Relationships

At Chesapeake Contracting Group, Relationships are more than a core value—they are the lifeblood of our success, shaping how we connect with clients, partners, and one another. Our vision—to be the top choice builder in every market we pursue while enriching the lives of our associates—comes to life through the power of relationships built and nurtured across every level of our organization. 

This month, we spotlight individuals and teams who demonstrate the importance of building strong relationships and how it drives success at Chesapeake.  

Gabby Denford, People & Talent Manager, exemplifies our core value of Relationships by being the face of Chesapeake for many new hires. As the People and Talent Manager, Gabby ensures that every candidate’s first interaction with Chesapeake is a meaningful one. Her efforts go beyond conducting interviews and coordinating hiring; Gabby also actively participates in multiple committees aimed at fostering inclusivity and professional growth within the company. “From the first interview through the entire lifecycle of employment, Gabby is relentless in fostering relationships—both internally and externally,” states Jessica Magin, HR Director. She plays a pivotal role in connecting exceptional talent with opportunities at Chesapeake, creating the foundation for relationships that strengthen our team and our culture. 

The automotive team showcases how fostering relationships with clients creates opportunities for growth. We have developed lasting connections with dealership owners, which not only drive repeat business but also open new doors for Chesapeake. It’s through these relationships that Chesapeake secured its first project in Richmond, Virginia — a significant milestone for the company. Syd Syed, Project Executive, has been building car dealerships for decades. Chesapeake Vice President, Newell Cox explains Syd’s impact: “Syd has been the cornerstone of Chesapeake’s automotive market sector for over 20 years, exemplifying diligence, proactivity, transparency, and honesty. His deep industry expertise allows him to guide clients in making the best decisions for their dealerships, while his commitment to relationships—both with clients and within our company—has left an indelible mark. Syd’s dedication to mentoring and training associates has strengthened our team and fostered a culture of excellence.” Our team’s ability to understand client needs and deliver exceptional results has solidified our reputation in the automotive sector, ensuring that Chesapeake remains a trusted partner for dealership owners. 

In the field, our Superintendents embody the spirit of relationships every day. They are the bridge between Chesapeake and our trade partners, clients, and associates who bring projects to life. Their ability to foster trust, maintain open communication, and cultivate collaboration ensures that projects stay on track and succeed. The relationships they build with subcontractors and clients are instrumental in overcoming challenges, solving problems, and delivering high-quality results. 

At Chesapeake, relationships are more than connections—they are the driving force behind our achievements. From Gabby’s dedication to welcoming new talent, to our Automotive team’s leadership in strengthening client partnerships, to the unwavering commitment of our superintendents in the field, we are reminded that it is the people behind the relationships who make all the difference.