Resilience Beyond Injury: Knowing When To Slow Down And Double Down with Steven Whitehouse, Southeastern Tank

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

Resilience Beyond Injury: Knowing When To Slow Down And Double Down with Steven Whitehouse, Southeastern Tank

E154 • May 19, 2026 • 55 mins

Steven Whitehouse, COO of Southeastern Tank, shares his journey in the construction industry, detailing his path to joining the company and its growth. He discusses Southeastern Tank's niche services and the importance of aligning hires with core values for talent retention. Steven highlights the significance of a family culture, loyalty, and leadership development. The conversation covers strategic acquisitions, expansion into chemicals and water treatment, and the lessons learned from these experiences. Steven also delves into technology and process improvements, including implementing AI like ChatGPT, and the challenges of technology adoption. The episode concludes with Steven's advice and contact information.

Key Points

Slow down and focus on what truly matters rather than constantly chasing success.
Leveraging predictive index software can significantly improve hiring and retention by ensuring a better fit for roles and company culture.
Adopting and effectively implementing technology, such as AI and CRM systems, can streamline operations and enhance efficiency, but requires careful consideration and proper change management.

Connect with Steven Whitehouse, COO - Southeastern Tank

Website: https://setank.com/ Website: http://swandfriends.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southeastern-tank-inc./ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-whitehouse-04925650/

Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

Speakers

Steven Whitehouse

Guest • 77%

Will Foret

Host • 2%

Justin Neagle

Host • 14%

Will Foret

Host • 8%

Chapters

0:00	Advice to Younger Self & Podcast Introduction
1:52	Sponsor: Book a call to maximize IT cybersecurity strategy
2:21	Guest Introduction: Steven Whitehouse, COO of Southeastern Tank
4:01	Early Experiences in Construction
5:05	Overview of Southeastern Tank’s Services and Niche
6:04	Steven’s Journey to Joining Southeastern Tank
7:33	Growth and Expansion at Southeastern Tank
9:01	Hiring, Retaining Talent & Predictive Index
15:19	Aligning Hires with Core Values
17:07	Employee Retention & Family Culture
20:25	Loyalty, Dedication, and Leadership Growth
21:28	Building Something Amazing Together
23:15	Opportunity and Challenges in Acquisitions
26:27	Expansion into Chemicals and Water Treatment
27:34	Inheriting and Shaping Company Culture
30:33	Lessons Learned from Acquisition
33:46	Technology and Process Improvements
37:40	Deciding When to Invest in Technology
40:01	Pulling the Plug on a Major ERP Investment
42:25	Implementing ChatGPT & AI in the Office
45:06	AI Concerns, Adoption Challenges, and Team Adaptation
51:22	Final Advice, Contact Info & Closing Remarks

Transcript

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