In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the synergy between private development and infrastructure is more vital than ever. This is particularly true in booming markets like Texas and Florida. One company making waves in this space is the newly-merged WGI and Big Red Dog. Sean Smith, a team leader at Big Red Dog, now transitioning into his role at WGI, took the time to speak about the merger, growth, and talent acquisition in the company’s thriving Houston office on the podcast ‘Unleashed for WGI.’
The Success of the Merger
The merger has seen a smooth transition, attributed to significant cultural overlaps between WGI and Big Red Dog. Both companies value the quality of service, focus on infrastructure and private development, and have a forward-thinking vision. While there were initial concerns about the merger, senior leadership took steps to address these comprehensively. The new organization is investing in future talent, acknowledging that the real challenge lies in finding good people.
Growth and Talent Acquisition in Houston and Beyond
Houston has long been a burgeoning market for private development. The merger has only fortified this, with the Houston office experiencing rapid growth and gaining a substantial foothold in the market. WGI is focused on attracting strong leadership talent around which to build dynamic teams. This strategy is also at play in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas—all of which are experiencing significant growth and attracting top-grade talent.
Investing in Talent: From Interns to Veterans
The company places a high emphasis on nurturing talent, starting from the entry level. Investments in internships have proven beneficial, not just in theory but in practice. Big Red Dog celebrates interns by providing them with experiences different from those at traditional firms, making the transition to full-time roles much smoother.
Veterans, with their quick learning capabilities and mission-focused mindset, are another talent pool that WGI is actively targeting. The skills and experiences veterans bring can be easily aligned with the requirements of the design industry, making them an ideal fit for leadership roles.
The Role of Culture and the Podcast in Attracting Talent
The podcast ‘Unleashed for WGI’ plays a crucial part in the company’s recruitment and retention strategy. It provides an inside look into the team, offering stories that are more human and less résumé. This radical transparency is appealing, particularly to younger talents entering the industry who appreciate real stories from real people doing real work.
Employee Well-being and Professional Development
Like many progressive design firms, WGI prioritizes employee well-being, offering benefits such as flexible hours, remote work opportunities, and comprehensive parental leave. Continuous professional development through courses, cross-training, and certifications are also high on the agenda.
Financial Literacy and Long-term Success
Offering programs like financial literacy courses yields a significant return on investment for the company. Problem-solving for employees extends beyond the professional scope, creating a culture of gratitude and loyalty.
Personal Notes and Takeaways
During the podcast, Sean Smith shared some personal insights and recommendations. The book ‘Principles’ by Ray Dalio has had a significant impact on his professional life, so much so that he also uses the Principles app for daily guidance. On a lighter note, Smith is catching up on Marvel cinematic universe movies, with ‘Avengers: Endgame’ tying everything up nicely. His advice to professionals in the design sector? Lead with empathy and invest in your team members.
Conclusion
The ‘Unleashed for WGI’ podcast showcases the importance of culture and people in the evolving infrastructure and private development sectors. With a focus on nurturing talent, from interns to veterans, and a commitment to employee well-being, WGI is setting a standard for the industry to follow. It’s more than just a business; it’s a community where everyone is valued and every voice matters.
