Episode 114: ‘Attracting & Retaining Women’ with Jason Blair (pt.2)
In this episode:
Angela Gardner and Christi Powell talk with Jason Blair, CEO of TAL Building Centers, about his inspiring career journey in the construction industry. Jason shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of patience, accountability, and leadership. He discusses the 'Oz Principle' and how its culture of accountability has positively impacted his company. The episode also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the construction industry and the need for more inclusive workplaces. Jason's advocacy for women in leadership roles and the importance of respectful communication provide valuable insights for professionals at all levels.
Supported by: GroundBreak Carolina and Hoopaugh Grading
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:26 Jason Blair's Career Journey
04:28 The Oz Principle and Accountability
08:18 Challenges and Changes in the Industry
12:31 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
18:19 Advice for the Younger Generation
21:04 Conclusion and Future Plans
About Jason:
I began my career in this industry right out of high school, 33 years ago! After finishing college with a degree in Civil Engineering I decided I like the building materials industry enough to give it a go as a career. I've been fortunate to work on both the retail and wholesale sides of the business, with some incredible companies and most importantly incredible people.
I've been the CEO of TAL Building Centers since 2022, in my first two years we have doubled in store count and sales and almost tripled in people count.
From TAL Website:
As CEO, Blair is responsible for ensuring that the company lives up to its mission statement and core values by achieving its strategic initiatives and overall company goals. Jason Blair comes to TAL with over 30 years of industry experience, most recently from Wilco, a successful chain of farm stores in the Pacific Northwest, where he was the Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. Prior to Wilco, Blair was the Divisional Vice President of Sales and Strategic Alliance Accounts at True Value, where he led a team that managed 35 of the company’s largest dealers, as well as over 1300 additional accounts. He also held leadership positions in operations at Higginbotham Brothers and Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company.
Blair received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Masters of Executive Business from Colorado Technical University.
