S4 E5: Building a Foundation of Trust: How Northern Builders is Expanding the Trades and Workforce Growth

Ann Donnelly on June 10, 2026

Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests: Mark Stewart & Nic Denno, Co-Founders of Northern Builders

Episode Overview

What happens when you combine the discipline, leadership, and community-first mindset of law enforcement with a passion for high-quality craftsmanship? You get Northern Builders.

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with co-founders Mark Stewart and Nic Denno. After merging their independent contracting companies in 2020, Mark and Nic have scaled Northern Builders into a regional powerhouse. They pull back the curtain on how their background in public service forged an unbreakable business partnership, how they are actively combating the skilled-trades workforce shortage, and what it takes to manage sustainable business growth in Upstate New York.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a tradesperson looking to scale, or a business leader interested in community-driven growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leadership, partnership, and grit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Power of Aligned Partnerships: Mark and Nic discuss how their shared background in law enforcement laid the foundation for mutual trust, clear communication, and problem-solving that streamlined their 2020 business merger.
  • Revitalizing the Skilled Trades: A deep dive into how Northern Builders is actively addressing the modern workforce crisis by investing in the next generation of tradespeople.
  • Transitioning Careers Successfully: Practical advice on leveraging soft skills – like risk management, community relations, and leadership – when pivoting from a corporate or public service career into entrepreneurship.
  • Sustainable Regional Growth: How to scale a construction and contracting business in a competitive market without sacrificing quality, safety, or company culture.
  • Community-Centric Business: Why staying rooted in local workforce development isn’t just good ethics – it’s a core growth strategy for modern businesses.

Memorable Quotes

“Our experience in law enforcement taught us how to handle pressure and communicate effectively. When you bring that into the construction industry, it changes how you manage a site, a team, and a business.”

— Mark Stewart

“Building success isn’t just about the projects we complete; it’s about the workforce we build up and leave behind for the community.”

— Nic Denno

More Information

More about Northern Builders:

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More from the North Country Media Network:

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