From Intern to CEO: Leading Innovation in Construction

When Carrie Stokes started as an Intern at Barge Design Solutions, she didn’t have a roadmap to the CEO seat. But what she did have was curiosity, grit, and mentors who challenged her to grow. Today, she leads a 650-person employee-owned architecture and engineering firm that’s innovating in everything from data centers to talent development.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a leadership pipeline in construction, or how to scale a culture of innovation across offices and project types, this episode of Titans of the Trades has the answers you didn’t know you needed.

Invest in Your Team Early and Often

Carrie breaks down how Barge handles one of the toughest challenges in the trades: workforce development. It’s not just about recruiting; it’s about nurturing. From formal mentoring programs to emerging leader cohorts, Barge doesn’t wait for talent to “prove themselves.” They invest early and often.

But leadership development is only part of the equation. Carrie also explains how Barge stays nimble in a volatile market. While many firms are going all-in on data centers, Barge is playing the long game: diversifying across public, private, and federal sectors to balance opportunity with stability.

Innovation is the Future

What really sets this episode apart is Carrie’s approach to innovation. It’s not tech for tech’s sake. Before any AI tool is rolled out, Barge leaders ask: “What problem are we solving?” It’s a lesson in thoughtful leadership every contractor, project manager, and executive should hear.

And yes, they’re ringing bells. Literally. Carrie shares how Barge celebrates wins with symbolic gestures that reinforce culture, community, and shared purpose. It’s a simple tactic with powerful results.

This episode will leave you rethinking how you mentor, how you manage change, and how you define growth.

Want to hear how one firm is setting the pace for innovation and leadership in construction? Don’t miss this conversation with Carrie Stokes. It might just change how you think about your own business.

Connect With Carrie:

Website: https://www.bargedesign.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriestokes1/

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