In a celebration of visionary leadership, nonprofit work, and remarkable business acumen, Stacey Morrison — CEO and owner of Ganneston Construction – has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Vistage Impact Award. This recognition not only highlights Morrison’s exceptional achievements but also underscores the innovative strides made by Ganneston Construction in Maine’s construction industry.
The Vistage Impact Award: A Mark of Excellence
The Vistage Impact Award is more than just a recognition of past achievements; it’s a celebration of leaders who drive significant positive change within their organizations and communities. Morrison’s win places her among an elite group of business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional ability to implement new ideas, overcome challenges, and inspire their teams to reach new heights.
Click here to watch Stacey’s Vistage Impact Award video.
Breaking Barriers and Setting New Standards
Stacey Morrison’s journey is one of pioneering spirit and relentless dedication. As the first woman-owned general contractor for building construction in Maine, Morrison has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for greater diversity in the industry. Today, she stands as one of only three female general contractors among 230 in the state, a testament to her resilience and leadership.
“It’s an honor to receive the 2024 Vistage Impact Award,” Morrison stated, reflecting on this milestone achievement. “As CEO and owner of Ganneston Construction, this recognition reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation in the construction industry.”
Ganneston Construction: Building More Than Structures
Here at Ganneston Construction, we’ve worked to establish ourselves as a cornerstone in Maine’s construction landscape. As a full-service general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder, we specialize in new construction, renovation, and historical renovation projects for both private and public clients across the state.
Under Morrison’s leadership, Ganneston Construction has achieved remarkable growth:
- Doubled revenue
- Increased sales by 54%
- Boosted profits by an astounding 265% in just one year
These figures are a direct result of Morrison’s strategic approach to business management and her ability to narrow the company’s focus for maximum impact.
Innovative Approaches to Industry Challenges
Morrison’s success extends beyond financial metrics. Her forward-thinking strategies have addressed some of the most pressing issues in the construction industry, particularly in talent management:
- Leveraging Experienced Talent. Ganneston has capitalized on hiring project managers nearing retirement or coming out of retirement, tapping into a wealth of experience often overlooked by other employers.
- Flexible Work Arrangements. The company has implemented innovative retention strategies, offering retiring project managers consulting or part-time positions. This approach allows Ganneston to retain valuable expertise and facilitate mentorship for younger employees.
- Apprenticeship Program. In partnership with the State of Maine and Associated Builder’s and Contractors of Maine, the company developed a two-year apprenticeship program, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of construction professionals.
Vistage New England Executive Summit: A Gathering of Business Excellence
The 2024 Vistage Impact Award presented to Stacey Morrison was part of a larger, significant event in the business community – the New England Executive Summit. This summit served as a nexus for business leaders from across the region, offering a unique platform for networking, learning, and growth.
Key Highlights of the Summit
- Expert Insights. Industry experts shared valuable knowledge, providing attendees with cutting-edge strategies and perspectives. Notable quotes include:
- Paul Brahim, CFP®, CEPA® from Wealth Enhancement Group: “The king of owner metrics is valuation, yet only 2% of owners know what their business is worth. Exit planning is beginning with the end in mind.”
- Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA from ITR Economics: “Different sectors are in different phases of the business cycle, know where your business is and more importantly where it’s going by identifying a leading indicator that correlates to your business.”
- Networking Opportunities. The summit facilitated connections among Vistage members, fostering an environment where ideas and strategies could be freely exchanged.
2024 Vistage Member Excellence Awards
Stacey Morrison’s Impact Award was part of a broader recognition of excellence within the Vistage community. Other distinguished winners included:
- Molly K.: Vistage Lifetime Achievement Award
- Brian Casey: Vistage Leadership Award
- Bill Douglas: Vistage Legacy Award
These awards collectively represent the pinnacle of business leadership and innovation within the Vistage network, with each recipient demonstrating exceptional skills in their respective areas.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Stacey Morrison emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of evolving workforce trends. She poses a thought-provoking question to fellow business leaders: “Are ghosting and silent quitting here to stay?”
This reflection highlights her proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges in employee engagement and retention. And it’s something she — as well as the rest of leadership at Ganneston — are working to address and adapt to throughout the coming years.
Continuing To Grow
Stacey Morrison’s receipt of the 2024 Vistage Impact Award is not just a personal accolade but a reflection of Ganneston Construction’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and positive industry impact. As Morrison continues to lead with vision and determination, Ganneston Construction is poised to remain at the forefront of Maine’s construction industry, setting new standards for quality, diversity, and strategic growth.
In an industry often characterized by tradition, Stacey Morrison and Ganneston Construction prove that embracing change while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence are the true foundations of lasting success.
