At Charter Construction, hard work is matched with genuine support and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where personal and professional growth aren’t just talked about—they’re made possible. Justin Duke is a prime example of this. His career shows what can be achieved when hard work meets opportunity and genuine camaraderie.
Justin’s journey with Charter started back in 1996, when he was attending trade school. A mutual friend reconnected him with Richard Wilson, a childhood friend who already worked at Charter (and is now the President of the company).
“Richard didn’t overcomplicate it. He told me, ‘As long as you don’t mind working hard and getting dirty, you’ve got a job,’” Justin remembers. “Next thing I know, I’ve been here 29 years. In concrete years, that’s probably double! It’s stressful, but worth it, and you’re surrounded by incredible support.”
Building a Career—and a City—at Charter Construction
Justin started as a laborer, but that was just the beginning. He quickly moved into layout and later became a foreman. The time he spent in the field gave him the knowledge and experience he needed to transition into the estimating side of the business. Today, as a Senior Estimator, Justin works closely with General Contractors and Charter’s internal teams to kick off projects well before ground is ever broken.
One of the aspects Justin enjoys most about his current role is the unique vantage point it offers into the future of Nashville’s landscape. “Sometimes we’re looking at plans two or three years before anything is actually built. It’s fun to work on something before the public even knows it’s coming.”
Justin says his role behind the scenes gives him a unique perspective as the city continues to grow and evolve.
Over the years, Justin’s been involved in a lot of projects, but two stand out: Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and Geodis Park. The Children’s Hospital was a meaningful job during his time in the field—one that made a lasting impact on the community. Later, as an estimator, being part of the team behind Geodis Park, the home of Nashville’s first professional soccer team, was another proud moment. “Getting to work on something that brought another pro team to the city—it was pretty neat.”
Decades of Trust, Growth, and Belonging
Looking back on nearly 30 years with Charter, Justin says the people and the culture have made his work much more than a job. “Charter is a place where people genuinely care about you. I’ve worked under three different owners, and every one of them is someone I could call if I needed help.” That kind of support, along with deep relationships with coworkers he’s known for decades, has made Charter feel like home.
For anyone thinking about joining the team, Justin has some simple advice: “Charter expects you to work hard, but it comes back to you tenfold.” His career, starting as a laborer and growing into a senior estimator, is proof that opportunities are real if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Justin’s story is a reminder that at Charter Construction, hard work and dedication pay off. It’s not just about building concrete structures—it’s about building a legacy, one project and one relationship at a time.