Welcome to the "Show Me The Way" podcast with David Seitter
In this episode of "Show Me the Way," Dave and guest Brett Gordon, Founder and President of McCownGordon Construction, explore his incredible journey from entry-level construction worker to C-suite executive, owner of a construction company, and philanthropic leader. He also discusses the why he chose an ESOP as his exit strategy for selling the business.
Ep. 54 —How Brett Gordon Built a Billion-Dollar Empire
Brett’s journey began in California, but his...
Welcome to the "Show Me The Way" podcast with David Seitter
In this episode of "Show Me the Way," Dave and guest Brett Gordon, Founder and President of McCownGordon Construction, explore his incredible journey from entry-level construction worker to C-suite executive, owner of a construction company, and philanthropic leader. He also discusses the why he chose an ESOP as his exit strategy for selling the business.
Ep. 54 —How Brett Gordon Built a Billion-Dollar Empire
Brett’s journey began in California, but his family soon moved to Iowa, where he spent his early years before the family relocated to Denver. Brett later graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver and pursued higher education in construction science at Colorado State University.
Learning the Ropes in Construction
After college, Brett joined J.E. Dunn Construction Company in Kansas City, where he started at the entry-level and quickly demonstrated his knack for handling large construction projects. Despite economic challenges, Gordon proved his mettle by taking on significant responsibilities and establishing a solid foundation in the industry.
Building Walton Construction
An ambitious spirit led Brett to join Walton Construction Company, a small firm where he quickly rose through the ranks. There, he wore multiple hats, managing operations, sales, and hiring. Through his hard work and dedication, Walton transformed from a $6 million-a-year company to a $750 million-a-year enterprise.
The Entrepreneurial Leap: Founding McCownGordon
In 2001, Brett decided it was time to start his own business with his long-time colleague, Pat McCown. With just a small project to start, they built McCownGordon Construction from the ground up. Despite beginning with minimal resources and performing many tasks themselves, including demolition and cleanup, Brett and Pat's tenacity paid off. The company quickly scaled, achieving remarkable growth and completing numerous large-scale projects.
McCownGordon's Growth and Values
Under Brett's leadership, McCownGordon expanded significantly, ultimately becoming a billion-dollar enterprise with 1,500 employees. The success can be attributed to three core values: honesty, integrity, and performance. These principles, deeply embedded in the company's culture, ensured that every associate and client was treated with respect and fairness.
Transition to Employee Ownership: The ESOP Journey
As Brett began planning his exit strategy, he wanted to ensure the company's continuity and reward the associates who contributed to its success. This led to the establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making all associates co-owners of McCownGordon. By transitioning to a 100% ESOP, Brett and Pat ensured the company remained in capable hands, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the employees.
Brett Gordon's Philanthropic Endeavors
Philanthropy has always been close to Brett's heart. Even during challenging economic times, McCownGordon committed to giving back a portion of its profits to the community. Post-retirement, Brett continues to focus on philanthropic initiatives, supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Lessons from Brett Gordon's Journey
As Brett reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of client care, maintaining core values, and treating associates and clients with respect. His story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and business owners, highlighting the significance of humility, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Brett Gordon's story is a remarkable example of what one can achieve with dedication, perseverance, and a clear ethical compass. From sweeping floors to building a billion-dollar enterprise and giving back to the community, Brett's journey offers valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to make a mark in the business world.
If you want to get in touch with Brett Gordon, he can be reached via his McCownGordon email at bgordon@mccowngordon.com.
To reach out to Dave for advice or consultation, please visit www.davidseitter.com or email him at dseitter@spencerfane.com
Disclosure
This podcast is provided for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. The recommendations contained in this podcast are not necessarily appropriate for every individual or business. In determining the best course of action, business owners should consult with an attorney on their distinct circumstances.
