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As we kick off Construction Inclusion Week, we are taking time to reflect on how the small choices we make every day help create a workplace where everyone can succeed. At Pepper, inclusion comes to life through our Pepper Behaviors. When we find a way, do the right thing and always care, we build stronger teams, safer jobsites and a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
Throughout the week, teammates across Pepper will come together through a live Q&A with Scot Pepper, jobsite and office roundtable discussions, toolbox talks and efforts to welcome people who are new to the construction industry. We'll use this space to share the activities and reflections from across the company as we celebrate the people and actions that help make Pepper a home for everyone.
Live Q&A Session with Scot Pepper and Dena Anderson
As part of Construction Inclusion Week, the Pepper community joined a companywide livestream conversation with Pepper Construction Group President Scot Pepper and Sr. Vice President of Human Resources Dena Anderson, which was centered on this year’s theme, “Opening Doors.” Throughout the discussion, Scot spoke to Pepper’s core behaviors and the role they play in building stronger teams, workplaces and job sites. He shared that inclusion begins with everyday actions such as getting to know one another, listening to different perspectives, showing that we care and creating opportunities for others to learn and grow. When people understand how their teammates communicate and value each person’s unique strengths, collaboration becomes stronger and teams are better equipped to do the right thing.
Our offices and jobsites had the opportunity to submit questions on topics including career development, leadership, accountability, communication and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Scot emphasized the importance of Pepper’s open-door philosophy and encouraged everyone to share ideas, ask questions and speak up about opportunities for growth and development. The discussion reinforced that inclusion is an everyday commitment, reflected in how we support one another to help open doors for those around us.
Missed the livestream or want to watch it again? View the recording here.
Jobsite and Office Roundtable Discussions
As part of our Inclusion Week events, teams across Pepper locations and jobsites are participating in guided roundtable discussions focused on this year's theme. These conversations encourage everyone to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore ways we can continue building a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.
Highlights:
- The team at our 643 headquarters building in Chicago kicked off their roundtable with the icebreaker question, "What's something most people don't know about you?" The group then discussed Opening Doors Through Support and Growth, sharing perspectives on mentorship, support and ways to create opportunities for everyone to succeed.
- Our 540 office team in Barrington began by answering the icebreaker question, "Who is someone who helped you succeed in your career, and what did they do?" The discussion focused on mentorship, building strong relationships, creating welcoming environments and supporting growth through shared experiences and open communication.
- Highlights will be added throughout the week as discussions take place.
Toolbox Talks
This week provided an opportunity to connect and reflect on what creates Pepper’s culture on a job site and the lasting impact it leaves on the team and what we build. Through toolbox talks, we reflected on how mentorship, communication and looking out for one another supports an environment where everyone belongs and feels comfortable sharing their perspective. The conversations served as a reminder that inclusion is built through everyday actions and a commitment to helping others succeed.
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
To expand the impact of Construction Inclusion Week, Pepper partnered with Gilbane, Turner, UJAMAA, Powers & Sons, and Brown & Momen to host a variety of events throughout the week, including school outreach opportunities and community volunteer projects.
As part of these efforts, team members volunteered at Breakthrough Urban Ministries. The group spent time completing gardening projects at the organization's Men's Center and toured several of its facilities, including the food pantry and Women's Center. The visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand the scope of Breakthrough's services and the impact the organization has on the communities it serves.
Building Your Future, Construction Industry Day
As part of Construction Inclusion Week, Pepper, UJAMAA and JP Architects hosted panel discussions and jobsite tours at all three Community High School District 218 high schools currently under construction: Shepard High School, Eisenhower High School and Richards High School.
Students had the opportunity to learn from project team members and senior leaders about a variety of career paths within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The panel discussions gave students a firsthand look at the skills, experiences and pathways that support successful careers in the AEC industry. Students were highly engaged throughout the sessions, asking thoughtful questions and showing strong interest in the opportunities available within the field.
Events like these reinforce the importance of connecting students with industry professionals and helping them explore the many career paths available in the AEC field. By sharing experiences and insights directly from the jobsite, teams were able to provide a realistic view of the rewarding and impactful work taking place across the industry.
