What makes a workplace truly exceptional? For Brett Ames, SEMA’s CEO and District President for the California, Rocky Mountain, Texas, and Mid-Atlantic offices, it starts with people. In a recent sit-down interview, Brett shared how SEMA’s culture continues to thrive across regions and generations. And that thriving culture isn’t just felt, it’s proven with national, award-winning recognition. This year SEMA was named a Top Workplace in the US by USA Today, Top Workplace in Colorado by The Denver Post, and Top Workplace for Culture: Purpose and Values, all through a company-wide survey conducted by Energage. These honors reflect more than external recognition, they affirm the values that shape the company every day. With five prior Top Workplace awards, SEMA’s legacy of putting people first continues to grow.
What Sets SEMA Apart?
When asked what truly sets SEMA apart, Brett didn’t hesitate, “Great projects start with great people,” he said. This is a long-held belief that has become a cornerstone of our identity. In an industry often plagued with high turnover, SEMA takes a different path, leading with relationships, longevity, and results. Brett spoke proudly about how SEMA has cultivated a workplace where diverse backgrounds and shared values unite to create not just quality work, but exceptional outcomes.
“SEMA encourages people to grow, thrive, and build legacies - not just careers,” Brett noted. That growth is fueled by a culture of ownership and autonomy, where team members are empowered to make informed, timely decisions backed by experience and trust. It’s an entrepreneurial spirit that runs throughout the company, supporting a dynamic, values-driven environment where excellence is the expectation and innovation is second nature. As Brett put it, “Our best work is still ahead of us.” And with that optimism in mind, SEMA continues to stand behind the promise of More to Look Forward To.
A Business Built to Thrive
When asked about the state of the business, Brett was clear, “SEMA is strong and thriving”. Over the past decade, SEMA has expanded into new geographic areas and embraced collaborative delivery methods such as Progressive Design-Build (PDB), Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR), Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), and Integrated Construction (IC). By doing so, SEMA has brought more value and innovation to project owners while remaining committed to the people and processes that define our success.
Reflecting on recent changes, Brett pointed to one of the most significant shifts: the rise of technology across the organization. “One of the most notable changes has been the maturation of technology within the company,” he explained. “By establishing an Innovation & Technology Department, SEMA now leverages real-time data to make better decisions. We’re able to provide a repertoire of knowledge-based experts who contribute early in the development of preconstruction and construction plans, both in traditional and progressive methodologies.” He added, “Maintaining high employee tenure and being recognized as a Top Workplace isn’t an accident. It’s the result of a people-first culture and a commitment to doing things the right way.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of SEMA
When asked about what the future holds for SEMA, Brett responded, “Our future is grounded in responsible and sustainable growth.” That growth, as Brett explained, will include continued work in current key markets such as Colorado, Texas, California, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina as well as expansive growth in other states throughout the country. “We’re focused on infrastructure resiliency and partnerships,” he shared, emphasizing SEMA’s dedication to tackling some of the most pressing needs in modern construction.
But growth for SEMA isn’t just about geography - it’s about our people. Brett was quick to highlight that the company’s top priority remains investing in the team. “Our greatest innovation isn’t just in technology,” he said. “It’s how we invest in our people. We cultivate opportunities that empower our people to grow with purpose, stretch their capabilities, and thrive in roles that bring out their best.”
As SEMA scales, the company is committed to ensuring that every team member finds purpose, mastery, and belonging. Brett described this as a deliberate strategy to maintain the company’s warmth and integrity while fostering leadership from within. “We want to grow responsibly while keeping SEMA a place where people feel connected, valued, and empowered.”
Looking ahead, SEMA is leaning into digital construction, sustainability, and smart risk management across all districts. “We’re not just building roads and bridges,” Brett concluded. “We’re building futures.”
Attracting and Retaining Talent
When the conversation turned to talent retention, Brett said, “What really keeps people at SEMA is our culture.” He elaborated, “We don’t just focus on recruiting great people - we invest in keeping them.” Brett explained that long-term commitment is rewarded with best-in-class compensation and retirement benefits, but that retention runs deeper than perks. He noted SEMA’s flexible time off policy and the company’s encouragement for employees to actually use it.
Equally important, Brett highlighted SEMA’s dedication to professional growth. “If our company is growing, our people should be growing too.” That belief is reflected in how SEMA evaluates performance, focusing on goals, alignment, and long-term potential just as much as productivity. “We support the whole person,” Brett added, “not just the job title they hold today.”
As the labor market continues to evolve, Brett acknowledged the importance of staying proactive. “We know this space is always shifting,” he said. “That’s why we’re committed to continually reviewing and improving how we support our team. If we want to bring in the best, we have to be the best for the people who choose to build their future with us.”
The Future of Construction
As he considered the future of the construction industry, Brett offered a confident outlook. “The industry is on the cusp of real transformation,” he said. He pointed to a growing demand for sustainable infrastructure, innovative delivery models, and digitally connected field operations as indicators of where things are headed. “Our customers are expecting faster delivery with greater transparency. That means we, as contractors, have to evolve or risk falling behind.”
Brett emphasized that SEMA is not only ready for these changes but built to thrive in them. “We’re going to see more collaborative partnerships, a stronger focus on carbon footprint, and greater reliance on technology-driven efficiency,” he explained. “But through all of that, we won’t lose what matters most, which is the hands-on, boots-on-the-ground leadership that makes or breaks a project.”
He also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, especially in the labor market. “We’ll continue to face headwinds as the economy shifts in response to broader national and international forces,” Brett said. “But at SEMA, we’ve always believed that tough labor markets create better opportunities to get creative and prove who we really are.” He circled back to the company’s core values, Hungry, Humble, Tough, and Smart, and noted that they’re more than just words, “That’s when our values matter most. Hungry means we bring energy and drive - we work hard because we want to. Humble means we put the team first, treat everyone with respect, and let our work speak for itself. Tough means we don’t quit when things get hard, we always push through. And Smart means we plan ahead, keep things simple, and always look for better ways to do the job. These values aren’t just words, they’re how we live, how we lead, and how we deliver.”
SEMA placed 43rd in the top 150 national employers that won a 2025 Top Workplace Award. SEMA's 2025 awards include:
- USA TODAY Top Workplace Award
- Denver Post's Colorado Top Workplace Award
- Top Workplace Culture Excellence Award in the Purpose & Values category
Learn more by reading about the 150 winners of the Top Workplace 2025 Award and the best midsize Colorado companies to work for.