FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE
Earl Webster III
Director of Business Development, Diamond Companies
““It's a rich man's war and a poor man's fight.” A quote that reflects Earl's perspective on power, sacrifice, and the realities faced by everyday people.”
About
Earl Webster III serves as Director of Business Development at Diamond Companies, specializing in commercial concrete, demolition, saw cutting, core drilling, infrastructure services, and flooring solutions, including epoxy, terrazzo, and polished concrete. With approximately 15 years of construction industry experience, Webster brings a unique combination of operational leadership, technical construction knowledge, and strategic business development expertise.
His professional journey began at Complete Weddings and Events, where he started as a DJ while attending Kansas State University. Through hard work and a strong ability to connect with people, he advanced to Operations Manager, overseeing a team of 32 DJs and staff while managing sales, staffing, contracts, customer relationships, and daily operations. The experience established a foundation in leadership, relationship management, and business development that continues to shape his approach today.
Webster later transitioned into commercial construction, spending more than a decade in the drywall industry and progressing from warehouse and field operations into estimating, senior estimating, and preconstruction management. During that time, he developed extensive experience in project pursuits, estimating, bid strategy, client relationships, and operational coordination across healthcare, government, aerospace, mission-critical, and specialty construction projects. He subsequently helped another construction firm grow its revenue from approximately $13 million to nearly $20 million before taking on his current role at Diamond Companies.
At Diamond Companies, Webster focuses on building lasting client relationships, identifying strategic opportunities, and driving sustainable business growth. His experience on both the estimating and preconstruction sides of construction gives him a practical understanding of the challenges contractors face in turning opportunities into successful projects. He believes effective business development goes beyond winning work; it requires understanding client needs, aligning the right resources, and delivering on commitments.
Webster is a member of the Associated General Contractors and CAHED, a Colorado healthcare organization, and participates in charitable events supporting local healthcare organizations. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Kansas State University with minors in Leadership and Economics, and holds an Executive Leadership Certification from the FMI Leadership Institute.
He credits much of his professional development to his natural ability to connect with people and the mentorship of Nick Hartline, president of ICI, who helped him develop the fundamentals of estimating and business development. Honesty and reliability remain central to Webster's professional philosophy. He places great value on keeping his word, honoring handshake agreements, and treating people with respect regardless of their position or title. One piece of advice that has stayed with him throughout his career is simple: “People are just people.” That philosophy guides his approach to challenging conversations, relationship-building, and leadership.
Looking ahead, Webster sees economic uncertainty and its influence on construction spending as significant industry challenges. At the same time, he views specialization as an important opportunity for contractors to differentiate themselves, develop deeper expertise, and deliver greater value to their clients. He believes long-term success comes from combining strong relationships, specialized knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to doing what you say you will do.
Key Areas Of Focus
- 01. Business Development
- 02. Sales Leader
- 03. Construction & Preconstruction
- 04. Strategic Pursuit
- 05. Client Relationships
- 06. Operations
IN HIS OWN WORDS
The Q and A
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01
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my personality, the relationships I’ve built throughout my career, and the mentors who have invested in my growth. One of the most influential has been Nick Hartline, president of ICI, who taught me the fundamentals of estimating and business development while helping me develop the confidence and skills to succeed. His mentorship had a lasting impact on my career. Ultimately, I believe my success comes from my ability to connect with people, build genuine relationships, earn trust, and approach every opportunity with a positive attitude. In construction, technical knowledge is important, but it’s the relationships you build and the way you treat people that make a lasting difference.
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02
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a company president who reminded me that “people are just people.” I’ve carried that perspective with me throughout my career, especially when navigating difficult conversations or challenging situations. Regardless of someone’s title or position, we all have our own experiences, pressures, and perspectives. Remembering that helps me approach people with humility, patience, and respect while keeping the focus on finding solutions. It’s a simple piece of advice, but it has had a lasting impact on how I build relationships, navigate challenges, and do business.
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03
What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?
My advice to young men entering the construction industry is to be willing to learn, work hard, and never underestimate the value of relationships. Technical skills and industry knowledge are important, but your reputation, integrity, and the way you treat people will ultimately define your career. Find mentors who challenge you, ask questions, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, understand that success isn't built overnight. Be consistent, keep your word, and treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position. The opportunities will come when people know they can trust you and count on you to deliver.
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04
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the construction industry right now is navigating global uncertainty and how it impacts construction spending, investment, and overall market confidence. These factors can make it difficult for companies to plan for the future and maintain consistent growth. At the same time, I see significant opportunities in specialization. Companies that develop expertise in specific markets or scopes of work can differentiate themselves, deliver greater value to clients, and establish themselves as trusted partners. I believe the companies that remain adaptable, invest in relationships, and focus on what they do best will be best positioned to navigate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.
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05
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and reliability are the values I consider most important in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being straightforward, keeping my word, and following through on my commitments. To me, a handshake and a person's word should still mean something. Trust is earned through consistency, integrity, and accountability, and I strive to bring those qualities to every relationship, whether in business or in my personal life. Ultimately, I believe how you treat people and whether they can count on you says more about your character than anything else.
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