Charles Wholey is a respected construction superintendent serving the Reno and Carson City, Nevada region, recognized for his blend of technical precision, leadership, and commitment to quality. Rooted in a lifelong passion for building, Charles was introduced to the trade at a young age by his father, Byron Wholey, founder of Wholey Construction. That early exposure shaped not only his skillset, but also his strong values around hard work, collaboration, and doing things the right way.
A graduate of North Valleys High School, Charles furthered his expertise with a focused academic path. He earned his Associate of Science from Truckee Meadows Community College, followed by an Associate of Applied Science in Technology from Western Nevada College. In 2023, he completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management, graduating summa cum laude—a reflection of both his discipline and drive for excellence.
In the field, Charles brings a sharp eye for detail and a steady leadership presence. His experience spans safety oversight, stormwater management, and full-scale project supervision. Now with LT Builders, he leads residential and commercial builds from the ground up, ensuring every aspect is executed with precision and purpose.
Passionate about the outdoors and giving back, Charles Wholey stays active through snowboarding, golf, and volunteering with environmental and community organizations.
What’s one lesson construction has taught you that applies to everyday life?
Patience. In construction, things rarely go exactly as planned. Materials arrive late, inspections get delayed, weather shifts unexpectedly—it’s just part of the job. You learn to take a breath, adjust, and move forward. That mindset has helped me in all areas of life. Whether it’s relationships, career growth, or personal goals, things take time. If you rush the process, you miss important steps—or worse, compromise the outcome.
How do you approach decision-making when a project hits a critical moment?
First, I gather as much information as I can. I want to understand the scope of the issue—what’s at stake, who’s impacted, and what the options are. Then I bring in key team members to get their insights. I don’t believe in making isolated decisions unless it’s absolutely necessary. Construction is a team sport. Once we choose a path, I own it and communicate clearly so everyone moves forward together.
What’s the most underrated skill in your field that doesn’t get talked about enough?
Listening. People think this job is all about telling others what to do, but I’ve found that the best results come when you actually listen—to your crew, your clients, your subcontractors. Everyone brings a perspective that can improve the process. It also builds respect, and that goes a long way on a job site.
How do you maintain quality control when juggling multiple moving parts?
I rely on routine site walkthroughs, detailed checklists, and open lines of communication. But more than anything, I set the tone early. If your team knows from day one that cutting corners isn’t an option, they carry that standard through every stage. I also encourage people to call out potential issues before they escalate. You don’t need to micromanage when you’ve built a culture of accountability.
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What kind of leadership do you strive to model on-site?
I lead from the ground, not a desk. I don’t believe in barking orders from afar. I want to be present, involved, and approachable. When my crew sees that I’m willing to do the hard work alongside them—or that I understand the details of what they’re doing—it builds trust. I strive to be the kind of leader who listens first, acts decisively, and never asks someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.
What’s something about your background that shaped the way you work today?
Growing up in a family where both construction and athletics were core values shaped me in huge ways. My dad taught me the technical side—how to build with precision and pride—while sports taught me how to compete, collaborate, and stay resilient. That mix of structure and grit defines how I approach challenges. I never shy away from hard work, and I always look for ways to push the team forward.
How do you define success in your role beyond the physical outcome of a project?
Success for me is when a project runs smoothly and the team feels stronger at the end. If everyone walks away having learned something new, feeling like their time and effort mattered, and ready to work together again—I consider that a win. It’s not just about what we build, but how we build it.
Have you ever had to unlearn something in your career?
Yes—early on, I thought being in charge meant always having the answer. But I’ve learned that great leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about knowing how to find the answers, who to lean on, and when to listen instead of speak. Letting go of that need to always be the expert made me a better leader and opened me up to learning in new ways.
What do you think separates a good builder from a great one?
Attention to detail and pride in the process. A good builder finishes the job. A great builder sees every phase—foundation to finish—as equally important. They take the time to double-check measurements, communicate clearly, and anticipate problems before they happen. They’re proactive, not reactive. And they care deeply—not just about the outcome, but the legacy of their work.
What’s your dream project, if time and budget weren’t a factor?
I’d love to lead a sustainable, off-grid residential development—something that combines modern construction with eco-conscious design. Solar power, reclaimed materials, smart systems—all tied together in a way that respects the environment and offers people a different way to live. That would be incredibly rewarding—building not just homes, but a vision for the future.