At IPCO, Responsibility is a core value that drives our success and shapes our team. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Chris Widerman, a superintendent who exemplifies this principle in everything he does.
Six years ago, Chris was working in corporate banking, feeling unfulfilled and counting down the minutes until 5:00 each day. Today, he’s managing multi-million dollar projects, leading teams, and finding joy in his work. His journey is a testament to what becomes possible when you are willing to take ownership and embrace new challenges.
Chris’s story began when he made the bold decision to leave a steady banking job held for 15 years and relocate to help care for his family in the Upstate. This pivotal moment led him to IPCO, where he started from scratch as a laborer. “I was sweeping floors and carrying materials,” Chris recalls. “But I knew there was potential for growth if I applied myself.”
And apply himself he did. Chris’s eagerness to learn and willingness to take on responsibilities quickly set him apart. Within just two years, he was tackling solo projects, and today, he’s overseeing $5 million jobs as a superintendent managing a team of 15.
What makes Chris’s rapid ascent particularly impressive is his approach to responsibility and ownership. Despite being relatively new to his role, he doesn’t shy away from challenges. “Of course, there’s discomfort in learning,” Chris admits. “But that’s how you grow.”
This attitude has not gone unnoticed. Brian, IPCO’s CEO, recognized Chris’s potential early on and continued to push him towards greater responsibilities. “Brian is the kind of leader who teaches by letting you take ownership early on,” Chris explains. “He gives you the confidence to know you can do it. And he believes the best way to learn is by figuring it out with your own hands.”
Chris’s sense of responsibility extends beyond his own growth. He’s become a key figure in our intern program, known for his patience and ability to build relationships. At career fairs, Chris shares his story, inspiring the next generation of trade workers. “I tell them how I went from sweeping with a broom to running multi-million dollar jobs in just a few years,” he says. “This industry offers real opportunities for those willing to work hard and take responsibility for their own growth.”
His commitment to responsibility is perhaps best exemplified in his approach to client relationships. Recently, a client praised Chris’s work ethic, reporting: “Working with IPCO is not just like having another sub, but having a partner on the job site.” This partnership mentality stems from Chris’s proactive approach to problem-solving and his willingness to take responsibility for finding solutions, not just identifying problems.
At IPCO, we believe that responsibility extends beyond the task at hand. We want to create an environment where we are constantly looking for ways to improve, support one another, and go the extra mile for our clients which is why we strive to applaud team members who lead the way in modeling responsibility. Chris Widerman embodies these principles every day, and we’re proud to have him as part of our IPCO family.
His journey from corporate banking to construction leadership proves that with the right attitude and a willingness to take responsibility, you can build a fulfilling career and life. As Chris puts it, “I’m not just building projects. I’m building a career I love, and that makes all the difference.”
