EP03 The Power of Leadership Development in the Utility Construction Industry with DDS President Mike Fallat

The third episode of the Built in Boots podcast features a conversation among host Jordan Potter, co-host Mark Payne, and guest Mike Fallat, the president of the DDS Companies, as they reflect on the company’s inaugural Leadership Summit and envision what comes next.

Episode Overview:
The discussion centers on a recent, first-of-its-kind Leadership Summit at DDS. This event brought together nearly one hundred field leaders—foremen, supervisors, and emerging crew leaders—for a multi-day, in-depth session focused on unity, core values, and the future direction of the company. Unlike traditional top-down training events, the summit was designed to foster open communication both ways: senior leadership shared the company’s history, mission, and vision, while frontline crews provided honest feedback and fresh ideas for improvement.

Key Themes and Takeaways:

1. Purpose and Origin of the Summit:
   The summit originated from a simple idea sketched on a napkin during a trip. Recognizing that DDS has grown and evolved rapidly over the past several years, leadership saw a need to bring everyone together to level-set on core values, business goals, and the “why” behind daily operations. It served as a collective reset, ensuring that every member of the field—those closest to the work—understands the company’s story and future direction.
2. Holistic Exposure to the Business:
   Attendees rotated through sessions hosted by different divisions—gas distribution, telecom, civil, engineering, and more. This exposure was eye-opening for many, revealing that each division is “best-in-class” in its own right. It helped break down silos, enabling crew members to put names to faces, gain respect for what other teams accomplish, and appreciate how all parts fit together to advance the company’s mission.
3. Building Culture Through Values and Ownership:
   A major goal was to instill meaning into DDS’s core values—safety, quality, and accountability—beyond the words on equipment and hard hats. Leadership emphasized that everyone, from the president to new hires, has ownership over their piece of the work. Small daily habits, like keeping a jobsite tidy, contribute to developing character and a unified standard. This ownership mindset extends not only to work tasks but also influences how employees carry themselves outside of work.
4. A Two-Way Dialogue for Continuous Improvement:
   The summit was not about leaders dictating changes; rather, it invited candid feedback from the field. Participants shared suggestions and identified challenges, such as fleet management and training needs. In response, the company took action—improving fleet processes and rolling out additional training resources through platforms like BuildWitt. This demonstrated that their input matters and that the summit would yield tangible results.
5. Developing the Next Generation of Leaders:
   With many seasoned veterans in the workforce, a key theme was how to transfer their knowledge before they retire. The summit sparked ideas such as formalizing mentorship and “foreman apprentice” roles, ensuring critical skills and values are passed on. The introduction of new training tools and platforms will support leadershi

At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!