Pennsylvania Commercial Construction Intelligence Report for Week Ending September 11, 2026

Prepared for Pennsylvania’s Construction Executives

Executive Summary

This week brought a major new Pennsylvania data-center construction announcement and several developments that reinforce the Commonwealth’s emerging industrial/power construction cycle.

The biggest story is Project Phoenix, a new 2-gigawatt data-center campus in Shippingport, Beaver County, announced with a groundbreaking on September 10. Aligned Data Centers says the three-facility campus could anchor approximately $10 billion in regional economic investment and support an estimated 3,000 construction jobs. Holder Construction and Kokosing are identified as construction partners.

Also important: Philips announced a $1.6 million expansion in Mifflin County, adding a production line for ultrasound transducers and creating 101 jobs, while GrafTech and Antora Energy announced a new collaboration in St. Marys involving thermal-battery materials and the restart of eight furnaces.

On the public-investment side, Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a nearly $100 million Chester revitalization initiative, including $75.5 million in Commonwealth investment for infrastructure, blight remediation and economic development.

The market data also continue to point toward a construction economy increasingly driven by nonresidential specialty trades, industrial facilities, data centers and power infrastructure. Nationally, construction added 22,000 jobs in August, with nonresidential specialty contractors accounting for the largest gain. Pennsylvania construction employment, however, was still down 0.8% year over year in July.

1. TOP STORY: 2-GW Project Phoenix Data Center Breaks Ground in Beaver County

The development

Aligned Data Centers announced September 10 the groundbreaking of Project Phoenix, a planned 2-gigawatt data-center campus in Shippingport, Pennsylvania.

The campus will consist of three facilities and is being developed at a legacy energy/industrial site.

Aligned estimates the development will anchor approximately $10 billion in regional economic investment. The company estimates approximately 3,000 construction jobs and 640 permanent jobs once the campus is operational.

Holder Construction and Kokosing are identified as construction partners.

Aligned Data Centers — Project Phoenix announcement

Why it matters to Pennsylvania contractors

This is the kind of project that can materially affect the Pennsylvania construction labor market.

A 2-GW campus requires far more than the data-center buildings themselves:

Site preparation
Excavation
Concrete
Structural work
Electrical distribution
High-voltage systems
Mechanical systems
Cooling infrastructure
Water systems
Roads
Utilities
Telecommunications
Security
Fire protection
Commissioning

It also creates a large demand for project managers, superintendents and skilled craft workers.

KCA takeaway

Project Phoenix is particularly significant because it is being developed at a legacy energy site and is explicitly framed around Pennsylvania’s new responsible-data-center framework.

It provides a real-world test of whether the Commonwealth can attract very large AI infrastructure investments while addressing:

power + jobs + community concerns + environmental requirements.

2. Project Phoenix Reinforces the “Data Center + Power” Construction Model

Project Phoenix is especially noteworthy because it fits a broader Pennsylvania trend: large data centers are increasingly being paired with dedicated or expanded power infrastructure.

The PUC recently forecast statewide industrial electricity demand to grow an average 18.56% annually through 2030, with industrial electricity demand in PPL Electric’s territory projected to increase approximately 51% annually.

That means the opportunity created by AI isn’t limited to data-center shells.

It potentially extends to:

Natural-gas generation
Substations
Transmission
Distribution
Switchgear
Transformers
Backup generation
Electrical controls
Gas infrastructure
Civil construction

KCA perspective

Power infrastructure should be treated as a separate major construction market.

KCA members who do not traditionally pursue data centers may still find substantial opportunities in the infrastructure required to serve them.

3. Philips Announces $1.6 Million Mifflin County Expansion

Philips announced a $1.6 million expansion of its ultrasound manufacturing operation in Reedsville, Mifflin County.

The company will add another production line to increase manufacturing capacity for ultrasound transducers.

The expansion is expected to create 101 jobs over three years while retaining 518 existing positions.

Pennsylvania is providing $330,000 through a Pennsylvania First grant.

Pennsylvania DCED — Philips expansion

Why it matters

This is a good example of advanced manufacturing growth in central Pennsylvania.

The project is relatively small compared with Project Phoenix, but these types of expansions can generate work in:

Electrical
HVAC
Process systems
Production-line installation
Building modifications
Controls
Equipment foundations
Specialty mechanical work

KCA takeaway

KCA should continue tracking incremental expansions of existing industrial facilities. They can create a steady construction pipeline even when ground-up industrial development slows.

4. GrafTech + Antora Energy Target Thermal-Battery Manufacturing in St. Marys

GrafTech International and Antora Energy announced September 10 a strategic collaboration involving carbon-based materials for Antora’s thermal batteries.

The work will utilize GrafTech’s St. Marys, Pennsylvania facility. GrafTech has restarted eight bake furnaces as part of the collaboration and says the effort is already creating jobs, with approximately a dozen additional positions being recruited.

Why it matters

This is another signal that Pennsylvania’s legacy industrial base can be repurposed for emerging energy technologies.

Potential future construction opportunities could include:

Furnace upgrades
Process equipment
Electrical systems
Industrial HVAC
Controls
Energy systems
Plant modernization
Material-handling infrastructure

KCA takeaway

Energy-transition manufacturing is becoming another industrial sector worth tracking alongside data centers and traditional manufacturing.

5. Chester Launches Nearly $100 Million Revitalization Initiative

Gov. Shapiro announced September 10 a new public/private initiative to revitalize Chester.

The initiative represents approximately $97.1 million in total investment, including $75.5 million from the Commonwealth.

The funding will support:

Road improvements
Pedestrian infrastructure
Blight remediation
Public-space improvements
Safety initiatives
Economic development

Pennsylvania DCED — Chester revitalization initiative

Why it matters to contractors

This is an important public-sector construction pipeline story.

Revitalization programs can translate into contracts involving:

Road construction
Streetscapes
Sidewalks
Lighting
Demolition
Site remediation
Public buildings
Infrastructure
Landscaping
Utility work

KCA takeaway

The scale of this investment suggests Chester could become a meaningful construction market over the next several years, particularly for contractors in the Philadelphia/Delaware County region.

6. Public Infrastructure: New PennDOT Projects Continue Moving Toward Construction

PennDOT continues advancing multiple projects that could create future bidding opportunities.

A new public outreach period opened this week for the German Hill Road project in Forest County, a planned 7.2-mile resurfacing project scheduled for construction in 2027.

PennDOT is also advancing the Shelocta Truss Preservation project in Indiana County, with construction planned for June-August 2027.

In the southeast, the U.S. 1/U.S. 202 intersection improvements in Delaware County are scheduled for construction beginning September 2026 and continuing through 2028.

Why it matters

These projects demonstrate that the public infrastructure pipeline remains active even when private commercial construction is uneven.

7. Current Public Bid Opportunities

Several Pennsylvania opportunities were active or approaching deadlines this week.

Highridge Business Park

The Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation solicited bids for the Highridge Business Park project, including:

Site grading
Earthwork
Stormwater
Paving
Curbs
Sidewalks
Landscaping

The bid deadline was September 9.

West Mifflin Borough Building ADA Improvements

The South Hills Area Council of Governments is soliciting bids for ADA door improvements at the West Mifflin Borough Building.

The project includes Section 3 requirements relating to lower-income residents and businesses.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

The National Park Service is soliciting a small-business contractor for approximately 450 linear feet of commercial-grade chain-link fencing, gates and related site work at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Berks County.

The response deadline is September 11.

Federal construction opportunity — Hopewell Furnace

KCA takeaway

These smaller public projects matter because they provide entry points for small and midsize contractors that may not be positioned to compete for billion-dollar industrial work.

8. Workforce: Construction Hiring Remains Strong Nationally

The latest August employment report provides an interesting signal.

The construction industry added 22,000 jobs nationally in August, bringing year-over-year construction employment growth to approximately 1.5%.

Within construction:

Nonresidential specialty trades: +7,800
Heavy/civil engineering: +4,400
Nonresidential building: -1,800

Construction unemployment fell to 3.1%.

Why it matters

This data strongly supports what KCA members are seeing on the ground:

The strongest employment demand is concentrated in specialty and infrastructure trades.

That is consistent with the growth of:

Data centers
Power infrastructure
Industrial facilities
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Major infrastructure projects

9. Pennsylvania Construction Employment Remains Slightly Below Last Year

Pennsylvania’s July employment data show approximately 261,400 construction jobs, down 0.8% from July 2025.

The state’s overall unemployment rate was 3.9%.

Why it matters

The combination is important:

Pennsylvania construction employment: slightly down

Pennsylvania overall unemployment: very low

That creates a difficult labor-market environment for contractors.

Even if construction employment isn’t growing rapidly, companies still have to compete against other industries for available workers.

KCA takeaway

Workforce development remains one of the most important constraints on Pennsylvania’s ability to capitalize on the industrial/data-center construction boom.

10. Safety: Construction Fall-Protection Requirements Remain Under Review

OSHA published a September 1 Federal Register notice concerning its information collection requirements for construction fall-protection systems, practices and training. Public comments are being accepted as part of the federal review process.

Fall protection remains one of OSHA’s central construction-safety priorities, with falls continuing to be a leading cause of construction fatalities.

OSHA — Construction Safety Resources

Why it matters

KCA contractors should continue to monitor federal OSHA activity involving:

Fall protection
Training
Recordkeeping
Respiratory protection
Heat exposure
Silica

Even when a rule is not immediately changing, OSHA’s information-collection and enforcement priorities can signal where compliance attention is headed.

11. Safety Training Opportunity: OSHA Machine Guarding

Pennsylvania’s Business One-Stop Shop is promoting a free OSHA machine-guarding webinar for September 17 covering:

Hazard identification
Point-of-operation guarding
Lockout/tagout
Safeguarding methods
OSHA requirements

The training is being presented with participation from the federal OSHA Erie Area Office and Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program.

Pennsylvania OSHA Machine Guarding Training

KCA takeaway

While machine guarding is more directly applicable to manufacturing, it is increasingly relevant to contractors working inside advanced manufacturing facilities where construction and plant operations overlap.

12. Market Trend: The Construction Economy Is Becoming More Specialized

This week’s developments point to a clear structural trend.

Pennsylvania’s strongest construction opportunities are increasingly concentrated around:

AI & Data Infrastructure

Project Phoenix and other large campuses.

Power

Generation, transmission, substations and distribution.

Advanced Manufacturing

Philips, GrafTech/Antora and other specialized industrial facilities.

Healthcare

Medical manufacturing and healthcare facilities.

Public Infrastructure

Roads, bridges, utilities and municipal revitalization.

Meanwhile, national construction data show that nonresidential specialty contractors are doing much of the hiring.

KCA implication

This creates a strong argument for Pennsylvania contractors to invest in:

Skilled-trade recruitment
Apprenticeship programs
Cross-training
Specialty capabilities
Project-management capacity
Safety systems
Workforce partnerships

KCA MARKET SCORECARD

Sector	Current Outlook	KCA Assessment
Data Centers	🟢 Very Strong	Huge pipeline; permitting remains key
Power/Energy	🟢 Very Strong	Major secondary opportunity from AI
Advanced Manufacturing	🟢 Strong	Growing throughout PA
Healthcare	🟢 Strong	Continued institutional investment
Higher Education	🟢 Stable	Renovation/capital pipeline
Public Infrastructure	🟢 Strong	Significant project flow
Adaptive Reuse	🟡 Growing	Opportunity in obsolete properties
Traditional Office	🔴 Challenged	Continue to monitor
Skilled Labor	🔴 Constrained	Major limiting factor
Construction Costs	🟡 Watch	Energy/material volatility

KCA’s 5 Things to Watch Next

1. Project Phoenix Construction Activity

This is the most important new project to follow.

KCA should track:

Subcontractor opportunities
Local hiring
Apprenticeship participation
Project phases
Electrical/mechanical packages
Site infrastructure
Power-generation work

The project’s estimated 3,000 construction jobs could make it one of the largest workforce-demand projects in Western Pennsylvania.

2. How Pennsylvania’s GRID Rules Work in Practice

Project Phoenix will be an important case study.

Watch how the new requirements affect:

Permitting
Local approvals
Power commitments
Community benefits
Workforce requirements
Project schedules

3. The Power Infrastructure Pipeline

The PUC’s electricity forecast suggests the next major Pennsylvania construction boom could involve power infrastructure as much as buildings.

KCA should watch for announcements involving:

New generation
Substations
Transmission
Natural gas
Grid upgrades
Battery storage

4. Industrial Expansions

Philips and GrafTech/Antora demonstrate that Pennsylvania’s existing industrial base is continuing to attract new investment.

KCA should watch for more projects involving:

food + medical technology + energy technology + advanced manufacturing.

5. Workforce Capacity

The construction industry is adding jobs nationally while unemployment remains low.

The biggest question isn’t simply:

How much construction is coming?

It’s:

Does Pennsylvania have enough skilled workers to build it?

That makes apprenticeship, CTE, pre-apprenticeship and construction career promotion increasingly important to Pennsylvania’s economic-development strategy.

Bottom Line

This was a very significant week for Pennsylvania’s commercial construction outlook.

The 2-GW Project Phoenix groundbreaking in Beaver County is the headline, but the broader story is even more important: Pennsylvania is becoming a major destination for AI infrastructure, power investment and advanced manufacturing.

At the same time, Philips’ expansion, GrafTech/Antora’s industrial collaboration and Chester’s nearly $100 million revitalization initiative show that construction opportunities are developing well beyond data centers.

For KCA members, the opportunity is substantial—but so is the challenge.

The Commonwealth will need the contractors, skilled tradespeople, apprentices and specialty subcontractors capable of turning this investment pipeline into actual projects.

That makes workforce development, apprenticeship capacity, predictable permitting and infrastructure investment the four issues KCA should keep at the center of its agenda heading into the fall.

Marcus Vega Receives 2026 Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award

HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) honored Marcus Vega of Alexander Building Construction Company as the recipient of the 2026 Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, recognizing his outstanding leadership, work ethic, commitment to mentoring, and service to the construction industry and the next generation of workers.

The Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership both on and off the construction jobsite and who makes a meaningful contribution to the construction industry and the communities it serves.

Vega has earned a reputation as a strong leader and dedicated construction professional. On projects, he is known for his exceptional work ethic, reliability, and commitment to getting the job done right. Off the jobsite, he has made mentoring the next generation of construction professionals a priority, helping young carpenter apprentices develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to build successful careers.

Perhaps most significantly, Vega’s impact was recognized by both his current employer, Alexander Building Construction Company, and his former employer, Penn Installations, each of which nominated him for the Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award.

“The fact that Marcus was nominated by both Alexander Building Construction Company and Penn Installations says a tremendous amount about the kind of person and leader he is,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “In the ten year history of this award, we have never had two companies, including a current and former employer, jointly recognize someone for this honor. Marcus has earned the respect of the people he works with through his work ethic, leadership, and willingness to help others. Most importantly, he understands that building the future of our industry means investing in the people who are coming behind us.”

Vega’s commitment to mentoring young apprentices reflects one of the most important needs facing the construction industry: developing experienced professionals who are willing to pass their knowledge and experience on to the next generation.

“Marcus is the type of person who makes everyone around him better,” said O’Brien. “He leads by example, works extremely hard, and takes the time to help younger workers learn and grow. His willingness to mentor apprentices demonstrates that he understands leadership isn’t just about what you accomplish yourself—it’s about what you do to help others succeed.”

Vega said he was honored to receive the award and believes the responsibility to mentor the next generation belongs to everyone in the construction industry. At the Construction Celebration, he went on to say that he has been fortunate throughout his career to work with people who were willing to teach him and believe in him, and he felt that it’s everyone’s responsibility to do the same for the people coming into the industry today.

The Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award embodies the values that KCA believes are essential to a strong construction industry: leadership, hard work, service, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

By recognizing individuals like Vega, KCA is highlighting the people who do more than build projects—they build people, careers, and the future of Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

About the Keystone Contractors Association

The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.

Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-884-2801
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com

Keystone Contractors Association Surpasses $100,000 in College Scholarships to Build Pennsylvania’s Future Workforce

Scholarship program continues investing in Pennsylvania students committed to building careers—and communities—across the Commonwealth

HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that it has awarded more than $100,000 in college scholarships since launching its scholarship program in 2022, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to developing Pennsylvania’s next generation of construction industry leaders.

Designed with a singular mission, the KCA Scholarship Program is unlike any other in the Commonwealth. KCA proudly refers to it as “Pennsylvania’s Scholarship” because every dollar invested stays in Pennsylvania.

To qualify, scholarship recipients must:

Be a Pennsylvania resident.
Attend a Pennsylvania college, university, or trade-related institution.
Demonstrate a commitment to building their career—and Pennsylvania’s future—after graduation.

“Our goal has never been simply to provide financial assistance,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Our mission is to invest in students who are committed to building Pennsylvania. Every scholarship recipient represents another future leader who will strengthen our workforce, improve our communities, and contribute to the economic future of our Commonwealth.”

Since its inception, the scholarship program has supported students pursuing careers in construction management, engineering, architecture, skilled trades, business, safety, and other disciplines that support Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

Unlike many scholarship programs that allow recipients to attend schools anywhere in the country, KCA intentionally designed its program to keep both the educational investment and future workforce within Pennsylvania.

“The construction industry needs talented young professionals who want to make a difference here at home,” O’Brien said. “By requiring recipients to live, learn, and ultimately help build Pennsylvania, we’re creating a direct pipeline from our classrooms to our jobsites.”

The scholarship initiative reflects KCA’s broader commitment to workforce development, which includes career awareness programs, industry partnerships, apprenticeship promotion, safety education, and leadership development throughout Pennsylvania.

Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, career aspirations, and each student’s desire to contribute to Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

As the program continues to grow, KCA remains committed to expanding scholarship opportunities and encouraging more young Pennsylvanians to pursue rewarding careers that will shape the Commonwealth’s future.

“Reaching the $100,000 milestone is something our members should be proud of,” O’Brien said. “Every scholarship represents an investment in Pennsylvania’s future workforce, infrastructure, and economy. We’re not just awarding scholarships—we’re helping build the next generation of builders.”

About the Keystone Contractors Association

The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is Pennsylvania’s leading commercial construction association representing contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and industry partners. KCA is dedicated to advancing the construction industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, safety, and member services while helping build a stronger Pennsylvania.

Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-884-2801
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com

KCA Launches “Build the Future” Video Challenge to Inspire Pennsylvania’s Next Generation of Construction Professionals

HARRISBURG, Pa. – At the 2026 Construction Celebration, the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) announced the launch of the KCA Build the Future Video Challenge, a statewide social media campaign designed to showcase the exciting opportunities available in Pennsylvania’s construction industry and inspire the next generation of builders.

The challenge invites construction companies, union members, apprentices, engineers, project managers, estimators, superintendents, and other industry professionals to create and share short videos—30 seconds or less—highlighting why a career in construction is rewarding, exciting, and impactful.

“The construction industry has an incredible story to tell,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Every day, our members build the schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and facilities that keep Pennsylvania moving forward. Through this challenge, we’re encouraging construction professionals to share their stories and help young people see the opportunities available in our industry.”

Participants are encouraged to create positive, authentic videos showcasing:
• Pride in the projects they build
• The variety and excitement of construction careers
• Great wages and benefits
• Opportunities to earn while learning
• Teamwork and problem-solving
• Advanced technology and innovation
• Why they would recommend construction careers to students and young adults

Videos can be posted on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and other social media platforms between June 9 and November 1, 2026.

To enter, participants should post their videos, using one of the following hashtags:
#BuildTheFuture
#KCABuildsPA
#ConstructionCareers

Winning videos will be selected through a combination of public engagement and judging by a panel of emerging construction professionals. KCA plans to recognize winners at a year-end industry event.

Prizes include:
• Grand Prize: $1,000
• Finalists: $250 each
• Special Recognition Awards for creativity, energy, and industry ambassadorship

The Build the Future Video Challenge is part of KCA’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and promoting careers in Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

“Construction offers outstanding opportunities for people from all backgrounds,” O’Brien said. “Whether someone is interested in the skilled trades, engineering, project management, or technology, our industry provides meaningful careers, strong wages, and the chance to build something that lasts. We look forward to seeing construction professionals across Pennsylvania help us tell that story.”

Additional contest information, rules, and updates will be available through KCA’s social media channels and member communications.

About the KCA: The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and industry consultants committed to building a stronger construction industry throughout the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for the Week Ending January 16, 2026

Stay Safe, Stay & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

This week’s top stories in Pennsylvania

Massive Southern Berks Industrial Park Breaks Ground: One of the biggest industrial projects in the state has officially started construction in Berks County. The 5.5 million-square-foot Southern Berks Industrial Park will sit on a former Bethlehem Steel site and include multiple Class A industrial buildings. Phase 1 alone is expected to create about 450 jobs by late 2026, with the full build-out projected to generate roughly 2,750 jobs and ~$2 billion in economic activity. READ MORE.

State Grant Programs for Construction & Transportation Now Open: Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation Multimodal Transportation Funding (MTF) and other state grant programs are now open for applications, offering public infrastructure and commercial project funding opportunities that can support future construction and mobility-related developments. READ MORE.

Time to Nominate Construction’s Safest Construction Companies, Emerging Leaders & Community Difference-Makers: The KCA awards program is an excellent way to recognize the talented and community-first professionals on your team. Winners and Finalists are honored at the annual Construction Celebration held in June, which is the construction industry’s biggest awards event in Harrisburg. We hope you enjoyed last years’ event: 2025 Construction Celebration Highlight Video.

KCA Safety Awards: To be considered for the KCA Safety Awards please submit your OSHA 300A log from 2025 by March 1, 2026. Please respond to this email with your form or email the KCA.
KCA Top Young Leader: This award shines the spotlight on the up and coming leaders from the construction industry. The deadline to nominate a professional is March 1, 2026. For more information on the award, list of past winners and to locate the Nomination Form visit: KCA Top Young Leader.
The Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award: Created to honor the field personnel who make a difference on the jobsite and in the community, the deadline to nominate a professional for this award is March 1, 2026. Nomination Form.
The KCA Scholarship Program: Entering its 5th year, the KCA Scholarship Program has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to AEC students. For more information please visit KCA Scholarship Program.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Veterans Leading Veterans

I have been blessed by having many amazing leaders in my life from sports coaches to the Navy Chiefs and Officers and of course my parents too. Today, I am going to share pieces of advice that Veterans learned in the service from other Veterans. I found an online community for Veterans, and I asked what the best piece of advice they received while in the military. I loved the responses.

By the end of the first day there were over 200 comments and after week over 500 comments. There were lots of repeats, some I can’t repeat and some I didn’t quite understand. To my Veteran friends who may not have seen this post online and are just seeing this article now, what is the best piece of advice you received in the military? As for me, well mine is the last one on the list. Check out the list and whether you’re a Veteran or not, let me know what you think.

Enjoy the list.

If you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re late. OR It’s better in life to be an hour early than a minute late. (Arriving early was by far the most popular comment received.)

Adapt & Overcome!

Teamwork! Always!

Work hard, play hard.

Embrace the suck and succeed despite it.

Slow to speak; read the room; know your audience.

Ownership creates leadership.

It’s easier to say you’re sorry than to beg for permission!

Take each day as a new day. Look forward to tomorrow because yesterday is now in the past.

My military service provided me with knowledge that I truly can get through anything in life, and that knowledge is now reinforced by my relationship with God as well. Rarely is there a need to truly hit the panic button.

One shot, one taken off the game board.

Truth is stranger than fiction.

Always be the hardest working person in the shop.

Be willing to do anything you would ask someone else. If it’s beneath you, it’s beneath everyone else.

Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Make your bed every morning!

I don’t have to know everything, but I do have to know where to find it.

No rules. No excuses. No regrets.

Never mistake humor for a lack of intensity.

Watch your back but, more importantly, watch out for your people.

People only hear 10% of what you say. So repeat yourself 10 times.

Mission, Men, Myself! It applies to life beyond the military!

Hydrate or die.

Just get it DONE! There’s no room or tolerance for failure!

You are your habits.

Details matter. Safety first.

Respect others and remember we all bleed red!

Listen and learn in life.

Eat fast and get to work.

Your body tricks you into quitting. Your mind is more powerful than your body. Don’t give up. Keep pushing forward.

Only answer the question asked.

Accountability and discipline!!

In God we trust, all others we check.

Never escalate an issue without a potential solution.

Allow stress to drive your focus, not your emotion.

Hope is not a plan.

On a team, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Help them, don’t hurt them. OR If someone on the team shits their pants, we all wear a shitty diaper.

When people say they can’t, 9 out of 10 are really saying they won’t.

Respect the Rank, then go ask the Chief. (Meaning respect authority but also know who knows what they’re talking about)

F*%# up. Own up. Move on.

No matter how bad things are, it can always get worse, so take pleasure during good times.

Keep your military bearing you were given in basic training and carry it with you through your life. You will out work and out discipline everyone around you.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Protect your subordinates and they will make you look good, every time. Respect privacy, but know when something is wrong with your soldier. Personal relationships are invaluable. Be kind when warranted, and when force is necessary, be ruthless.

I was taught to make a list of goals for myself every year. I started out slow but I’ve done it since I was 20. The things I have achieved are unbelievable!!

Always believe in yourself.

What the mind can conceive the body can achieve.

Be a doer, not a watcher!

Have integrity, show up early, be willing to put in the work when needed, and last but not least the only person that truly cares about you is yourself

Can’t means won’t. Never give up.

Discipline is mental, not physical.

The seven P’s: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Never get comfortable. Someone out there is trying to kill you.

Remember no matter what you think you are replaceable and disposable.

Take 5 breaths before you speak!

Own it! If you did it, it’s yours.

Leaders Eat Last.

NAVY… Never Again Volunteer Yourself.

What an awesome list. As for the best advice I received, here’s a quick backstory. I was stationed at Little Creek Naval Base in Norfolk, VA. In 1997 I was awarded the Blue Jacket of the Year. For the ceremony, I was told that one of the top Naval officers was going to present it to me. It turns out that Admiral Douglas Katz was the officer. On the day of the ceremony my chief tells me that Admiral Katz arrived early and wants to meet me first before giving me the award. During our meeting, he asked about me, my background and goals, then he gave me a life lesson that went something like this:

“Just remember, anyone can just say ‘no’ in life, but when leaders say ‘no’ they need to do it in a way that people will understand and accept. Nothing kills morale faster than when your people bring ideas and are simply told ‘no.’ Whether you stay in the Navy for life or opt for another profession, you will have to deal with people, you will have to lead people and people need guidance. Anyone can just say ‘no’ when asked something, be a leader and make sure your team understands and supports your decision.”

Let me know what you think.