a premier commercial general contractor focusing on design-build and partially- and fully-engineered construction solutions. With decades of legacy, we have delivered millions of square feet across diverse commercial and industrial sectors. Our expertise extends to major Texan markets, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Atlanta, Georgia.