Published on: January 21, 2026
At Charter Construction, we believe that success starts with getting the right people on the bus—those who align with Charter’s goals and are ready to grow. Skills can be taught, but a passion for collaboration and excellence must be inherent. Chris Henning, an estimator who joined Charter in 2020, is a perfect example of this principle in action.
Before joining Charter, Chris spent years working on the general contractor side of the industry. It was during this time that he first crossed paths with the Charter team. “I met Richard, Justin, and several others on a project in 2005,” Chris recalls. “I was always drawn to the people, the local, knowledgeable ownership, and the esprit de corps.”
When he reconnected with the team in early 2020, the timing felt right. “They asked if I’d be interested in joining the team as an estimator. I was flattered to get an offer,” Chris said. “The authenticity of the people made it easy to see it was a good fit.”
Learning the Ropes, Backed by Leadership
Switching from the GC side to the specialized world of concrete estimating was a steep learning curve, but Chris was met with incredible support from the top down. His training involved regular input from leadership and senior estimators.
“Turner Talley, Richard Wilson, Josh Crowell, and Justin Duke all taught me,” Chris shares. He jokes that his learning process was “a great, and ongoing, exercise in their patience.”
This dedication to mentorship is what sets Charter’s culture apart. Chris noted, “That’s one of the things that makes Charter really unique. There is expectation and effort to perform and succeed at the highest level, but support with kindness and patience.”
Balancing Independence and Collaboration
In his role as an estimator, Chris spends his days analyzing project plans, using software for calculations, and collaborating with leadership team members to review estimates. It’s a role that combines both technical precision and collaborative problem-solving—and that’s part of what he enjoys most.
“The work is always changing because every project is unique,” Chris said. “ I like that balance of independent work and collaboration—it keeps things interesting.”
That constant evolution is part of what keeps him motivated. “We all estimate every type of job, but over time, you start to develop a proficiency with certain kinds of projects,” he added.
A Culture of Camaraderie
For Chris, the best part of working at Charter remains the people—both internally and externally. He enjoys the camaraderie and the opportunity to “stay in touch with old friends from the GC world”—a testament to Charter’s reputation across the industry.
That sense of camaraderie, he says, is woven into the company’s culture. “There’s good teamwork throughout the company and a good vibe overall. Charter is the perfect size to really serve our clients and partners well.”
For any professional considering joining the team, Chris’s message is clear and compelling: “It’s a great place to be. Everyone here is pulling in the same direction. That makes all the difference.”
Chris Henning’s success at Charter, moving from a supportive GC partner to an integral part of the team, proves that when you get the right people on the bus and back them with patience and knowledge, great things happen.
