Finding meaningful ways to connect the field and the office can be a challenge for any construction company. At The Bartley Corporation, a simple idea turned into a powerful program that does just that, while also celebrating craftsmanship, engaging customers and showcasing the pride crews take in their work.

The company’s Pic of the Month program began as a way to bring teams closer together and highlight the quality work happening across jobsites. Conceived by Andy Bartley, the idea was rooted in a desire to create better visibility between the field and office, while giving crews a platform to show off the work they were most proud of.

To make participation easy, Bartley leveraged Slack, a platform for team communication, to encourage field team members to submit jobsite photos. Early on, several project managers jumped at the opportunity, eager to highlight clean jobsites, well-executed details and standout moments from active projects. What started as informal photo sharing quickly evolved into something more structured as conversations grew around how jobs were executed and what made certain projects stand out.

Before long, the idea became a formal photo of the month contest. Photos were shared internally and then used as part of Bartley’s marketing efforts with customers. The program gained momentum as employees in the field began asking about projects, sharing insights into how specific aspects of the work were completed and taking greater ownership in documenting their craftsmanship.

The response was immediate and enthusiastic. Field team members enjoyed submitting photos and seeing their work recognized, while customers appreciated having their projects highlighted. Each month, winners were selected and prizes were awarded, reinforcing the idea that quality work and attention to detail do not go unnoticed.

Social media became a natural extension of the program. Each winning photo is shared publicly, highlighting the project, customer and location, with voting often taking place on social platforms. These posts not only celebrate the crews behind the work but also give customers and partners a behind-the-scenes look at the Bartley Corporation’s capabilities.

One standout example included a commercial self-storage project in Washington, D.C., where crews were pouring a slab for a metal deck. Photos from the jobsite caught the attention of a superintendent, sparking internal conversations and reinforcing confidence in the team’s execution. Moments like these underscore the broader impact of the program. What begins as a photo often leads to deeper engagement and awareness across the company.

Beyond recognition, the program has become a tool for connection. Employees across departments are more engaged, customers gain insight into Bartley’s services, and crews feel a sense of pride seeing their work shared publicly. It reinforces the idea of ownership, being able to say “That’s my job!” and reminds everyone involved why the work matters.

At the end of each year, customers select a Photo of the Year from the monthly winners, highlighting a project that truly stands out. Looking back at the collection of images serves as a reminder of the diverse, unique and impressive projects Bartley has had the privilege to be part of and creates excitement for what lies ahead.

Programs like the Bartley Corporation’s Pic of the Month reflect something bigger within the foundation industry: the importance of recognizing quality work and celebrating the crews behind it. That same spirit is embodied in CFA’s annual Projects of the Year contest. Open to all CFA members, the program provides an opportunity to submit standout projects for peer review and industry recognition. Earning the title of a CFA Project of the Year not only highlights technical excellence and craftsmanship but also showcases the innovation and professionalism that define today’s foundation contractors. Just as Bartley’s photos capture moments of pride in action, the CFA Projects of the Year contest offers members a platform to share their best work with the broader industry.

If you are interested in submitting a project for Project of the Year, visit CFA’s website at cfaconcretepros.org/associationawards or scan the QR code below.

Do you have photos of exceptional work or aspects of your business “caught in action” you would like to nominate? Send them directly to CFA Membership Director, Trenton Baty, at trenton.baty@cfaconcretepros.org.