We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nadean Carson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nadean below.

Hi Nadean, thanks for joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

I was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom as an Air Force Captain in 2004. I worked in the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq as part of the Civil Engineering (J7) team. We were charged with rebuilding the Iraqi Armed Forces bases across the country. To say it was the biggest job of my life is an understatement. It gave me opportunities that can never be matched, including being under the most influential leaders in the world. My direct boss, COL Duke DeLuca was a no-nonsense leader, who made sure that he relayed the right information and made sure that we had every resource that was needed to get the job done. He was the epitome of a boss that supports you, while expecting the best from you. His work ethic was contagious, and his integrity was a shining beacon for all of us. On top of that, we all served under GEN David Petraeus. Yep, that General Petraeus. He was an intimidating man, but never out of reach. If he saw me in the halls at the end of the day, he would ask “Capt Carson, what did you do to help the country of Iraq today?”. And he truly wanted to hear your answer. It became a routine for me to have an answer prepared every day before I left the “office”. It truly put my work into perspective by answering that question to myself every day, realizing that my work was critical in the rebuilding effort. These men gave me support and encouragement while pushing me to achieve more every day. Their leadership is part of the reason I knew that I could be successful as a business owner. They made me realize that I can do more than I ever imagined.

Nadean, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a self-professed stormwater nerd. I started working with stormwater compliance in the Air Force and quickly realized how important stormwater pollution prevention was to the ecosystem. During my military career, I focused on construction and other civil engineering operations duties. When I separated from the military, I initially worked as a Geotechnical Engineer (that is a fancy way of saying that I worked in dirt) but found my way back to my true love of stormwater management in 2014. I created a Stormwater Management division at a local engineering firm, focused on helping clients manage the stormwater regulations that affect their development, as well as ensuring that the sites are limiting their contribution to Stormwater Pollution. While performing that job, I saw another stormwater need developing and decided to tackle it next. I started up Oya Construction as a way to properly install and maintain stormwater controls on construction sites, reducing the sediment deposition into waterways. I started performing inspections of stormwater structures, then completing any needed repairs, and performing inspections on active construction sites as a way to keep contractors in compliance and keep them working. I had already developed a reputation in our area as a stormwater expert, so I was fortunate to have a client base already in place. As I have continued to grow my company, I am focused on creating a more diverse workforce in the construction industry. I am encouraging women, BIPOC, queer and gender-nonconforming people to join my company, and the industry. The construction field is a great career opportunity, but too many people don’t see this as a viable option. I want to change that!

I am passionate about keeping waterways clean and our environment beautiful, while also improving the construction industry as a whole. I am a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Maryland, an Air Force veteran, and a registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

How did you build your audience on social media?

As a leading authority in stormwater management, our deliberate approach to cultivating a robust social media presence has been instrumental in connecting with our target audience—primarily middle-aged construction owners and developers. Recognizing the significance of platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook within this demographic, we strategically channeled our efforts towards these platforms to effectively position ourselves as experts in the field.

Our primary objective was to be recognized as the go-to source for stormwater management expertise. To achieve this, we curated a content strategy that involved sharing insightful articles, collaborating with other esteemed professionals in the stormwater industry, and consistently demonstrating our commitment to being a valuable resource for our audience. Actively engaging with relevant organizations and stakeholders, we ensured that any coverage or mentions of our company were amplified through strategic tagging and sharing.

In addition to written content, we leveraged the power of visual storytelling by incorporating field videos into our social media repertoire. These videos not only showcased our hands-on approach but also humanized our brand, allowing potential clients to connect with the faces behind the expertise.

For those embarking on the journey of building a social media presence, my expert advice is to adopt a meticulous approach. Identify your target audience, choose platforms that resonate with them, and craft a content strategy that consistently reinforces your status as an industry authority. Utilize social media planning tools to streamline your efforts and ensure a cohesive messaging strategy. By dedicating a day each month to plan and schedule posts, you not only save time but also maintain a consistent and impactful online presence.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As a leader committed to fostering a cohesive and motivated team, my approach centers around the cultivation of a collaborative and passionate work environment. One key element is the emphasis on hiring individuals who genuinely care about the impactful work we do in stormwater management. Passionate team members not only contribute to a positive workplace culture but also bring a level of dedication that is vital in our field.

Teamwork is at the core of our success. I encourage open communication, idea-sharing, and collaboration among team members. Building a strong sense of camaraderie allows us to tackle challenges collectively and fosters an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Drawing from my leadership experience in the military, I prioritize providing the necessary tools and resources to empower my team. Just as in the military, ensuring that each member has the right equipment and support is paramount. This not only enhances efficiency but also demonstrates our commitment to enabling every team member to excel in their role.

Furthermore, I firmly believe in the responsibility of a leader to shield and protect their team when needed. This involves creating a workplace culture where individuals feel safe, supported, and confident in their roles. Whether it’s navigating complex projects or addressing any challenges that may arise, my leadership is grounded in ensuring the well-being of my team.

In summary, my advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is centered on fostering a collaborative environment, hiring passionate individuals, providing the necessary tools and support, and drawing upon the leadership principles acquired during my military service. By instilling a sense of purpose and unity, we not only achieve our professional goals but also create a workplace where each team member can thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oyaconstruction.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OyaConst
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/oya-construction-llc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/OyaConstruction
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oyaconstructionllc7247