Published on: January 21, 2026
For Will Ivy, joining Charter Construction was a decision rooted in a search for more than just a job; it was about finding a company with a strong, people-first culture. And there’s no denying he’ll always remember the day he got the job offer to become Chief Financial Officer of Charter. It was 2019, and Will was in the hospital with his wife, preparing to welcome their youngest child into the world, when Charter President Turner Talley called with a job offer.
“Not many people can say they started a new role and welcomed a new baby on the same day,” Will says with a laugh. “It was definitely memorable, and a pretty great day all around.”
Will came to Charter with a clear vision of the kind of place he wanted to work. He wasn’t looking for a large, publicly traded company or one driven solely by private equity and profit margins. Instead, he sought a place that valued long-term relationships and employee development.
“I already knew the quality of the work,” Will explains. “But I also knew how much they invested in relationships with clients, partners, and employees. That’s not something you see everywhere.”
Growing with Charter in a Changing Industry
Will joined Charter during a critical transition period. Growth and development were a major priority, and a significant shift was underway as the company prepared for Turner Talley’s retirement. Turner was a key mentor for Will during this period, teaching him the ropes of the construction industry.
“Turner worked with me a lot during my first few years to teach me everything he knew, because I had no construction experience,” Will says. “He taught me: Here’s what our customers are looking for. Here are the things you need to be thinking about.”
Since then, both the company and Will’s role have evolved. With Turner’s retirement, Richard Wilson now leads the company with a vision focused on creating opportunities for the team as our industry evolves. Will sees his role as a chance to help navigate those changes without losing sight of Charter’s core values.
“Everybody on that team has done a really good job of taking the ball and running with it, and we’re learning and growing together,” Will says. “Our job as leaders is to balance innovation with stability. We want to stay ahead of the curve while also making sure our people and our processes remain grounded in what’s made us successful for decades.”
That search for balance applies to everything from financial planning to project execution. Whether it’s evaluating a new opportunity or finding ways to improve existing processes, Will approaches each decision with a focus on the long-term health of the company and its people.
There Aren’t Many Workplaces Like Charter
Will knew early on that Charter was the place for him. Within his first year, he realized he wanted to retire from the company. It was the intentionally built culture and long-term vision that sealed the deal, offering a stark contrast with his previous experiences.
“I really plan on retiring from Charter, and I still feel that way six years later. There aren’t many workplaces like Charter.”
The company’s support has extended beyond the workplace, profoundly impacting his family. A powerful example of this support came during a deeply personal tragedy. Will’s father passed away in September 2020. Despite only being at the company for a little over a year, Turner and Richard drove three and a half hours from Nashville to attend the funeral.
“Everything filters down from the leadership,” Will concludes. “To know that that’s what’s at the top, you can see it filtering down into every other aspect of the company. And I think that speaks volumes about what kind of company Charter is.”
At Charter, we’re grateful for Will’s steady leadership, financial expertise, and commitment to our values. His work behind the scenes plays a vital role in ensuring we can continue delivering exceptional results for our clients while fostering a workplace where employees can build lasting and meaningful careers.
