How to Scale a Company in the AI Boom Without Losing the Culture with Brandon Lark

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, I sit down with Brandon Lark, Group Vice President at MYR Group and President of Great Southwestern Construction, Inc. Brandon shares his journey from growing up on a ranch in northern New Mexico to leading one of the largest electrical infrastructure organizations in North America. The conversation explores leadership development, safety culture, workforce growth, and the future demand for power infrastructure driven by AI, manufacturing expansion, and grid modernization. He began his career in construction working on electrical distribution projects before joining Great Southwestern Construction in 2000. Over the years, he advanced through operations, project management, executive leadership, and company presidency. Brandon is also a contributor to the book Empathetic Leadership and is recognized for his focus on people-first leadership, safety, and organizational growth. Expect to Learn: How Brandon Lark built his career from laborer to Group Vice President at MYR Group. Why leadership development became a key priority during periods of rapid company growth. How Great Southwestern Construction transformed its safety culture through open communication and learning. The major forces driving demand for power infrastructure include AI, manufacturing growth, and grid upgrades. Why skilled trades offer strong career opportunities, growth potential, and meaningful work. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [01:10] – Welcome & Introduction of Brandon Lark (Group VP, MYR Group) [05:30] – Rapid growth from labourer to superintendent [09:37] – Safety culture: moving from avoiding incidents to proactive hazard reporting [16:04] – Four operational groups: Western US, Texas/Midwest, East of Mississippi, Large Project EPC [22:45] – Alvarado training facility: hands‑on apprenticeship, live‑line training (up to 345 kV) [27:36] – Storm response: pre‑staging and mutual assistance across utilities [33:45] – Evolution of leadership language: empathy and work‑life balance becoming central [35:15] – Personal leadership journey: family support, wife’s bodybuilding career, children’s achievements [39:36] – Closing remarks 🔗 Connect with the Guest, Brandon Lark: 👉 LinkedIn:   / brandon-lark-b903238   👉 Company LinkedIn:   / myr-group   👉 Instagram:   / blark78   👉 Link to Book Empathetic Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Empathetic-Lea... 👉 Link to Academy Leadership Case Study: https://www2.academyleadership.com/Ca... 👉 Link to Lion’s Lair Pro Gym: https://www.lionslairprogym.com/ 🔗 Connect with the Host, Jim Emerick: 👉 LinkedIn:   / jimemerick   🔗 More from Choinque: 👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog 👉 Facebook:   / 918903204639744   👉 Instagram:   / choinquecast   👉 TikTok:   / choinque   👉 X: https://x.com/choinque 👉 Email: [email protected] 🔗 More about Leadership Courses: 👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Eme... 🔗 Follow the Podcasts: 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3gl... 👉 YouTube:    / @jimemerick4012