Field Leadership Excellence: Celebrating the Leaders Who Shape Interstates

A large group of people wearing casual clothes and work hats gathers in a hotel conference room, facing a small setup at the front where a few people appear to be speaking or giving instructions.

April 20, 2026

Field Leadership Excellence, or FLE, is one of the ways Interstates invests in its people: not just by developing technical skill, but by building leaders who shape safety, culture, and performance in the field. What started as a leadership development effort for field leaders has grown into a meaningful tradition that brings crews together, reinforces Interstates’ core values, and recognizes the people who live them out every day.  

Where FLE Started 

FLE began as a continuation of Interstates’ commitment to people development. After the company had already invested in apprenticeship training, the next step was clear: invest in leaders, too. The early version of FLE was built around leadership development for different field levels, with training tailored to superintendents, foremen, and other field leaders. Over time, the program evolved from separate level-based training into a broader field leadership experience focused on three key areas: people leadership, systems leadership, and technical leadership.  

How FLE Has Grown

As FLE developed, the team realized training alone wasn’t enough. Field leaders often work on different projects and don’t see each other often, so FLE became a chance to reconnect—almost like a family reunion or homecoming. The agenda also grew to include time for relationship-building, sharing stories, and discussing mental health and well-being, recognizing that strong leadership includes caring for both your crew and yourself.  

Icon of an award ribbon with a check mark in the center, representing achievement, approval, or verified results.

Awards Presented Through FLE 

FLE also includes awards that recognize field leaders for living out Interstates’ core values of:  

  • Dependability  
  • Integrity  
  • Quality  
  • Trust  
  • Family  

There is also a Champion of Safety award and a Servant Leader Award.  A key part of the program is that these winners are selected by their peers: field leaders recognizing field leaders.  

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Jerome Stoland, Superintendent at Interstates, is recognized with the Servant Leader Award for consistently putting his crew first, leading by example, and supporting others with the knowledge and care that help them grow.

Spotlight: Jerome Stoland, Servant Leader Award 

This year’s Servant Leader Award recipient, Jerome Stoland, is known as a leader people can count on at any time. One teammate shared that Jerome “has been a vital part of my growth both as a leader and as an electrician here at Interstates,” adding that he is the person they reach out to “with any questions” and is always willing to help, no questions asked. Others pointed to Jerome’s impact on how they approach planning and safety, noting that he taught them “planning is a huge thing” and emphasized the importance of considering every aspect of safety without overlooking anything. What stands out most is Jerome’s consistency: he always thinks of the crew first, does the job right, and goes above and beyond when others need support.   

Why It Matters 

FLE is more than an awards or training program. It’s a visible reminder that Interstates is built on caring for one another. When field leaders are recognized by their peers, it creates pride, reinforces company culture, and shows future leaders that leadership is about influence, trust, and service—not just authority.  

Looking Ahead 

As Interstates continues to grow, FLE will remain an important way to unite field leaders around shared values and expectations. The goal is to keep building people, strengthen safety, and ensure leaders across the company are aligned in how they lead their teams and deliver for clients. Benj Van Done, Director of Workforce Operations at Interstates, gives a wonderful summary: “We build our people, and our people build the projects.”  

FLE Highlights

Man holding up a large championship-style belt in a conference room.
A group of people stand in a conference room, watching a man present at the front.
Two men shake hands while one holds an award in front of a presentation screen.
A group of men collaborates around a table, examining and adjusting a small wooden structure.
People stand and talk in a bright conference room during a team event, with a registration or display table in the foreground.
Two men stand in a conference room holding a metal award labeled "Industrialized Trailblazer Award."
Several people work together on a tabletop building challenge near a doorway in a conference room.
Three men sit on neon-lit motorcycle arcade games in a game room.
Three men and two women stand at a booth in a conference room, smiling and talking with attendees.
Small group gathered around a table working on a hands-on challenge in a conference room.
Man kneeling beside a tabletop structure made from stacked water bottles during a team activity.