When a company’s foundation is laid on values rather than slogans, the results ripple far beyond profit margins. Butler-Cohen, a fast-growing construction and design-build firm headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a testament to that philosophy. Founded on honesty, integrity, and safety, the firm has grown into a trusted leader across the state while maintaining a people-first culture that empowers its workforce and delivers exceptional outcomes for clients.
Butler-Cohen’s HR leadership plays a central role in embedding these values at every level. From employee recognition programs to safety initiatives and future-ready workforce strategies, the company is redefining what it means to blend operational excellence with a culture of care.
Founding Values: Honesty, Integrity, and Safety
For Butler-Cohen, its founding values are more than a mission statement; they are the framework behind every decision.
- Honesty translates to transparent communication with employees.
- Integrity ensures fairness in policies, career growth, and opportunity.
- Safety is both physical and psychological, protecting employees on and off job sites.
These principles, established by founders Sean Butler and Eric Cohen, remain the compass for the company’s rapid expansion. “HR cannot transform without CEOs who strive to be exceptional and customer-centric both internally and externally,” notes Ruthie Lee Esene, the Director of Human Resources at Butler-Cohen.
Empowerment Through Recognition
One of the cornerstones of Butler-Cohen’s culture is its Empowerment Program, which spotlights field staff who demonstrate excellence in safety and teamwork. By publicly recognizing these contributions, the company raises morale, motivates high performance, and reinforces accountability.
Recognition at Butler-Cohen goes further through the “You Make Me Better” initiative, a monthly program that celebrates unsung heroes and strengthens collaboration across departments. The goal is simple: ensure every employee feels seen, valued, and motivated to keep contributing at their best…