Building People First: How HPM’s Core Values Drive Preconstruction with Austin Neely
At HPM, people are at the center of everything we do. For Austin Neely, a key member of our Preconstruction team, that mindset fuels his work each day. As one of the first touchpoints on any project, Austin helps set the tone for success long before construction begins.
Living HPM’s Core Values in Preconstruction
As Austin explains, Preconstruction is where expectations are set, clarity is built, and trust begins.
“Working in Preconstruction, we’re usually first to touch a project, so our core values guide pretty much every takeoff I do and every budget I send an owner,” he shared. “I’m in the mindset that we’re setting the tone for the whole job.”
One value resonates especially strongly for him: relentless pursuit of improvement.
“Relentless pursuit of improvement is basically my job description,” Austin said. With every estimate, he looks for opportunities to learn from the last one — what details to refine, which trades to dive deeper into, and how to account for industry fluctuations. “Each task, budget, and assignment is an opportunity to gain experience and become a stronger asset to our Preconstruction Team.”
Leaders Who Invest in Growth
Austin’s growth has been shaped not only by his own drive, but by teammates who take the time to mentor and teach.
“With each estimate I work on, we do an internal review of my takeoff and pricing,” he explained. “Every review session is a chance for me to ask questions — why certain items cost what they do, or how different parts of the building process work, whether it’s laying brick, pouring concrete or hanging steel.”
He credits much of his development to the support of his team.
“I’m lucky to be on a team with many years collectively in the industry and experience in estimating,” Austin said.
Why HPM? The People Make the Difference
When asked what he loves most about working at HPM, Austin doesn’t hesitate.
“Certainly, the people,” he said. “Everyone’s priorities align with our core values, and it’s a pleasure to see and talk to everyone every day. I’m blessed and thankful to work at a place where I genuinely look forward to coming in. That’s just not the case everywhere.”
That positive culture is also why he’s choosing to build his long-term career here.
“HPM invests in growing its people,” Austin said. “I’m still early in my career, but I’m already being handed more responsibility, have consistent opportunities for training, and am mentored by sharp people. There’s a clear path to keep moving up and a lot of growth potential so it’s easy to see myself being here for the long haul.”
