In this episode of The Comms Exchange, hosts Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini sit down with Wes Palmisano, Founder and CEO of RNGD, to explore what it truly means to build a construction company where people, culture, and brand drive growth.
Wes shares how RNGD evolved from a young startup into a regional construction powerhouse by investing in company culture, leadership development, and marketing with the same intentionality as operations. From publishing five internal culture books to launching the Renegade Academy, building a $25M training-center-focused headquarters, and creating a nonprofit foundation tied directly to workforce development, RNGD has redefined what modern construction leadership looks like.
This conversation goes deep into how branding creates trust, why culture is a competitive advantage in the construction industry, and how leaders can scale without losing authenticity. Wes also reflects on lessons learned, including early branding missteps, the shift from a house of brands to a unified identity, and why growth must pause at times to protect values and alignment.
If you’re a leader in construction, AEC, real estate development, or any people-driven organization, this episode offers a practical and inspiring look at how intentional culture, storytelling, and community engagement fuel long-term success.
Key topics include:
- Construction branding and marketing strategy
- Building and scaling company culture
- Leadership development and workforce training
- ROI of brand and culture investments
- Community engagement and nonprofit impact
- Authentic growth in the AEC industry
Whether you’re growing a construction firm, leading a team through change, or rethinking how culture supports performance, this episode delivers real-world insight from one of the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders.
www.rngd.com
