NexGen Spotlight: Inspiring the Next Generation of Trade Workers
You could say Chad Usherwood was born into construction. He spent summers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area working with his father as a dirt and concrete contractor, learning the tools of the trade.
Years later, Usherwood would relocate to Nashville to take on a role with a Tennessee-based contractor before starting his own business working with concrete contractors. After he eventually sold his company, he stayed on as an employee—there he met Ben Carnell while working on a project together in South Carolina.
Fast forward a few more years—Usherwood and Carnell kept in touch, and when Carnell was brought on to launch NexGen Contracting, he made a call to Usherwood to come join the new venture.
Usherwood’s expertise and leadership were instrumental in propelling the company’s growth. With a focus on operational excellence and strategic expansion, Usherwood oversees the strategic direction of NexGen’s business units, working closely with leaders to identify growth opportunities and navigate complex project landscapes.
“One of the important aspects of my role is to possess the emotional intelligence to function in a way that we enhance NexGen’s health and growth, while also keeping in mind the overall goal of growing Gray and our family of companies,” Usherwood said.
Looking ahead, Usherwood says the next step for NexGen is to expand by establishing regional hubs, with a focus on enhancing quality of life for team members and optimizing operational efficiency. By strategically positioning the company’s resources and talent, he aims to solidify NexGen’s reputation as an industry leader.
Above all, Usherwood takes pride in NexGen’s mission of building the next generation of builders. By prioritizing mentorship and career development, he seeks to create a legacy of growth and opportunity that extends far beyond individual projects.
“We need strong people to do great things,” Usherwood said. “We are continuing to gather individuals who have a passion to enhance their skills and learn new ones along the way. There’s a lot to be optimistic about when we talk about the future of NexGen and trade workers.”
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