S. M. Wilson & Co.’s reputation relies on delivering amazing client experiences and ensuring that every project, regardless of size, becomes a source of pride. Team members understand a skilled and supported workforce is essential.
With 35+ years in the A/E/C industry, President Mike Yazbec has seen firsthand that strong relationships are the foundation of lasting success.
“While innovation drives our industry forward, it’s the strength and synergy of our people that make progress possible. As seasoned professionals retire and fewer individuals pursue careers in this field, we must rethink our approach to attracting, developing and retaining talent,” Yazbec commented.
Forward-Thinking Recruitment
Relying solely on job boards or career fairs to find talent is no longer a viable option. Today, recruiting skilled individuals requires a proactive approach at many levels. This often involves directly engaging with students, educators, families and communities to showcase construction opportunities.
In 2019, S. M. Wilson launched SKILLED®, a construction education program designed to provide hands-on opportunities for students, “inspiring the future of construction.” The program offers opportunities for individuals to “discover, develop and elevate” careers in architecture, engineering and construction.
Since its launch, the program has impacted over 17,000 students—from pre-kindergarten through college—through a wide range of opportunities. These include more than 100 unique STEAM events, eight high school shadowing and internship experiences, 29 academic stipends, 29 college internships, $121,000 in college reimbursements, and over 1,950 hours of training, leadership development and coaching.
Through initiatives like SKILLED and immersive, hands-on experiences offered by leading industry partners, S. M. Wilson is redefining what a career in construction can look like.
“Our mission goes beyond filling roles—we’re inspiring the next generation to see themselves in this industry. We’re not just recruiting project engineers, managers and superintendents; we’re building a pipeline of passionate, skilled future team members who will shape the future of construction,” said Amanda Bohnert, S. M. Wilson’s Chief Marketing Officer and SKILLED Founder.
How To Retain Industry Talent
Attracting new talent is only part of the challenge; providing incentives and benefits for team member retention is crucial at a time when the average tenure in the construction industry is just over four years. Today’s employees seek more than a competitive salary; they also desire growth opportunities, flexibility and purpose.
“S. M. Wilson has worked to cultivate an inclusive and supportive culture where our people feel valued. Loyalty is driven when employees feel heard, supported and empowered,” emphasized Rebecca Cornatzer, S. M. Wilson’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
In addition to competitive pay, S. M. Wilson employees are looking for flexible benefits that reflect real life, which include:
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Defined Career Paths
- Unique Health and Education Benefits
- Robust Onboarding Plans for All New Employees
- Mental Health Resources
- Mentorship Programs Connecting New Hires with Seasoned Professionals
As part of its larger commitment to investing in its people, S. M. Wilson’s team members also enjoy paid fall and winter breaks, paid volunteer time, a charitable match program, student loan and college savings assistance, subsidized gym memberships and participation in the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
An Investment in People
While the labor shortage presents undeniable challenges, it also provides a significant opportunity for internal growth and transformation. S. M. Wilson recognizes that attracting top talent requires more than just a competitive paycheck—it demands a culture of continuous learning, support, and meaningful connection. We are committed to fostering an environment where individuals at all experience levels can grow together.
Like many other firms in the industry, S. M. Wilson remains focused and intentional about retaining both new and seasoned team members to ensure the firm continues to deliver the exceptional workforce and productivity that clients have come to trust and expect.
For more information about S. M. Wilson and the opportunities available, contact Rebecca Cornatzer at rebecca.cornatzer@smwilson.com.
As a trusted partner, S. M. Wilson has built its reputation over 100 years as a design/build, construction management, and general contracting firm. The company is committed to always putting people first, adding significant value and fostering client partnerships. S. M. Wilson enriches lives by creating spaces for living, working, healing, learning, and playing. Expertise spans a variety of markets, primarily in education, commercial sectors, municipal services, healthcare, industrial fields and retail. S. M. Wilson continues to transform landscapes and communities throughout the country, especially in the Midwest.
For more information, visit smwilson.com.