This year, BIG Construction celebrates 10 years in business.

When I started BIG in 2016, the vision was simple: do great work, treat people the right way, and build something meaningful. Ten years later, that vision was shaped by the clients who trusted us, the partners who challenged us, and the team members who helped build this company every day.

Looking back, these are ten lessons that have shaped both my leadership and the company we're continuing to build.

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1. Relationships are the business.

Projects come and go, but relationships last. The greatest opportunities we've had have come from earning trust and delivering on our commitments.

2. Leadership is the greatest investment.

Every ceiling we've encountered has been solved by developing stronger leaders. The success of BIG has always been tied to the strength of our people.

3. Growth without discipline is dangerous.

Revenue can hide problems. Margin reveals them. Sustainable businesses aren't just busy, they're intentional, disciplined, and built to last.

4. Confidence earns trust.

Hard work is expected. Clients choose partners they believe will navigate challenges, solve problems, and deliver with confidence.

5. Founder-led doesn’t scale.

Early on, I was involved in nearly every decision. Real growth happened when I learned to trust others, empower leaders, and build a team that could thrive together.

6. You have to grow into the opportunities you want.

The projects you aspire to don't simply appear. They're earned through consistency, preparation, strong relationships, and the willingness to take thoughtful risks.

7. Stop chasing work. Build your portfolio.

A portfolio built on repeat clients, long-term relationships, and sector expertise delivers far more value than simply chasing the next opportunity.

8. Great talent is developed, not found.

Some of our strongest leaders started their careers as interns. Investing in people has been one of the best decisions we've ever made.

9. Our industry is evolving and that's an opportunity.

Construction is changing. Companies willing to embrace innovation, challenge convention, and continually improve will help shape what's next.

10. Personal growth fuels business growth.

The way you lead reflects who you are. Energy, discipline, humility, and curiosity don't stay at home, they show up every day in the way you build teams and serve others.

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The Biggest Lesson

The biggest change over the past ten years hasn't been our growth, it's how we think.

We've stayed true to the values that started BIG, but our mindset has evolved.

From: "I built this."

To: "We're building something that lasts."

Starting BIG required determination, ownership, and the belief that I could build something different. But growing BIG required something else: trust. Trust in our team, trust in our leaders, and trust that the company could become something bigger than any one person.

Thank you to our employees, clients, partners, and trade contractors who have been part of this journey. The first ten years of BIG were built together, and we’re grateful for everyone who has trusted us, challenged us, and helped shape what comes next.

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– Tony Iannessa

Founder & CEO, BIG Construction

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