Eric: Hi everybody, how you doing? This is Eric Tilghman, the CEO of Tilghman Builders. Welcome back to another episode of the Built Different podcast. I’m your host today, and this is an episode I’ve really been looking forward to because it represents exactly what we’re trying to build here. Today I’m here with Joe Cunningham. Joe, welcome to the podcast.

Joe: Thanks for having me.

Eric: Joe is one of our guys in the field, and what makes his story so powerful is that he’s been with us a little over a year. Before that, you had very little construction experience, right?

Joe: Very little. Maybe like seven months when I was younger, but nothing serious.

Eric: And before that you were moving pianos. Fast forward to today, you’ve really climbed the ranks. You’re a Carpenter 3 and pretty much leading projects now. That’s impressive, especially for someone who didn’t know anything about this a year ago.

Joe: Yeah, it’s pretty cool to look at where I’m at now compared to where I was a year ago. It’s kind of crazy, but it’s awesome. You guys set me up for success.

Eric: It doesn’t happen by accident. You’re a driven guy, and I think the company gave you a place to direct that drive. For the viewers, Joe takes ownership, studies after work, and his growth has been impressive. It seems like your life has changed a lot over the last year. Is that fair to say?

Joe: Yeah, definitely. It’s been a change for the better. I couldn’t be happier with where I’m at now compared to where I was. I wasn’t in a bad spot before, but I’m in a much better one now. A place I didn’t even realize I could be in.

Eric: I remember during your interview you told me something I’ll never forget. You said, “I’m going to be the best hire you’ve ever made. You won’t regret this.” What was the fire in you at that time?

Joe: I remember that. It was at the winter party right after I was hired. It was my first time meeting everyone. At the end of the night I just felt like I fit in here. It kept running through my mind, and I knew I meant it. I knew I was going to be here and become a great lead carpenter one day.

Eric: And you weren’t wrong. You’re an energetic, driven guy. You’re not a victim, you take ownership, and you work hard. But that fire didn’t just start a year ago. What changed?

Joe: I always had that in me. I always wanted to be better, but I was kind of misguided. I thought I was doing everything right, but I didn’t realize what I could be doing better. Being here changed that. Everyone wants to improve. It’s contagious.

Eric: That kind of energy is a gift, but only if it has purpose. Without purpose, it can be dangerous.

Joe: Yeah, I agree. I don’t necessarily dislike who I was before, but I was putting my energy toward the wrong things. Now it’s focused on the right areas like my family, my career, everything.

Eric: What specifically changed in how you spend your time?

Joe: I’ve never been this career-driven before. I want to be the best at everything I do. Now I have a job where I can keep learning. You can’t master it, there’s always something new. It’s like golf, that’s why I love it. It fits my brain. I love being this driven now. It’s like my hobby.

Eric: So why this company?

Joe: Honestly, I thought I’d be a piano mover my whole life. I was comfortable. It was a great job, but the ceiling was capped. Dylan kept telling me to come work here. I was hesitant because of my past experience in trades, but once I started, it took one day to realize this was different. I haven’t looked back since.

Eric: Do you think part of your drive now comes from seeing opportunity?

Joe: Yeah, definitely. It’s about not having a ceiling anymore. There’s so much more you can do here, and that’s a big reason why I’m more driven than ever.

Eric: Let’s talk leadership. You’re getting close to that next level. What kind of leader do you want to be?

Joe: I want to be my own version of a leader, but take the best from everyone. I want to build real relationships. I want people to feel like they can come to me about anything, not just work. I want to care about them and what they’re going through.

Eric: That’s a big part of leadership. What motivates you? What’s your why?

Joe: My family. Me and my partner didn’t have much growing up, so that’s a big part of it. I have a daughter, and she’s my biggest why. I want to give her everything. And honestly, I want a good life for myself too. I want to enjoy life, play golf, and set myself up.

Eric: That’s an honest answer. A strong why usually involves more than just yourself.

Joe: Exactly. If your only purpose is to serve yourself, then you really don’t have a purpose.

Eric: What advice would you give someone starting out?

Joe: Figure out your why first. Maybe even write it down. Then just try. Keep your head down, trust the process, and work hard. Surround yourself with the right people. If you’re not, that’s the first thing you need to change.

Eric: What does culture mean to you?

Joe: It’s the standard. It’s how we treat each other and how we solve problems. It’s how the company runs day to day. If relationships are bad, everything suffers. It trickles into the work and the client experience.

Eric: Has your personal life improved because of this?

Joe: 100%. It’s not even close. I go to work, I try hard, I like the people I work with, and I’m recognized for it. It’s easy to come home in a good mood now.

Eric: That’s the goal. Joe, your story is exactly why we believe in what we’re building. You are the goal. What you’ve done is what we want to see happen. And I want to tell you something here on the podcast for the first time. You’ve officially been promoted to lead carpenter.

Joe: Wow. Thank you so much.

Eric: You earned it. You’re an incredible guy. Thanks for trusting the company and sharing the vision. And to everyone listening, thanks for tuning in. Stay positive, be nice, and step out of your comfort zone.