For Steele Clifton, the construction industry is in his blood. Growing up around family-run construction businesses, Steele was surrounded by hard work and collaboration from an early age.
“I always had a feeling I’d stay in this industry,” Steele says. “It’s what I knew growing up, and the more I’ve learned, the more I’ve wanted to stay and grow.”
That foundation led him to pursue a degree in civil engineering from Tennessee Tech and ultimately build his career at Charter, where those same values of integrity and teamwork continue to shape his path.
From a Phone Call to a Career
Steele’s journey with Charter began while he was still in college.
“My high school drafting teacher called me out of the blue and told me to call this number and speak to Richard Wilson about a job,” he recalls.
That phone call turned out to be a pivotal moment. Steele joined Charter in 2017, while still working toward his degree, and he quickly became a key figure in laying the foundation for the company’s Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) department.
He was Charter’s first full-time detailer, helping launch what would become a vital arm of the company’s project planning and execution process.
“We’ve grown the VDC department to five people now,” Steele explains. “I’ve been here since the beginning, and I’ve been lucky to build the department alongside a great team.”
Leading with Curiosity and Precision
As VDC manager, Steele leads a team that crafts detailed 3-D concrete models from project design documents. The team’s primary focus is to ensure that what is drawn on paper translates perfectly into what is built on-site.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between the design team and what is being installed in the field,” he says. “We want to answer as many questions as possible before the work reaches our guys in the field so they can operate as efficiently as possible.”
In his role, Steele assigns projects, helps his team with technical questions, and constantly expands his own knowledge, especially around formwork layout and design.
“Being able to see the job in 3-D enables project managers to identify issues before they hit the field,” he explains. “We’re constantly comparing structural and architectural drawings to catch discrepancies and eliminate uncertainty for our crews.”
Among the many projects Steele has tackled, Geodis Park stands out as a pivotal moment.
“It was a game-changer for me,” he shares. “The general contractor required a lot more detail and coordination with other trades. We had to revamp our workflows and push ourselves to learn new tools and processes.”
The lessons learned there were invaluable.
“What I learned there, I’ve applied to other jobs—especially Peabody Union, which is probably my favorite project so far.”
Mentorship, Management, and a Culture of Growth
Though he didn’t originally envision himself in a leadership position, Steele now thrives as a manager, thanks in part to the mentorship he’s received at Charter.
“I never saw myself in a management role, but I’m here now, learning from great mentors and striving to give my best to the team,” he says.
He credits Drew Hauser, his direct supervisor, for constantly offering support and teaching him how to lead well. Charter’s culture has played a significant role in Steele’s development as a manager and as a person.
“Charter is a place that will look out for you if you look out for the company,” he shares. “From being flexible with my schedule through school to the ‘family first’ mentality, Charter wants to make sure you’re taken care of.”
That sense of support and camaraderie is something Steele values deeply.
“I feel like everyone is friends around here. When family issues come up, you’re able to take care of what matters most. That’s the same kind of environment I grew up in.”
Looking Back—and Ahead
Reflecting on the key moments of his time at Charter—from projects like Broadwest and 13th & Demonbreun to watching the VDC department grow—Steele is proud of how far he’s come.
“Making it to the end of big projects is an accomplishment every time,” he says.
But even more rewarding is the chance to keep learning, growing, and helping others do the same.
“If someone is considering joining Charter, I’d tell them it’s a great place—the sky’s the limit here,” he says.
Steele’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when good people bring a humble posture and a desire to grow into their work. At Charter, that mindset doesn’t just lead to individual success; it also builds stronger teams, better projects, and a company culture where everyone can thrive.