Leadership is often associated with strength, confidence, and vision. While these qualities are undoubtedly essential, humility is one of the most underrated yet powerful traits a leader can possess. Eddie Stewart, the recently retired CEO of Caddell Construction, exemplifies this type of leadership—one that prioritizes people, fosters collaboration, and builds a strong, enduring legacy.
A Conversation Over Breakfast
I had the privilege of sitting down for breakfast with Eddie Stewart. What started as a great conversation about leadership led us to schedule a time later when I could interview him and record his thoughts on the subject. With him retiring from his role as CEO of Caddell and myself in only my sixth year of leading this company, I wanted to hear from and learn from him. His experience, wisdom, and leadership journey are invaluable, and I was eager to gain insights that could help shape my path.
Beyond our conversation, I also love seeing Eddie at church each week. He faithfully greets everyone entering the section where my family sits at First Baptist Montgomery, always offering a warm smile and a kind word. His servant-hearted nature extends far beyond the business world, making a lasting impact on those around him.
Humility as a Leadership Superpower
Authentic leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. Instead, it’s about recognizing the value of the team and empowering those around you. Stewart credits much of his leadership philosophy to his mentor, John Caddell, who believed in surrounding himself with good people and letting them do their jobs. Micromanagement wasn’t part of the equation—trust and delegation were.
As Stewart explained, leaders must be willing to listen, learn, and admit when they don’t have all the answers. A leader’s job isn’t to be the most intelligent person in the room but to create an environment where bright, capable people can thrive.
Putting People First: The Caddell Way
Eddie explained how Caddell Construction’s culture—known internally as The Caddell Way—is built on the principle that people matter. From the beginning, John Caddell emphasized taking care of employees and ensuring they felt valued. This philosophy didn’t just make for a happier workforce; it became a competitive advantage. When people feel valued, they are more engaged, committed, and willing to go the extra mile.
This culture of care extended beyond the workplace. Stewart shared how Caddell leaders would step in to support employees facing personal challenges, reinforcing that leadership isn’t just about business metrics—it’s about building a community of trust and support.
Applying These Principles at Dogwood
Hearing Eddie talk about leadership resonated deeply with me because, at Dogwood, our leadership style is a big part of our culture. We are people-first all the way. Just as Caddell has built a company prioritizing trust, support, and empowerment, I strive to do the same at Dogwood.
Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about setting a tone, creating an environment where people feel valued, and fostering a team that believes in the mission. I’ve always thought that when you put people first, success follows. By caring for my team, empowering them to do what they do best, and giving them the freedom to grow, we create a culture where innovation and collaboration thrive.
My conversation with Eddie reinforced my belief that humility, trust, and servant leadership are critical in building not just a successful business but also a strong and committed team. At Dogwood, we aren’t just about doing great work—we’re about building relationships, investing in people, and ensuring that every member of our team feels supported and valued.
The Balance of Strength and Servanthood
It’s easy to assume that humility in leadership means weakness. However, Stewart’s approach demonstrates that humility and strength are not mutually exclusive. A humble leader doesn’t shy away from making tough decisions; they simply make those decisions with the well-being of their people in mind.
Stewart believes that leading with humility allows leaders to build stronger relationships with their teams. Employees respect an approachable leader who listens and values their contributions. This creates a cycle of trust and mutual respect that strengthens the organization.
The Role of Faith and Integrity in Leadership
For Stewart, faith played a significant role in his leadership journey. He firmly believes leadership is not about personal gain but serving others. His humility is deeply rooted in his values, and he consistently demonstrated that authentic leadership means putting others before oneself.
In an era when many leaders focus on personal success, Stewart’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that the most impactful leaders are those who build others up. Leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight—it’s about creating an environment where others can succeed.
A Legacy of People-First Leadership
As Stewart wraps up his role at Caddell, his leadership style leaves an enduring mark. His legacy isn’t just in the projects completed or the revenue generated—it’s in the people he mentored, the culture he reinforced, and the values he upheld.
The lesson for all leaders is clear: Success isn’t just about business growth. It’s about how you treat people along the way. A leader who puts people first fosters loyalty, innovation, and long-term success. Whether leading a construction company, a small business, or a team of any size, adopting a humble, people-centered leadership style is a strategy that never fails.
Final Thoughts
Leadership, at its core, is about service. The best leaders understand that their role is not to command but to guide, not dictate, but to inspire. By embracing humility and putting people first, leaders can create workplaces where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to do their best work.
Eddie Stewart’s career proves leadership isn’t about ego—it’s about impact. And the most significant impact comes when leaders put their people first.
As I continue leading Dogwood, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that our people-first philosophy remains the heart of everything we do. Leadership is a journey, and I’m grateful to learn from those who have walked before me while striving to build a culture where people are genuinely valued.
