welder

construction project manager

senior estimator

project manager

project engineer

Gray Construction

During my time at this company, I felt that management was overly focused on maintaining a certain image, often at the expense of its employees’ well-being. Despite working in an open office environment, I experienced a sense of isolation that made it one of the loneliest jobs I've ever had. Although I felt that I had a lot to contribute, no one ever checked in on me, and I often felt disconnected from my team. While some departments may have been more inclusive, mine felt like a “boys’ club,” where fitting in was almost a prerequisite for success.

The company's emphasis on its image sometimes overshadowed the importance of fostering a supportive, collaborative, and diverse work culture. Diversity was lacking, and it often felt like voices that didn't conform to the status quo were overlooked.

Additionally, there is a strong culture of pride around how "hard" everyone works, but this can make it difficult to address any challenges or concerns without feeling like you are undermining the company’s perceived importance. 

My departure was a bit abrupt and impersonal. On my last day, I was locked out of the system so quickly that I couldn’t even submit my final pay. It took multiple follow-ups before I finally received my paycheck. 

Overall, I think the company’s approach to its employees could use some improvement. You’re often made to feel like just another replaceable cog in the machine, despite the company’s narrative about being a "family." If you decide to work here, just be aware that it's easy to feel disconnected and undervalued, especially if you don’t fit into the existing culture.

Typical day starts at 6:00am and lasts till 6:30pm. Responsible for all aspects of our contractors duties, from foundation to finish product. Procure materials and evaluate specs. Currently responsible for construction of a multi million dollar Amazon distribution facility in Birmingham, Al.

Very demanding job, but I really enjoy being involved in every aspect of the construction process. I learn something new every day and have been able to work with a tremendous team, who are willing to share their knowledge, From upper management to contractors, they support me and value my commitment to Gray.

The hardest part of my job is having to leave projects undone. I want to see completion. Also the hours required daily leaves little time for myself. Not having a place I can call home, where I can get rooted and grounded in the community. I Love my Family, I am an avid sportsman, musician and have been a personal trainer, Fitness is a passion for me, but I do not have the time I would like to enjoy this part of my life.

The company is acquiring smaller companies (and their employees) and is going through growing pains. One of their core values is "we treat people like we want to be treated" but that is being lost. Site Safety Technicians are placed on sites and don't get a chance in many cases to have a mentor to help them learn "The Gray Way". Site management (including Safety) at some of the work sites, even though they are relatively young, still have the "My way or the highway" in dealing with subcontractors. Upper management, i.e. home offices, regional managers, etc., are more reactive than proactive. It is a good company, but one does get treated better if they follow the company line. They are hesitant to accept that, because something is done another way than Gray's, it doesn't mean that way is wrong. There is a place for field experienced individuals but degrees seem to be favored, then they can be trained in the field.

I couldn't be happier working at Gray Construction.  We were recently named a Top 10 Company to work for in the state of Kentucky.  The culture is unmatched in my eyes as we are a family oriented company even as we have surpassed 1000 employees recently.  We hold our core values true to our hearts of safety and quality of life first, we are a customer and relationship drive company and we treat others the way we want to be treated.  You can't ask for better core values than that.

Pay is competitive, benefits are excellent and they are constantly trying to improve the employee experience.  

If you are looking for a collaborative environment where you are not micromanaged, yet have the support of management at all times, then I highly recommend looking at Gray as the next step in your career.

Daily routines included daily data entry of contractors daily completed work duties, safety records, managing subcontractor of various trades keeping up with work schedule and quality of work. Attending meeting and conduction meetings and safety training. I learned how to time managed, work under pressure, work well with others and deal with customer demands to work on my own problem solving and to be self efficient and to lead.  Co workers are all on a professional level great communication and work and put in a team effort.  Hardest part of the job was the travel being away from home for long periods of time.  Most enjoyable was meeting new people seeing new places and lastly getting the job done on time and correctly without any body getting hurt.

Gray was a great place to work on the surface.  The company appeared to be a very family oriented workplace and the majority of the employees seem very happy.  However, any training received were minimal but you are expected to know the Gray Way almost immediately.

The most enjoyable part of the job was most of the people I worked with and the focus on good health.

The least enjoyable part of the job was that there was little training given regarding the systems and not being provided the correct programs to do what was expected of me but never expressed to me.  However the longer I was there, the more I learned on my own and thought that I was doing what was wanted of me but never received any feedback until the day I was let go with no warning whatsoever.

When you are assimilated or amenable to the "Gray Way" it goes easier. The quicker you learn it, the greater your experience will be.

The sense of community and family atmosphere grows as you understand how things are done in the company.  

Rotation, while a great benefit is not guaranteed and can be  suspended to meet the company needs. 

Training, while offered and provided is subject to approval and must meet the authorized criteria. 
In-House training was very enlightening in the "Gray Way" and professional.

The data center project in Sparks, NV is a very poorly run project. I don't know if all other Gray projects are like this one, but I would suggest staying away from this project at all costs. This is Gray's biggest project yet, and it is so poorly run I would not be surprised if they lost the entire data center market because of it. Mismanagement, nepotism, and incompetence all lead to extremely high employee turnover. A year into the project, Gray still hasn't sorted out basic processes such as submittals, RFIs and change orders. Upper management is only just starting to realize that improvements could be made, but continues to shoot themselves in the foot with incredibly poor decision making.

The company has the potential to be a great place to work, the only issue i had with them is this, when site managers run a project, they get to have their spouses hire on. Sometimes those spouses act like they are your boss when all they really are is an admin who is married to the site leader. I had a very bad experience on a site where the spouse of a site leader was going into my office and would report to my boss simple things like i had papers on my desk i had not filed away just yet, it made a miserable experience for me since i had no recourse for this behavior and entitlement the spouse felt they had over me. Like i said, it could be a good company to work for if roles were laid out clearly...

Chaos not a structured environment and a lot of turn over.  The on boarding is the worse I have experienced.  No leadership and no communication between departments or senior leadership.  Company has no direction and does not follow its values.  If your not part of the crew and involved in the secret meetings that go on between old cliques you will never go anywhere within the company.  The most enjoyable are the customers/projects and those employees who are willing to break those barriers.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Welder 52 salaries reported	$26.42 per hour
Construction project manager 4 salaries reported	$32.08 per hour
Senior estimator 45 salaries reported	$85,974 per year
Project manager 23 salaries reported	$109,134 per year
Project engineer 9 salaries reported	$77,950 per year

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