What happens when a leader spends 22 years in the military, transitions into the private sector, and discovers that developing people can be just as important as completing the mission?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens, Brad Marotti, and Andrew Sapienza sit down with Nick Cullura, Learning & Development Manager for Reeves, to discuss his journey from the U.S. Army to the construction industry, the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, and why understanding your strengths can transform the way you lead.

Nick shares how 9/11 influenced his decision to enlist, lessons learned through deployments and leadership roles in Iraq, and how his definition of success evolved from accomplishing tasks to developing people. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the CliftonStrengths Assessment and how self-awareness, coaching, and intentional leadership can help individuals and teams perform at their best.

They explore:

• How 9/11 inspired Nick to join the U.S. Army and begin a 22-year military career
• Leadership lessons learned through deployments, command roles, and military service
• The challenges of transitioning from military life to a civilian career
• How success shifts from mission execution to people development
• Why intentional leadership is critical for building future leaders
• How Reeves approaches leadership development and employee growth
• The structure behind programs like the Frontline Supervisor Academy and Leadership Development Program
• What the CliftonStrengths Assessment is and how it helps people understand their natural talents
• Why great leaders focus on strengths instead of obsessing over weaknesses
• How self-awareness can improve communication, teamwork, and decision-making
• The role coaching plays in helping employees maximize their potential
• How strengths-based leadership can help build stronger, more effective teams
• Common misconceptions about CliftonStrengths and personality assessments
• Why understanding yourself is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your career
• How organizations can create development pathways that prepare future leaders for success

This conversation highlights an important leadership lesson: when you understand your strengths and invest in the development of others, you create opportunities for both individual and organizational growth.

If you're interested in leadership, career development, team building, military-to-civilian transitions, or becoming more self-aware as a professional, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

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Why do some people keep growing throughout their careers while others stop learning and settle for the status quo?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens, Brad Marotti, and Andrew Sapienza sit down with Todd Quigg, Vice President of Operations for Reeves South Carolina, to discuss his unconventional path into the construction industry and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way.

Todd shares how a failed first college experience, military service during Operation Desert Storm, and a chance opportunity in construction shaped his perspective on leadership, continuous improvement, and personal growth. From becoming a company president just ten years into his career to overcoming career setbacks and embracing change, Todd reflects on the experiences that taught him some of his most valuable lessons.

They explore:

• How failure can become a foundation for future success
• The leadership lessons Todd learned from military service
• Why curiosity is one of the most important traits for career growth
• The dangers of "We've Always Done It This Way" thinking
• How continuous improvement helps individuals and organizations stay competitive
• Why eliminating waste creates opportunities for growth and efficiency
• The role data, technology, and AI will play in the future of construction
• How strong relationships can shape an entire career
• The importance of resilience during unexpected career challenges
• Why wellness, mental health, and lifelong learning matter as much as professional success

From Army drill sergeant lessons and process improvement strategies to leadership development and personal resilience, this conversation highlights a simple truth: growth happens when you stay curious, embrace change, and never stop looking for a better way.

If you're leading a team, building your career, navigating change, or looking for ways to improve both personally and professionally, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

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Why is the liquid asphalt business so critical to every road we drive on, yet so few people understand how it works?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down with Eric Bowen, Vice President of Terminal Operations at Reeves, to explore the business behind liquid asphalt and the career journey that unexpectedly led him into the industry nearly four decades ago.

Eric shares how a chance job placement after college launched a career spanning refinery operations, asphalt terminals, marine shipping, sales, and leadership. Along the way, he offers insights into the complex supply chain that keeps road construction moving and the lessons he's learned managing risk, leading teams, and adapting to change.

They explore:

• How Eric accidentally found his way into the liquid asphalt industry
• What liquid asphalt is and why it's the "glue" that holds roads together
• How liquid asphalt is sourced, transported, stored, and delivered
• The role of ships, barges, railcars, and terminals in the asphalt supply chain
• Why oil prices and market volatility create unique challenges for the business
• How managing risk impacts pricing, inventory, and profitability
• The value of gaining experience across different regions and markets
• Why face-to-face relationships still matter in an increasingly digital world
• Leadership lessons learned from nearly 40 years in the industry
• How technology, automation, and AI are shaping the future of terminal operations

From international asphalt shipments and market intelligence to customer service and career growth, this conversation highlights a simple truth: the roads we rely on every day depend on a complex network of people, products, and decisions working behind the scenes.

If you're interested in supply chains, construction, leadership, energy markets, or the asphalt industry itself, this episode offers a fascinating look at a part of the business most people never see.

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Why do employees stay with a company for decades while others leave after just a few years?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down with Andrew Sapienza, Senior Director of HR at Reeves, to discuss leadership, employee engagement, workforce development, and what it takes to build a culture where people want to stay and grow.

Andrew shares his unique journey from serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and working as an electrician, to teaching construction management and eventually leading HR teams for some of the largest construction organizations in North America. Along the way, he learned a powerful lesson: great leadership is less about having all the answers and more about helping others succeed.

They explore:

• Why employees often leave managers, not companies
• What today's workforce expects from employers beyond a paycheck
• How leadership responsibilities change when you're managing people
• The role employee development plays in retention and engagement
• Why listening is one of the most important leadership skills
• How empathy helps leaders build trust and stronger teams
• The importance of timely feedback and difficult conversations
• Why strengths-based leadership creates more effective teams
• How training and development can prepare future leaders for success

From Coast Guard stories and career pivots to leadership development and workforce trends, this conversation highlights a simple truth: people thrive when leaders invest in their growth, listen to their perspectives, and create opportunities for them to succeed.

If you're leading a team, developing employees, navigating the challenges of management, or looking to become a better leader, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

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Why do some leaders consistently build high-performing teams, while others struggle to unlock their team's full potential?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Jeff Glenn, owner of Glenview Strategies, leadership consultant, and strategic planning expert, to discuss what separates good leaders from great ones and how organizations can close the gap between their potential and their performance.

Jeff shares his unique career journey from working odd jobs and riding the back of a trash truck to serving in government, working at Delta Companies, and eventually building a business dedicated to leadership development. Along the way, he shares the lessons, mentors, and experiences that shaped his approach to leadership.

They explore:

• Why leadership starts with leading yourself first
• The importance of intentional personal growth and development
• How great leaders build trust with their teams
• Why focusing on strengths creates better results than fixing weaknesses
• The role mentors play in accelerating growth and success
• How to identify and develop high-performing teams
• Why evaluated experience is more valuable than experience alone
• Common mistakes leaders make when managing people and culture
• How organizations can close the gap between what they want to be known for and what they're actually known for

From leadership lessons and team dynamics to strategic planning and organizational growth, this conversation highlights a simple truth: the most effective leaders never stop learning, growing, and investing in the people around them.

If you're leading a team, managing people, growing into a leadership role, or looking to become a more effective leader, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

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Why do some people thrive in a career they never planned to pursue, while others struggle to find work that truly fits them?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Christine Ostendorf, Market Developer at Thrivent Financial and former Catholic school teacher and principal, to discuss career transitions, discovering your strengths, and finding work that gives you energy instead of draining it.

Christine shares her journey from teaching theology and leading a Catholic grade school to building a career in financial services. Along the way, she reflects on transferable skills, leadership lessons, personal growth, and the importance of understanding what motivates and fulfills you.

They explore:

• How to identify the work that energizes you versus the work that drains you
• Why career changes can be uncomfortable, but often lead to growth
• The importance of self-awareness when making professional decisions
• How transferable skills can create opportunities in unexpected industries
• Why your identity should be bigger than your job title
• Practical ways to evaluate whether you're in the right role
• Financial tips for seasonal and irregular-income workers
• The value of creating a plan for your money and your future

From leadership and personal development to financial habits and career planning, this conversation highlights a simple truth: meaningful work happens when your strengths, values, and purpose align.

If you're considering a career change, trying to discover your strengths, or looking for practical financial advice, this episode offers insights you can apply right away.

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Why do some communities grow, attract investment, and create opportunity—while others struggle to keep people and jobs?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Shad Burner, CEO of SEMO REDI, and Lucas Presson, Business Development Director at SEMO REDI, to break down what economic development really is and why it matters to the future of Southeast Missouri.

Shad and Lucas share their unique career journeys into economic development before diving into the challenges and opportunities facing the region. From workforce development and site selection to regional collaboration and population growth, they explain the work happening behind the scenes to help communities thrive.

They explore:

• What economic development actually means and how it's measured
• Why population growth and GDP are key indicators of a healthy region
• How communities attract new businesses and support existing employers
• The role workforce development plays in long-term economic success
• Why regional collaboration is critical for competing on a larger stage
• What site selectors look for when evaluating locations for new investments
• How Southeast Missouri can differentiate itself and compete for future growth
• The leadership challenges of bringing diverse organizations together around a common goal

From attracting businesses and developing talent pipelines to building stronger communities, this conversation highlights a simple truth: economic growth doesn't happen by accident—it requires vision, collaboration, and consistent effort.

If you're interested in business, leadership, workforce development, or the future of Southeast Missouri, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to build a region where people and businesses want to stay, grow, and invest.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do we take infrastructure for granted until something goes wrong?

In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Dustin Boatwright, Chief Engineer of the Little River Drainage District and Vice Chair of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, to explore the systems, investments, and leadership that shape our communities every day.

Dustin shares his journey from growing up around heavy equipment in Southeast Missouri to leading one of the largest drainage districts in the United States and helping guide transportation policy across the state. Along the way, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at how infrastructure projects are funded, built, and maintained—and why they matter more than most people realize.

They explore:

• How the Little River Drainage District transformed Southeast Missouri from swamp land into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country
• The role infrastructure plays in economic growth, public safety, and quality of life
• How major flood events have shaped modern flood control systems and transportation networks
• Why Missouri has become a national leader in delivering large infrastructure projects
• The challenges of transportation funding and planning for future growth
• What it takes to lead through adversity and make decisions that impact generations
• Why long-term thinking and investment are critical for building stronger communities

From drainage systems and highways to leadership and public service, this conversation reveals how some of the most important work in our lives often happens behind the scenes—and why investing in the future requires vision, courage, and a willingness to do the right thing.

If you're interested in engineering, infrastructure, leadership, or the future of Missouri, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and projects that keep our communities moving forward.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do some people figure out their career path early—while others struggle to find the right fit?

In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Braxton Cousins to talk about his journey from intern to full-time safety professional and how hands-on experience helped him find the right path.

Braxton shares how he went from a small-town athlete focused on basketball to navigating college, internships, and ultimately building a career in construction safety. Along the way, he reflects on the power of trying new things, building relationships, and learning from real-world experience.

They explore:

• How internships can help you figure out what you do (and don’t) want to do
• Why rotating through different roles builds stronger long-term skills
• The importance of relationships and credibility early in your career
• What it’s really like working in safety—and why culture matters
• How sports and teamwork translate directly into the workplace
• Why mindset and effort matter more than having everything figured out

From lessons learned in college athletics to navigating a first full-time role, this conversation highlights a simple truth: you don’t need all the answers—you just need to start and stay open to learning.

If you’re a student, early in your career, or trying to figure out your next step, this episode offers real insight into how to gain experience and build a path forward.

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Why does leading change feel so much harder than it should?

In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down to talk through their real-world experience leading change inside a growing organization—and how John Kotter’s Leading Change framework is shaping the way they approach it.

From early assumptions to hard-earned lessons, they unpack why change takes longer than expected, why communication often falls short, and what it really takes to get an entire organization aligned.

They explore:

• Why change isn’t an event—it’s a long, ongoing process
• How communication breaks down across teams (and how to fix it)
• The challenge of creating urgency in already successful organizations
• Why a clear, simple vision is critical—and harder to create than you think
• How short-term wins help maintain momentum without losing focus
• What it takes to turn change into lasting culture

Through honest reflections, practical examples, and lessons learned while applying Kotter’s principles, this conversation reveals the reality behind leading meaningful change: it’s slow, messy, and requires constant effort.

If you’re leading a team, driving change, or trying to improve how your organization adapts and grows, this episode offers a grounded framework—and real insights you can use right away.

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