Foundations

Hosted by Ed Stelter, LEED AP, DBIA

Business Entrepreneurship HistoryInterviews guests

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The histories and stories behind the construction companies that built the buildings and put into place the infrastructure that we use everyday. Foundations Podcast is a collection of conversations with founders, owners, leaders, and legends of the construction industry and the companies that built this nation. Each episode is a journey filled with history, triumphs, defeats, and insights told by those at the helm of some of the industries most distinguished companies.

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18 recent

June 1, 2026Episode 191 hr 0 min

Sussex Development Corporation

Sussex Development Corporation is a privately held general contracting firm founded in 1990 by Harry L. Davis III, a Virginia Beach native and Virginia Tech graduate who set out to build a company grounded in integrity, commitment, collaboration, and excellence. Starting with a two-room office and an early hospital renovation project, Sussex grew steadily by leveraging key relationships, eventually expanding its presence across the Mid-Atlantic region in markets spanning healthcare, recreational facilities, banking, education, and beyond. Today, the company remains closely held, with over 90% of its work coming from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the trust and lasting relationships the team has built over more than three decades in business.This episode is somewhat unique as it was recorded live in front of an audience during the Associated General Contractors of Virginia's (AGCVA) 2026 Annual Convention at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. I was honored to have father and son Harry and Rolley Davis from Sussex Development Corporation join me for a conversation about the history and stories behind their company. Rolley recently made his own mark on that history, having been named President of Sussex Development, a milestone that speaks to the next chapter of this family-built firm.

October 9, 2025Episode 181 hr 19 min

W. M. Jordan Company, Inc.

Founded in 1958 by W.M. “Bill” Jordan and Bob Lawson, WM Jordan Company has grown into a powerhouse of construction management and real estate development across the Southeastern United States. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, the company is known for its relentless pursuit of excellence, community investment, and a culture that values integrity, innovation, and people-first leadership.In this episode, we sit down with John Lawson, Executive Chairman and son of the company’s founder, to explore the history and stories behind WM Jordan. John shares how the company’s values and a strategy of continuous improvement-have shaped its evolution from a regional builder to a nationally ranked firm. He reflects on the leadership transition, the importance of empowering employees, and how WM Jordan’s commitment to community development continues to drive its success. WM Jordan’s story is one of resilience, vision, and generational leadership. John’s insights offer a rare glimpse into what it takes to sustain a family-founded business for nearly seven decades, and why the next chapter is just beginning.

July 7, 2025Episode 171 hr 39 min

S. B. Cox, Inc.

Founded in 1963 by Sidney Barbee Cox, Jr., S.B. Cox, Inc. has grown from a small demolition contractor into a trusted leader across multiple industries, including demolition, landfill operations, roll-off dumpster services, portable toilets, and ready-mix concrete. With over six decades of experience, the company has helped reshape the landscape of Virginia and surrounding states. Rooted in a legacy of hard work, safety, and customer satisfaction, S.B. Cox, Inc. continues to evolve through the dedication of its team and the power of state-of-the-art equipment, safely taking on projects of all sizes with unmatched precision and reliability.In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Barbee Cox, the son of the founder, who has continued to carry forward the legacy of his parents. Barbee shares interesting stories and insights about their journey, navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving market, the challenges they faced, and the innovations that have kept them at the forefront of the demolition industry.

May 8, 2024Episode 161 hr 8 min

MEB

For more than four decades, MEB has consistently delivered exceptional value to its clients, forging relationships based on transparency, integrity, and an unyielding dedication to excellence. Headquartered in Chesapeake, VA, with a regional office in Richmond, VA, they have strategically set themselves apart from many with the ability to self-perform a majority of their annual volume in a variety of market sectors and a willingness to take on the most challenging and complex projects. At the heart of their success, their core value, 'Family by Choice,' underscores their investment in and commitment to their people.Join me as I engage in a conversation with George Clarke, IV the founder and CEO, and David Ervin, the president of MEB. Listen in as they reflect on MEB's journey tracing back to their first project, a government contract worth $3,700, and George's first employee, his cub scout teacher. Witness how far they have come, and the trials and tribulations they've encountered along the way.

March 9, 2024Episode 1554 min

Wagman, Inc.

Established in 1902, Wagman, Inc. stands as a fourth-generation family-owned company with its headquarters based in York, Pennsylvania. The company, comprising subsidiaries Wagman Heavy Civil and Wagman Construction, specializes in general construction, heavy civil, and geotechnical construction services.Wagman Heavy Civil operates from offices in Pennsylvania and Virginia, engaging in diverse construction services across the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Regions. Their services encompass design-build projects, bridges, structures, highways, excavation, drainage, marine construction, bonded concrete overlays, grooving and grinding, as well as geotechnical construction services.Wagman Construction, Inc., a comprehensive full-service general contractor situated in downtown York, PA, serves senior living, healthcare, higher education, urban development, institutional, and industrial markets throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. On this episode I have the pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Wagman Glezer, the current, and more notably, the fourth generation leader of Wagman, Inc. Listen in as she shares the remarkable journey of the company that was started by her great-grandfather, George A. Wagman, in 1902. Central to their philosophy lies the "Wagman Way" – a set of intrinsic values and ingrained culture that spans four generations. These guiding principles have deeply rooted an enduring commitment to excellence, fostering generational employees and sustaining their lasting success and impact not only within the industry, but also within their communities.

October 22, 2023Episode 141 hr 22 min

Wayne Brothers

Over three and a half decades ago, brothers Keith and Eric Wayne set out to take control of their own destiny and launched a small concrete construction company. Armed with an unwavering work ethic, a backhoe and dump truck, and a mindset that wouldn't let a complex challenge or obstacle get in the way of progress, they quicky gained a reputation of a high quality, schedule driven, "can do" subcontractor throughout the Charlotte market. Today, Wayne Brothers is considered one of the most prominent leaders in concrete, industrial, civil, and infrastructure contracting in the southeast region. Join me as I sit down with Keith Wayne and hear his and Wayne Brothers inspiring story and remarkable journey.

September 14, 2023Episode 121 hr 9 min

Lee Construction Group, Inc.

The origins of the Lee Construction Group, Inc. can be traced back to 1939, when father-son duo, Bob and Bobby Lee, embarked on a journey of constructing and restoring fine and historic homes throughout Central Virginia. Operating initially under the banner of R. E. Lee & Son, Inc. for many years, they have since evolved into a group of independent business units specializing in the commercial construction industry. These business units collectively offer a comprehensive range of services, covering every phase of the building process, from concept to construction to operation and maintenance. As you will hear, Arlene, who represents the fourth generation, unexpectedly assumed the role of CEO due to a tragedy. In her own words, she describes herself as an accidental CEO. Many would have taken the easy way out, however Arlene embraced the responsibility of leading and safeguarding the Lee legacy for generations to come. As the saying goes, life sometimes takes you down a path you didn't choose; instead, it chooses you.

June 20, 2023Episode 111 hr 40 min

Luck Companies

On this episode I sit down with Charlie and Richard Luck of Luck Companies as they celebrate their company's 100th anniversary. Charlie and Richard represent the third and fourth generation of the company that was started by their grandfather and great-grandfather, Charles Luck, Jr. in 1923. Luck Stone is the nation’s largest family owned and operated producer of crushed stone, sand, and gravel. Aside from providing the construction industry with crushed stone products, they are both committed, dedicated, and passionate about leaving a positive and enduring impact with their associates, customers, and within the communities they touch. For them, it’s about igniting the potential within all of us.

November 14, 2022Episode 101 hr 12 min

Shirley Contracting Company, LLC

Since 1974 Shirley has been creating assets for countless communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. They have played a large role in the development of hundreds, if not thousands of miles of highway and roadway infrastructure projects, as well as countless other heavy civil infrastructure projects. They have also earned the distinction of being considered one of the regions premier design-build highway contractors.Join me as I sit down with Mike Post, the CEO of Shirley Contracting Company. As you will hear, Shirley's foundation and success was built on the core values embodied by Mike's father, Mr. Post. Although they weren't written down at the time, they were inherently present and lived every day. To Robert Post, handshake was his word, his commitment, and his promise to fulfill an obligation, even if it meant taking a loss. As Mike also shares, the success of Shirley sits squarely on the shoulders of the many men and women that are a part of Shirley's team, regardless of their role in the organization.

October 3, 2022Episode 91 hr 14 min

Hourigan Group

Right out of college, Mark Hourigan jumped head first into the corporate world with no intention of starting a construction company. Eventually an opportunity presented itself for Mark to switch hats and give contracting a try. Seven years after making that career move, Mark took a leap of faith and started Hourigan Construction. With four employees he leveraged the relationships he developed over the previous seven years and took on anything that was thrown is way. Guided by the principles of integrity and a strong work ethic instilled in him by his father and grandfather, he has grown his company into one of the most distinguished contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region. Join me in my conversation with Mark Hourigan as he shares the history and stories behind Hourigan Group.