Ben Simon
Market Executive
Leadership is knowing when to move fast, when to slow down, and when to trust the people closest to the work.
Where transparency drives ownership
Leaders set the tone by being transparent – especially when things aren’t going as planned. When vulnerability and accountability are modeled consistently, fear is reduced and honest problem-solving takes hold across the organization. At its core, strong leadership fosters ownership by empowering individuals to take chances, think critically, and develop their own solutions. Rather than escalating problems upward, effective leaders equip their teams to clearly define challenges, propose? solutions, and execute with confidence. This mindset, reinforced through consistent support, applies at every level of the organization.
Balancing speed with craft in a changing industry
Our industry is going through an incredible technological shift. The speed of conceptualization and problem solving will continue to accelerate – faster than the pace of building. Construction will always remain a craft. While technology can sharpen decision-making, construction will always remain a craft. It cannot replace judgment in the field. As decision-making accelerates, leaders must exercise judgment about knowing when to leverage speed and when to deliberately slow down to protect quality, safety, and craftsmanship.
Culture unlocks capability
Culture isn’t an abstract value - it’s a performance multiplier. When teams feel trusted and supported, they surface risks earlier, challenge assumptions, and contribute solutions beyond their job titles. My focus is creating environments where accountability and collaboration coexist, so decisions are informed by those closest to the work. This approach leads to consistent and measurable outcomes: fewer surprises, stronger alignment, and teams that are confident in both their decisions and execution.
PERSONAL PASSIONS
I’m deeply motivated by developing people and building teams that are both highly capable and genuinely enjoyable to be part of. Creating opportunities for growth, especially when people are ready for their next challenge, is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
I also believe perspective matters. We navigate complex, high pressure problems every day, and when most of them get solved, they’re rarely as threatening as they feel in the moment. When teams can keep that perspective, they make better decisions and enjoy the work more.
Showing up professionally, delivering results, and having fun along the way aren’t competing priorities. If we can’t laugh, stay curious, and enjoy what we do together, we’re probably in the wrong place—or at least approaching it the wrong way.
INTERESTS
- Carpentry, woodworking, at-home DIY projects
- Fishing
- National Parks
HOME STATE
Iowa
INDUSTRY TENURE
18 years