At Charter Construction, we’re all about investing in the next generation of construction talent. We’ve created a culture where people can truly learn, grow, and thrive. This is a team-first environment where mentorship and growth are front and center. Many of our team members have started their careers here and gone on to take on meaningful, impactful roles, all thanks to the supportive foundation we’ve built together.
Assistant Project Manager Casson Buckner is a great example of the type of young professional we love having on our team. After earning his degree in Construction Management with a minor in Interior Architecture and Design from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Casson joined Charter in 2022. After two years, he has experienced firsthand how Charter’s commitment to nurturing talent can shape a career.
How Mentorship and Hands-On Learning Has Made a Difference
For Casson, the chance to work on meaningful projects right out of college was one of the things that drew him to Charter, and he didn’t have to wait long to dive in. His first major assignment was the Peabody Union project, a large-scale mixed-use development featuring a 28-level residential tower and a 7-level office tower, with 4 levels of underground parking below.
“I gained so much knowledge from that project,” Casson says. “Getting the kind of hands-on experience straight out of college was incredibly valuable.”
The opportunity to work on such a complex project wasn’t the only thing that made an impression. Casson credits much of his growth to the mentorship he received from Matt Kirts, Senior Project Manager for Peabody Union. Spending his first year on-site, Casson worked closely with Matt and the superintendent to ensure every aspect of the construction process ran efficiently.
“Getting that opportunity to learn on the job every single day was incredible,” he says.
Collaboration at the Core
The unique family-oriented culture at Charter is also something that Casson appreciates. During the interview process, he noticed how intentional the team was about fostering communication and support.
“I quickly recognized that Charter’s culture made it a unique place, even during the interview process,” he says. “Everyone’s constantly communicating and trying to help one another out.”
Whether he’s in the office or out in the field, Casson has discovered that every day brings opportunities for learning and collaboration. These interactions have taught him a critical lesson as he builds his career: the importance of asking questions.
“I quickly learned not to be afraid to ask questions,” he shares. “We work quickly, and things move very fast. Sometimes it’s like drinking from a fire hose, but Charter is a place where you always feel like you can ask for help or get advice or perspective when you run into a challenge.”
Building a Foundation for the Future
Casson’s journey at Charter highlights what we care about most: creating a culture that invests in people, creates growth opportunities, and supports every team member as they build their careers. As Casson continues to take on new challenges and expand his expertise, his story is a testament to Charter’s commitment to fostering the next generation of construction leaders.