⁄Q&A⁄ When you reflect on your company’s culture, what are you most proud of and why? Alex Colas: We have a culture of believers. Our firm has long been a proverbial dark horse, and the people who chose to join us bought into a vision that was not yet fully visible. That takes conviction. What makes me most proud is seeing that vision realized alongside individuals who committed to something before it was proven. That shared belief is the foundation of our culture. Marc-Daniel Domond: I’m most proud of the genuine care that defines our culture. We care deeply about our communities, our employees and the people we work alongside every day. That care isn’t performative or situational. It’s intrinsic to who we are. It shows up in how we make decisions, how we treat one another and how we approach our work. I believe authenticity is what draws people to us and makes them want to be part of what we’re building. I’m also proud that we don’t become complacent. We celebrate our wins, but we don’t rest on them. There’s a constant drive to improve, to refine systems, reduce friction and find better ways to support our teams and the communities we serve. That commitment to continuous improvement, paired with a strong heart for people, is what makes our culture special and sustainable. Steve Ritchie: I am very proud of the learning and teaching environment at our firm. We try to reinforce that mistakes are nothing more than opportunity to learn. While operating very professionally, we also make sure not to take ourselves too seriously. Enjoying the people you work with and the work environment is a keystone of our firm. Finally, I am very proud of the fact that we embrace the concept of balancing work and life. We strive to fit our work around the personal needs of our staff, and I think we are largely successful in that. Steve Seguin: What I’m most proud of is how our culture has grown and how thoughtfully it’s evolved over our firm’s 65-year history. It wasn’t built overnight. We’ve worked hard to create a place where people can bring their authentic selves to work, share unique strengths, and still rely on one another with respect and trust. Our firm provides a platform for both personal and professional growth, supporting individuals as they develop not just in their careers, but as people. We honor our traditions, even the quirky and old-fashioned ones, while embracing new ideas, driven by younger generations, that help our culture grow. Our approachable, nimble culture keeps us grounded and humble. Above all, we put our employees first—because when they thrive, everything else falls into place. Amber White: We prioritize open communication and collaboration, ensuring that everyone is informed and engaged in our shared mission. When decisions are made, we share the “why” so employees can understand the factors that led to each decision. I am especially proud of the respect and trust that have been built as a result; employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback, knowing their voices are valued. This transparency not only strengthens our team but also drives continuous improvement throughout the organization. Can you share a recent initiative or moment that you feel truly embodies your company’s values in action? Alex Colas: Our commitment to self-performing structural concrete across projects of all sizes, including the recent execution of a 2,100-cubic-yard mat slab. Our self-perform crews give us direct control of critical path work. On our West 6th project, we advanced the schedule and maximized efficiencies through tight coordination between our development and construction teams. This approach demands disciplined planning, precise coordination and rigorous safety oversight. Our teams arrive prepared each day with a clear purpose: move the work forward with discipline and care so our projects can serve communities with pride for generations. Marc-Daniel Domond: This year we had the privilege of building an ADA access ramp, at no cost, for an 85-year-old woman who is a double amputee. She has lived in her Northeast Portland home since 1968. When we learned about the daily challenges she faced simply trying to get to the store, attend doctor appointments, or leave her house, we knew we had an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Our team came together to design and Ask the Execs What makes a workplace thrive? Five leaders from this year’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon weigh in on company culture, professional growth, leadership advice and more. ALEX COLAS VP, Preconstruction | Colas Construction MARC-DANIEL DOMOND VP, Operations | Colas Construction 10
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==