Carpenter to CEO (Mike Bolen)

Joining us for the 4th episode of our first season is Mike Bolen. Mike served as the CEO of McCarthy Building Companies from 1999-2021. Established in 1864, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has a long history of building facilities that drive greater value.

With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Mike joined McCarthy in 1978 as a carpenter, moving his way up through the company to assume the role of CEO in 1999. With this ascension, Mike became the first person without the last name of McCarthy to lead the company. Mike earned a bachelor of science in general engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and completed his graduate degree in guidance and counseling at the University of Northern Colorado in Greely, while on active duty.

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0:00 Introduction

2:08 Where in the world is Mike Bolen?

3:15 Early years

7:25 Mom and Dad

11:42 The Pentagon and drones???

15:43 Military learnings: The difference between leading and being in charge

20:10 "Getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to"

24:30 McCarthy's history

31:46 Building relationships

35:10 We/us/our culture

40:18 Active listening as the foundation of leadership

45:50 Learning to be alone without being lonely

53:07 Go fast without being in a hurry

56:25 Learning from history (Eisenhower)

1:02:38 Episode debrief

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Building Leaders Radio Hour is produced by Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia.  ABC of Georgia is a network of companies and professionals within the develop-design-build industry that is committed to connecting the disciplines of construction to benefit the industry, the economy, and employment in Georgia.  

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