By Jerod Gilley
Chair, AGC East Tennessee
President, Construction Consultants

Since I can remember, I have been surrounded by the construction industry. Some of my earliest memories are visiting jobsites and clients with my father or grandfather, and for that I am grateful. That background has afforded me a career surrounded by some of the hardest-working and talented individuals I’ve ever met. As such, I have a deep respect for the men and women who make up our industry. They are the very the backbone of progress, literally shaping the spaces where our families live, work, and play.
There’s a real sense of pride in that, and rightfully so. This work comes with strong wages, career growth, and the kind of impact that doesn’t just disappear when the job is done. It stands tall for generations—but it can come at a cost.
The work required can be one of the most physically and mentally demanding professions out there. Long hours, brutal weather, heavy lifting, tight deadlines, and constant pressure to perform at the highest level. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Over the years, I have seen too many people in our field pour everything into their work while pushing their own health to the side. We are wired to deliver for our bosses … for our clients … for others, but we don’t prioritize our own well-being.
That’s why wellness in construction isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. We need more open conversations, more support, and more tools to help our people stay strong, healthy, and balanced in an industry that never slows down.
That is why we created STRUCTURE, a new magazine dedicated to the health, wellness, and real lives of construction professionals. This isn’t about telling people what they “should” do. That has been tried and to put it simply, it doesn’t work. We are creating a platform devoted to sharing practical guidance, inspiration, and stories from the field that show what’s possible when we take care of ourselves and each other.
It’s important because a healthy worker isn’t just safer and more productive. A healthy worker is happier, more fulfilled, and more equipped to lead, both on the job and at home. A healthy worker has balance.
I’m inspired by the many people in construction who are already making changes—those who are eating better on the go, staying active, prioritizing mental health, and giving back through philanthropic work. These stories matter. They motivate others who need an extra nudge to make moves toward a better life.
So I’m asking you: who’s inspiring you? Who’s making changes that deserve to be recognized? Let us shine a light on the people who are building not just projects but stronger lives and communities.
Let’s keep this industry strong from the inside out. Stay safe and healthy,