Pannell Graham Construction enters a new chapter, ready to tackle the projects of the region with integrity, passion, and grit
It’s not an easy decision to bring on a partner when you’ve built something from the ground up, but at a certain point you have to know that, “you’re only as good as the team around you.”
According to Isaac Pannell, that’s why he was hesitant to bring on a partner. But not long ago, that all changed. It was early last year that Cole Graham joined Isaac at Pannell Construction, now known as Pannell-Graham Construction. You can see where this is going.
As Isaac mentioned, it’s hard to bring someone new into something you’ve built yourself. There are other factors to consider, he says. ”First, you need to get to the point where you know it’s the right thing to do. Then, of course, it’s important to find the right person; someone with the right knowledge, experience, and skill set. Then, most importantly you have to find someone you can trust.” And for Isaac, that person was Cole.
A New Partnership
Their relationship started back in the days when they were both doing multi-family work on the South Knoxville waterfront. “We were both in apartment complexes and townhomes,” says Cole, “and that’s where we discovered that we both had a proficiency in construction and construction management. We developed a friendship and realized we had common visions and common ethics.”
By now, Isaac has known Cole for several years and they’ve worked together. He also knew that Cole, having now been in construction for more than 20 years, had the skill set he was looking for. “I knew that my kind of skill set within the construction industry is more so on the business systems, employee development, those kind of things. And although I’m a licensed contractor and know construction, my passion is really the business development side. I knew I needed a partner who specifically had a passion and skills for construction—and had some level of experience with business ownership. Most importantly, I needed someone that I trusted. I knew Cole. I trusted Cole.”
Beyond that level of trust, the two men share a vision, another important consideration when choosing a business partner. As Cole describes it: “We both want to have a voice in the architectural design of the city and implement the designs of some of this city’s amazing architects. We also want to serve as partners to the people here in Knoxville who want to start a business, create something, and support their families and the community. Be a part of their story. That’s the part that makes this really exciting … to be a part of someone else’s story and to help them build something that also serves others.”
Isaac, of course, couldn’t agree more. “My mission has always been to cultivate vitality, creativity and sustainability among our associates, small businesses, community focused organizations, and underdeveloped communities. Now, with Cole as a partner, we can do that in an even bigger way.”
Making an Impact
While both Isaac and Cole want to build a company that brings value to their clients, they want to bring value to their employees and the community as well.
“We want to build a company,” says Cole, “that people will seek out, a company where people want to work.” To do that, they know they must create, and continue to lay the foundation for, “a really healthy and successful place for people that can have a real impact on the Knoxville community. So that as the company grows,” says Isaac, “we all rise together.”
Pannell Graham Construction
900 E. Hill Avenue, #140
Knoxville, TN 37915
865-333-9266
pannellconstruction.com
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