We talk about a lot of workplace challenges around here, but we’re kicking off a brand new YoPro Know initiative with the goal of celebration. Celebrating what, you ask? Our new blog series will shine a spotlight on organizations that set a high bar in talent management through visionary leadership and innovative practices. These companies don’t just say they care about their employees—they redefine excellence by fostering dynamic, intergenerational work environments and prioritizing growth and development. Our goal in creating this series is to share success stories and to give some inspiration to your workplace goals. We hope these spotlights take you from, “What does work culture success even look like?” to, “We can look like that.” Join us as we highlight companies that are “Getting It Right.”
This month, we’re excited to dive into our new series with an inside look at Industrial Project Innovation (IPI), an owner’s representative firm specializing in the planning and management of large scale industrial projects. Not only does IPI have experience in major industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, EV Battery, and Advanced Manufacturing, but it also has its finger on the pulse of effective leadership and with professional development baked into each of its projects. Sounds too good to be true? Keep reading to find out how they do it.
A major aspect of IPI’s cultural success is due to its focus on strong personal relationships and teammate support that truly moves from the top down and from the bottom up. Co-Owner, Russ Braasch, who is dedicated to People & Culture, understands this as a vital factor for company growth. How does that work? In speaking with YPK, Braasch mentions that IPI’s strong culture is built by everyone—not just those in leadership—allowing for a diverse and ever-evolving professional environment. If you’re wondering how in the world IPI pulls this off, so were we! We had to know more.
There are many things that IPI is “getting right,” but we’ll focus on three main pillars: effective leadership, growth mentality, and a community focus.
Effective Leadership
When we’re defining the term “effective leadership,” we focus on a few different characteristics: leaders who are actively engaged and responsive to the needs of their teammates, are adept at maximizing resources to make timely and efficient changes, and are fostering a culture of accountability. This combination of traits may sound complicated, but IPI’s establishment of an internal Leadership Group keeps a constant and consistent focus on strategies that work to keep this culture thriving.
The Leadership Group’s main goal is to evaluate the status quo and deliberate over suggested or needed changes within the company. Engaging teammates at all levels of the organization is key to this process. In addition to intentional efforts to stay connected to their project teams across the country, IPI’s growth strategies and company initiatives are heavily influenced by the internal Leadership Group. This group meets in person twice a year, and while their north star remains the company’s core values of Performance, Integrity, and Family & Community, they avoid blind spots by including teammates from all ranks and tenures. This inclusive approach may seem counterintuitive, but IPI believes that this multi-generational group serves as a stronger sampling of the company’s pain points and creative opportunities for improvement, and thus can hold upper management accountable to the list of ever-evolving company needs. By giving entry- and associate-level teammates a platform to offer their perspectives and practice their leadership skills, IPI fosters a culture of continuous growth and accountability. The choice to give all levels a seat at the table not only benefits those who participate but creates a ripple effect of positive change across the entire organization. Hello, culture win!
One of the biggest benefits to IPI’s inclusive Leadership Group is, believe it or not, quality control. IPI encourages pride in all teammates’ work by trusting the ideas of their workforce and promoting constant improvement based on what each project’s “boots on the ground” need. Because leadership is quick to listen to the feedback and concerns of teammates, system improvements are implemented swiftly and effectively. Randell Kemp, IPI’s Client Experience Manager, adds that “IPI has created a culture where new ideas and technologies are embraced to support the growth of the company. This culture of innovation ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry advancements and set a high standard for others in the industry to follow.” The takeaway from IPI’s leadership? Listening to the whole team improves workplace morale and safety, the company itself, and the industry at large.
Growth Mentality
If you thought we were done discussing growth and leadership development, think again! Another excellent initiative at IPI is called “IPInsteins,” a young professional program for teammates under the age of 30. The IPInsteins meet once a quarter for professional development, networking opportunities, community outreach, and helping to develop future leaders. Through this group, “professional growth” is not just a buzzword thrown around by upper management at yearly performance reviews—it’s a consistent, company-led initiative built into the team experience and tailored to the exact needs of IPI’s youngest teammates.
Randell Kemp has been a key player in the IPInstein program. While previous leaders created these wonderful programs, Kemp has worked to build on existing programs and initiatives while adding a few new ones that have launched throughout 2024. Throughout his involvement, he has participated in a variety of professional development opportunities such as training, hands-on projects, and mentorship. He vouches for the program, saying that all levels of leadership ensure that teammates are encouraged and supported in their professional development assignments.
Yet another growth opportunity is available through an education program, “IPI University (IPIU).” Through this initiative, teammates have access to all kinds of continuing education, such as the opportunity to apply for professional development grants. The program also includes an online learning platform that offers a catalog of courses to support on-the-job skills and professional growth. IPIU is always growing and evolving to meet the needs of the team. Currently, IPI is working on a career path planning interface to better communicate the opportunities available to teammates and the different career routes they can take as their tenure continues. They’re even in the early stages of developing an in-house leadership training program (we’re swooning over here!). With built-in programs like IPIU, a company safeguards against people feeling stuck in a dead-end job or “ready for the next phase in their career” (AKA, leaving because their current employer couldn’t facilitate their growth). Building and maintaining a professional development branch communicates to their team that IPI is fully invested in each and every teammate, and we bet that provides them with a pretty good return.
Community Focus
If you can’t tell by now, IPI isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to establishing a culture that works (which is ironic, considering their company is all about minimizing risk and creating predictable outcomes for their clients!). What we love about these risks is that they give IPI the chance to develop highly innovative programs and practices, which ultimately leverages their talent and strategies to ensure a distinctive presence among the competition. Some of these innovations are pointed outward to the community, such as ensuring that each project site serves the local area. Ingrid Johnson, Project Controls Specialist, highlights IPI’s commitment to community and growth, sharing that IPI identifies opportunities at project site locations to give back to the communities in which they work. This approach not only fosters community relationships, but also enhances the working relationship with clients and communities while enhancing teammate fulfillment and satisfaction.
One of the most exceptional aspects of this commitment to community is its symbiotic relationship to the internal work we’ve discussed. If a teammate cares about being part of the community, she’s going to feel fulfilled when IPI supports that, and in turn, she will want to grow professionally within IPI for the long run. Someone in the community witnesses IPI’s work and says, “I want to work there.” That person then becomes a dedicated member of the team, and the cycle continues. See what we mean?
Why IPI is Getting It Right
Through its commitment to democratic leadership teams, its obsession with teammate growth, and its loyalty to the community, IPI is getting it right in major ways. Their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, combined with a culture of care and support, sets a high standard for talent management and retention.
IPI’s story serves as an inspiration for other businesses and leaders striving to create a positive and dynamic workplace. At YoPro Know, we believe that building a company of effective, dedicated professionals from all generations requires consistent, actionable strategies. We love that IPI’s successes are not about CEO-led meetings or talk without follow-through—instead, leadership at IPI has implemented systems that put their own teammates in the driver’s seat, and the company runs more smoothly because of it. Impressive, right?
Strategies that Drive Success
What works for IPI may not work for every company, but we encourage you to seek opportunities to prioritize developing staff, establish a unique brand amongst competitors, and lead intentionally. From YoPro Know research, we know that 61.7% of young professionals thrive in a work environment with strong leadership, and 48.7% are motivated by growth opportunities and advancements within their company.
We find that effective leadership, a growth mentality, and an investment in the community are key components to developing a dynamic workforce and attracting leaders from all generations. Interested in learning how? Visit our website to discover how we utilize a talent impact process to help you implement these strategies.
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What’s Next?
Ready to transform your multi-generational workplace culture? Contact YoPro Know today! We can help you develop a thoughtful PTO strategy that fosters positive relationships, strengthens your employer brand, and attracts top talent. Let’s ensure your benefits pave the way for a dynamic cross-generational workforce! To learn more about how our services can help you uncover the power of social media in recruiting and retaining professional talent, schedule Your Free Planning Session Today.