Carter, Construction, and the Human Spirit of Building

There have been better Presidents.

But there hasn't been a better former President for construction.

When people think of Jimmy Carter, they often picture the one term 39th President of the United States crushed in a landslide by Ronald Reagan in 1980.

That was comprehensive beating. An epic smackdown.

But that was also a really good thing! For Carter. And for the construction industry.

Because that humiliating loss in 1980 set Carter on a construction path like none other.

In a way, he also reconstructed his own legacy.

One of Carter's most enduring contributions to society lies in his work within the construction industry through his 40-year dedication to Habitat for Humanity.

I find it all the more fascinating because Carter’s efforts in construction weren’t about highrises or mega-projects, but about something far more foundational: building homes, hope, and communities.

In 1984, he and his wife Rosalyn partnered with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building affordable housing for families in need.

Carter didn’t just lend his name to the cause; he rolled up his sleeves, swung hammers, and worked side by side with volunteers and future homeowners.

His hands-on approach and leadership in affordable housing offer valuable lessons for anyone in the construction industry.

To date, the Carter Work Project - an annual event he and Rosalynn spearheaded - has mobilized thousands of volunteers worldwide to build or repair over 4,000 homes.

Even into his 90s, Carter was out there on job sites, hammer in hand, proving that age is no barrier to contributing.

And while Carter’s involvement with Habitat for Humanity wasn’t about commercial construction, it did highlight key issues and opportunities within the broader industry.

Carter brought national and global attention to the urgent need for affordable housing.

He demonstrated that sustainable and cost-effective construction practices could provide dignified homes for those in need.

This focus on housing affordability resonates with today’s need for construction firms to find professionals who align with values such as community impact and sustainability.

I also think it's very interesting that the Carter Work Project relied on volunteers, many of whom gained hands-on experience and skills.

And it’s also a reminder that recruitment strategies should look beyond traditional channels to include training and development. By investing in apprenticeship programs or retraining workers, companies can create a much stronger talent pipeline.

Habitat for Humanity’s focus on simple, decent housing pushed the construction industry to rethink what "quality" means. It doesn’t always equate to luxury; sometimes, it’s about functionality and meeting basic human needs.

Carter didn’t just talk about change; he actively participated in it. Construction leaders can take a page from his book by being present and engaged on job sites, inspiring their teams through action.

Furthermore, Carter’s work reminds me that construction is ultimately about people.

Similarly, recruitment is about building teams that can bring projects to life. Understanding what kind of talent will best fit your team or project is as critical as knowing the specs of the plan.

As the construction industry continues to face challenges such as labor shortages, sustainability demands, and housing affordability, Carter’s approach offers a blueprint for progress.

Imagine if every construction professional embraced his ethos of service, simplicity, and sustainability!

In a 2018 interview, Carter said, “Habitat is not a charity - it’s a partnership.” That partnership mentality is something the construction industry must adopt, building not just structures but also trust, relationships, and communities.

Jimmy Carter’s contributions to construction were certainly not about groundbreaking designs or billion-dollar projects, but about something much deeper: the human spirit of building. He showed that construction could be a force for good, a way to uplift communities and create lasting change.

It is my contention that Carter’s legacy challenges us to think beyond profit margins and timelines and to focus on what truly matters: the lives touched by every nail, beam, and foundation we lay. And that’s a blueprint worth following.

RIP, Mr. President.

Photo credit: Habitat for Humanity