“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” — Bill Bradley 

Joe Thomas’s journey in the construction industry began 25 years ago with Primco. Starting in quality control and labor, his early days involved tasks like pounding pins for string line, a method now rendered obsolete by stringless pavers. 

As his career evolved, Joe worked within both Primco and Speedway Redi-Mix, where he continued in quality control and ventured into concrete paving. From there his role expanded including estimating for various projects. These experiences all laid the foundation for his future leadership role.  

Over the years, Joe’s responsibilities grew. He delved into operations and project management, steadily climbing the ranks. His dedication and hard work culminated in his promotion to operations manager. The acquisition of Primco and Speedway by Milestone four years ago marked a new chapter in Joe’s career, and today he serves as Vice President of the Fort Wayne area for Milestone and Speedway.  

Reflecting on his 25-year journey, Joe acknowledges the industry’s evolution and his own growth within it. Early in his career, Joe was fortunate to have mentors like Todd Frederick, Dan Kinder and Rick Baumer. These individuals played a crucial role in his development, providing opportunities for growth and advancement, and their varied leadership styles offered a wide perspective on leadership. Each of their leadership styles we ultimately integrated into his own. Now, as Joe continues to learn and grow within the THG family he looks forward to new mentorship from leaders like Amy Schumaker, Geoff Dillon and CJ Potts. 

Joe’s Leadership Style 

One of the key lessons Joe learned from his mentors was the importance of honesty and directness, especially when dealing with difficult situations. He believes in being upfront and direct, especially when dealing with difficult situations. Whether it’s addressing areas for improvement or making tough decisions, Joe emphasizes the importance of clear and honest communication. This approach helps build trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page. 

Another key aspect of Joe’s leadership is respect. He understands that respect is a two-way street. “You have to give respect to get respect,” says Joe. He treats everyone with dignity regardless of their role within the company. He believes that every person’s contribution is valuable and recognizing this fosters a positive and productive work environment. 

Joe also values leading by example. Earlier in his career, he found it easier to demonstrate how things should be done by doing the work himself. While his current roles may not always allow for this hands-on approach, he still strives to set a positive example through his actions and decisions. He believes that showing people the right way to do things is a powerful form of leadership. 

Listening is another crucial element of Joe’s leadership style. He makes it a point to give his full attention to anyone who comes to him with an issue or concern. By being fully present and attentive, Joe ensures that his team feels heard and valued. This not only helps in resolving issues effectively but also strengthens the team’s trust in his leadership. 

Finally, Joe emphasizes the importance of safety and continuous improvement. He regularly reminds his team about safety protocols and encourages them to keep safety the number one priority. Joe sees himself as a cheerleader, motivating his team to do their best and ensuring that they are always striving for excellence. 

Overcoming Challenges 

One of Joe Thomas’s most cherished projects is the US-31 bypass around Kokomo. The project was challenging, with many sleepless nights and significant obstacles. With a large national company working on another piece of the project, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) was not confident Joe’s team would complete the work. INDOT doubted that the area has the resources to complete the job. It was election year, and the Govenor wanted the road open before the election date. In the end, Milestone completed its portion of the project on time, proving our team’s resilience and capability.  

Looking to the Future 

As Joe moves forward in his career, he is looking forward to developing the next generation in construction. Joe understands that micromanagement is not sustainable, especially with the industry’s current demands. He believes in providing comprehensive training and giving employees the responsibility they need to grow. By doing so, he ensures that his team feels valued and is continuously learning.  

Joe also focuses on recruitment across Fort Wayne, particularly by engaging with high schools to introduce students to the various roles in construction. He highlights the need for a diverse range of skills, from operators to carpenters, laborers and truck drivers. By showcasing the full spectrum of opportunities as younger generations head into the workforce, Joe believes we can attract a broader talent pool. 

Through these efforts, Joe is committed to building a strong, skilled and motivated workforce, ensuring Milestone’s continued growth and success.