Glenn Evans

The Power of Mental Fitness

Building Strong Foundations: A Proactive Approach to Mental Health in Construction

The building industry is no stranger to challenges—but some of the toughest ones happen beneath the surface. Research shows that 83% of employees experience moderate to severe mental health challenges, often tied to early trauma and undiagnosed PTSD. Today, psychological health is the leading cause of workplace disability and suicide rates in the industry. Yet, with the right tools and support, we can turn these stats around and create workplaces where everyone thrives.

Being tough is not enough

By all measures, Glenn was a shining example of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.” Glenn pulled himself up out of poverty, building a 30-year career in the HVAC industry, achieving leadership roles in sales, business development, and community-focused positions.

But outward success came at the expense of his own well-being. While he appeared to be a model employee, perfectionism and people-pleasing were fueling resentment, workaholism and burnout. His weight ballooned to over 300 lbs. Medical and relationship problems started mounting.

Like many in the industry, Glenn came from the school of hard knocks - and believed the past was in the past. Growing up in a remote Alaskan village, in a cabin with no indoor plumbing or central heat with an unreliable, unsafe mother, every day was a lesson in resilience. The foster care system and boarding homes only made the situation worse. Through these life experiences, Glenn learned to survive against all odds. But it wasn’t until he discovered and built up his mental fitness skills that he started truly thriving.

Using the tools he teaches, Glenn has:

• Lost over 80 pounds
• Gotten off all medications
• Exceeded his sales goal
• Found work-life balance
• Created a community of support

Today, Glenn gives back to the construction industry by sharing his knowledge with others.

At its core, mental fitness equips workers with the resilience, focus, and confidence to tackle challenges head-on. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about fostering a culture where every employee benefits:

✔️ Psychologically Safe Workplaces: Spaces where employees feel supported and heard.
✔️ Tools for Tough Times: From proactive mental health training to substance use interventions.
✔️ Company-Wide Benefits: Increased retention, reduced burnout, and a stronger sense of team.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action. By making mental fitness a foundation, we can create a construction industry that supports its workers in every way, ensuring they build not only structures but also fulfilling lives.

Let’s work together to lay the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Glenn is a speaker for construction and skilled trades companies who want to elevate every company's potential. Burnout and distraction don’t just affect morale—they impact safety, productivity, and job site outcomes. A team member who feels overwhelmed or disengaged is more likely to make mistakes, overlook key details, or put themselves and others at risk.

We envision revolutionizing the building industry to make mental fitness a fundamental skill for employees, and just as valued as safety training and quality equipment.

Our goals are clear:

• Build a healthier, safer industry where employees feel proud of their ability to contribute and collaborate
• Give employees the tools to manage stress, diffuse difficult situations, and go home happy
• Present challenges as opportunities and to face adversity with a positive perspective
• Strengthen the team's mental fitness skills so fewer employees turn to substance abuse or suicide