Curt Crossland on Construction Innovation

*Curt Crossland on Construction Innovation: Building Legacy, One Project at a Time When Curt Crossland speaks about the spirit of his company, Crossland Construction, he isn’t just referencing blueprints or job sites — he’s talking about a philosophy rooted in values, family and relentless drive. Now serving as President of the Midwest Region and Owner, Curt carries forward a legacy forged by his father, Ivan Crossland Sr., who founded the company in 1978. Known affectionately as “Red Iron,” Ivan instilled a culture that still guides the organization today.

At the heart of that culture is a simple but powerful belief: you build more than structures — you build relationships.

In an exclusive interview with our publication, Curt reflects on leadership, innovation and the unwavering principles that have driven Crossland Construction from its humble beginnings into one of the nation’s top-tier contractors.

---

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader Curt’s journey into leadership wasn’t handed to him — it was earned through grit, mentorship and hands-on experience. At 23, Ivan made him a superintendent on a fire station project in Joplin, Missouri. “I didn’t know much,” Curt admits. “But I showed up every day, asked questions and figured things out. That job taught me what real leadership means — not knowing all the answers, but being willing to find them alongside your team.”

That early lesson became the foundation of Curt’s leadership style: roll up your sleeves, lead from the front and never stop learning. It’s a mindset that’s now embedded in the DNA of Crossland Construction.

Today, the company employs over 2,000 people across 12 divisions. What started as a small family business has evolved into a national force in construction — not through acquisitions or flashy marketing, but by staying true to its core values and investing in people.

---

Building Culture Through Core Values Ask Curt about the company’s secret sauce, and he’ll point to a few key tenets: integrity, accountability and treating every job with equal importance — no matter the size.

“Whether it’s a $200,000 project or a $200 million one, we approach each with the same intensity,” Curt explains. “Because every client deserves our full commitment. Every structure we build reflects who we are.”

This isn’t just rhetoric. It’s a lived philosophy that shapes how Crossland operates — from hiring practices to performance metrics. The company promotes from within, nurturing talent and rewarding loyalty. Many of its current division leaders began their careers as interns. “We believe in growing our own,” Curt says. “That’s how you maintain consistency in culture and quality.”

It’s also how you build trust — something Curt views as non-negotiable. “Integrity isn’t something we put on when it’s convenient. It’s who we are, always.”

---

Leading with Innovation and Purpose In an industry often resistant to change, Crossland Construction has embraced innovation as a strategic imperative. From early adoption of prefabrication to leveraging data analytics and lean construction methodologies, the company is constantly evolving to meet client demands and workforce expectations.

“We’re not just building buildings,” Curt says. “We’re solving problems. That means staying ahead of trends, anticipating challenges and investing in technology that makes us better.”

One area of focus is sustainability. As environmental concerns continue to shape construction standards, Crossland is integrating green practices into its operations — from materials sourcing to energy-efficient design.

But innovation isn’t only about tech, Curt stresses. “Sometimes the most impactful innovations are cultural — how we empower teams, how we streamline communication, how we support mental health and safety on-site.”

---

Family Business, Future-Forward As a second-generation leader, Curt is deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with stewarding his father’s vision. But he’s equally committed to preparing the next generation — both within his family and across the organization.

“I think Dad would be proud of where we’ve gone,” Curt reflects. “But he’d also push us to keep going. He believed in growth, not just in size, but in character.”

That mindset extends to talent development. The company’s internship program, which offers students real-world experience and mentorship, is a cornerstone of its long-term strategy. “We want young professionals to see this as more than a job,” Curt says. “We want them to see it as a career, a calling even.”

He also emphasizes the importance of creating psychological safety on teams. “People need to feel like they can speak up, take risks and learn from failure. That’s how innovation happens.”

---

Q&A with Curt Crossland our publication: What’s the biggest challenge facing the construction industry today?

Curt Crossland: Talent. We’re competing for skilled labor in a tight market, and that means rethinking how we attract, train and retain people. It also means making the industry more appealing to younger generations — showing them that construction isn’t just about hard hats and hammers. It’s about problem-solving, innovation and building the future.

TCM: How do you foster innovation within a traditionally conservative industry?

CC: You start by creating a culture that values curiosity. We encourage our teams to challenge the status quo, to ask ‘What if we did this differently?’ We also invest in training and technology, but more importantly, we invest in people. Innovation starts with trust — trusting your team to think creatively and act decisively.

TCM: What advice would you give to other family business leaders?

CC: Don’t let legacy become a burden. Honor the past, but don’t be afraid to evolve. Succession planning is critical — not just for leadership roles, but for culture. Make sure your values are written into how you operate, not just what you say.

TCM: What keeps you motivated after decades in the business?

CC: Seeing the impact we make. Every project tells a story — a school that opens new doors for kids, a hospital that saves lives, a community center that brings people together. That’s what drives me. That’s what drives all of us at Crossland.

---

Looking Ahead: A Legacy in Motion As Crossland Construction continues to expand, Curt remains grounded in the principles that have always defined the company: integrity, humility and relentless execution.

But he’s also thinking long-term — not just in terms of market share, but in terms of influence. “We want to be known not just as builders, but as leaders in our industry,” he says. “That means setting the standard for how you treat people, how you build sustainably and how you give back to the communities you serve.”

And while the tools, techniques and scale of construction have changed dramatically since Ivan Crossland first started the company, the core belief remains unchanged: build it like you own it*.

In the end, that’s what Curt has always done — and always will.