Meet Chad Wackler, Compass Homes’ Vice President of Production:
All of us at Compass Homes recognize the importance of stability. Strength is found in the homes we build and the team that builds them. Our Vice President of Production, Chad Wackler, is a prime example of the strong team we have built through the years, and has been with Compass Homes for 20 years, starting as an intern in 2003.
We recently had the opportunity to talk with Chad Wackler about his work, as well as how he spends his time away from Compass Homes.
Tell us about how you got your start at Compass Homes.
I started with the company when I was 22 years old. Our entire Compass Homes team consisted of me, Mark, a secretary, and one field supervisor. I came to the company with a computer programming and construction background. Mark hired me to help build some organizational systems to help with office duties. Eventually, I started to work in the field. I took over as supervisor and worked with Mark on estimating, drawing houses, doing fieldwork, and doing whatever I could to learn the business. Mark mentored me and supported my growth in the organization. Eventually, the company grew, and I became Vice President of Production. I love my job. I never considered going anywhere else.
What are your day-to-day role and responsibilities?
No day is the same. My team counts on me a lot. Right now, I’m training our interns that just started. My priority is to keep everything organized and on schedule. I’m in a lot of meetings because I oversee various aspects of the business. I help manage everything from building the houses to budgets, billing to warranties, and more. I try my best to stick to managing my team, but I occasionally get dirty in the field. I like going out in the field and ensuring everything looks clean and tidy. I’m known for being a bit of a neat freak. I’ve worked hard to implement best practices so that we are known as a clean and organized home builder.
Please tell us about your educational / professional history before joining Compass Homes.
I spent summers doing roof and siding work in high school. I studied computer engineering at Wright State for a bit. Then I worked at Honda, building databases. That is when I learned that I did not like sitting at a computer all day. I took classes at Sinclair, focused on architecture, then attended Columbus State Community College and studied construction management.
What personal qualities do you have that help you to be successful in your role at Compass Homes?
I grew up on a farm outside of Troy, Ohio. My upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic.
What makes Compass Homes different from other home builders like yours?
There are a lot of things that we do differently at Compass Homes. Our focus on our employees makes us different. We’re not a large organization. We’re a close-knit family. Mark takes care of the company and his employees, while instilling in us the importance of our work. We build homes for families. We are here to help. Nobody here is above picking up trash. It doesn’t matter how high up you are; if it is wrong, fix it. We have found ways to work through any situation. We’re just a great company. I have stayed here because Mark has made me feel empowered.
Another great aspect of working with Compass Homes is that we are a business where family is respected. When you respect your employees, they invest in their work. We build quality homes. We can sleep at night because we are proud of our work.
What excites you about the future of Compass Homes?
We want to keep growing but not get too big. I am excited to see us grow and improve our processes. The industry is changing, and technology is improving. Homes can be more efficient. We are not afraid of trying new ways of building, but talking to customers about their ideas is exciting. We’re willing to try new materials and technology if it serves our customers.
What are the three things you can’t live without?
My family, my boat, and football!
How do you like to spend your free time when you are not working?
I love going to Lake Cumberland with my wife and two children in the summer. I’ve been going there since I was a kid.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I have always been driven by the motto, “Hard work pays off!”
