Hensel Phelps Boosts Employee Investment with Strategic Move
In a proactive stride towards strengthening employee development, Hensel Phelps, a prominent player in the construction and real estate development industry, has made a strategic acquisition that reaffirms its commitment to its workforce. On October 13, 2025, the firm announced it had acquired Transcend, a specialized leadership and organizational development firm renowned for its expertise in leadership coaching, organizational design, and strategic planning.
A Vision for Empowerment
This acquisition is not just a business maneuver; it symbolizes Hensel Phelps' dedication to investing in its employees. According to Mike Choutka, the Chairman and CEO of Hensel Phelps, this provides a unique opportunity to invigorate the organization during a period of transformative growth. “By integrating Transcend’s proven leadership platform and expert team, we are amplifying every aspect of the employee experience and supercharging our strategic vision,” Choutka elaborated.
Hensel Phelps has been collaborating with Transcend since 2022, benefiting from their effective leadership programs and organizational strategies. The in-house acquisition will enhance access to valuable learning experiences, team coaching, and advanced leadership capabilities, significantly bolstering Hensel Phelps' ability to foster talent and prepare its workforce for the future.
Leadership Expansion Initiative
As part of this strategic acquisition, Craig Wiley, the CEO and founder of Transcend, is stepping into the role of Chief Strategy Officer at Hensel Phelps. With a wealth of experience guiding organizations through transformative phases, Wiley will work alongside senior leadership to shape comprehensive initiatives aimed at driving the company's long-term strategic vision forward. His proven track record will be invaluable as Hensel Phelps navigates this new chapter in employee engagement and development.
About Hensel Phelps
Established in 1937, Hensel Phelps has built a reputation as one of the largest employee-owned general contractors in the United States, specializing in real estate development, construction, and facility services. The firm prides itself on cultivating a culture defined by core values such as Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity, and Community. These principles guide the company’s approach from innovative planning through to execution, ensuring excellence in every project.
With the incorporation of Transcend’s expertise into the company's framework, Hensel Phelps is poised to enhance its leadership development initiatives and reinforce its commitment to employee growth across the organization. The aim is not just to build structures but to build careers and foster an environment where employees thrive and contribute to the company's overarching mission for excellence.
For more information about Hensel Phelps and their approach to empowering employees, visit
www.henselphelps.com.