Culture
Workforce
Chris Weaver

‘It’s Just How I Live’: ABC's 2025 Craft Professional of the Year, Chris Weaver

Craft Professional Chris Weaver: ‘I want to leave this industry better than I found it. That means teaching, empowering and always pushing for excellence.’
By Maggie Murphy
June 9, 2025
Topics
Culture
Workforce

When Chris Weaver first stepped onto a jobsite as an electrical apprentice fresh out of high school, he didn’t see it as just a job. He saw it as an opportunity. Over the last 21 years, that opportunity has transformed into a thriving career marked by leadership, mentorship and a deep commitment to excellence. Now a site superintendent and foreman at Feyen Zylstra in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Weaver has been named ABC's 2025 Craft Professional of the Year—a recognition that reflects not only his technical prowess but also his dedication to shaping the future of the construction industry.

Weaver began his journey in the trades with a simple but powerful mindset: work hard, learn everything you can and always be ready to lend a hand. “Early on, I took every weekend and late shift I could get,” he recalls. “I wanted to learn as much as possible and prove myself.”

That determination quickly paid off. Weaver moved into commercial electrical work, where he was trusted to manage a small project on his own. It was during this time that he discovered the value of relationships in construction.

“Fostering trust and respect with the client made all the difference,” he says. “It not only helped that project succeed—it opened doors to more opportunities.”

From those early experiences, Weaver climbed the ranks, eventually joining Feyen Zylstra, where he’s spent over six years overseeing large-scale electrical projects. Along the way, he’s built a reputation not just for his technical skill but for his calm leadership and dedication to mentoring.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

As a superintendent, Weaver sees each project as a chance to lead with integrity and elevate those around him. His mornings start with team huddles and jobsite safety assessments, setting the tone for clear communication and a strong safety culture.

“I believe in giving my team everything they need to succeed—from tools and training to trust and encouragement,” he says.

One of Weaver’s trademarks is his dedication to teaching. Every week, he leads hands-on training sessions for apprentices, covering everything from conduit bending to wiring complex systems. But for him, the lessons go beyond technical skills.

“I want them to know that this isn’t just a job,” Weaver explains. “It’s a career path, and they’re in control of where it goes. With hard work and the right mindset, they can lead projects one day, too.”

PARTY PEOPLE: Weaver and his wife, Becky, take in the excitement of his Craft Professional  of the Year win at the 2025 ABC Convention opening night celebration.

PARTY PEOPLE: Weaver and his wife, Becky, take in the excitement of his Craft Professional of the Year win at the 2025 ABC Convention opening night celebration.

A MENTOR ON AND OFF THE JOB

Weaver’s influence stretches well beyond the worksite. He’s a regular presence at local schools and career fairs, where he speaks passionately about the value of a career in the trades. He also coaches both boys’ and girls’ Little League teams—a role he views as an extension of his professional mentorship.

“Coaching young athletes isn’t all that different from mentoring apprentices,” he says. “You’re helping people grow, develop new skills, and learn how to work as a team.”

He’s also quick to use his electrical skills to help neighbors with repairs or home projects. “Teaching and mentoring isn’t something I turn on and off—it’s just how I live.”

A strong advocate for inclusion, Weaver actively promotes construction careers to nontraditional workers—whether that means people changing careers or those from underrepresented communities.

“I’ve seen how people with different backgrounds bring new perspectives to the jobsite,” he says. “It makes us stronger.”

He takes pride in helping individuals gain confidence and build careers, often encouraging them to pursue certifications and additional training.

“The trades are open to anyone willing to learn and work hard,” Weaver affirms. “That’s the message I always try to send.”

SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE

In an industry where risks are high, Weaver sets the standard for jobsite safety. He holds OSHA 10- and 30-hour certifications, CPR and First Aid training, and leads regular toolbox talks and daily safety huddles. He also conducts twice-daily walkthroughs to ensure that protocols are followed and that his team remains vigilant.

“Safety isn’t just a rule—it’s a mindset,” he says. “Everyone deserves to go home safely at the end of the day.”

Weaver doesn’t stop at compliance. He rewards safety excellence, tracks incident-free milestones with team celebrations and fosters a culture where anyone can speak up.

“When people feel safe and supported, they do their best work,” he says.

DRIVEN BY INNOVATION

Weaver understands that staying current means embracing change. He uses advanced tools and technology like laser levels, thermal imaging and project-management software to streamline workflows and ensure quality.

“Technology allows us to be more accurate, more efficient and more transparent with clients,” he says. “It’s all about delivering the best results.”

By integrating digital layouts and real-time tracking systems, Weaver provides clients with clearer communication and better outcomes. “Clients want to know they’re in good hands—and the right tools help build that trust.”

LIVING THE MERIT SHOP PHILOSOPHY

A proud supporter of the merit shop philosophy, Weaver believes that opportunity should be earned, not given.

“Effort, attitude and performance should drive success—not tenure,” he asserts. “I’ve lived that truth in my own career, and I work to instill it in everyone I mentor.”

He encourages apprentices to take ownership of their growth, reminding them that hard work leads to leadership and that every step forward is one they’ve earned.

“The merit shop philosophy creates a culture of accountability and growth,” Weaver says. “That’s the kind of team I want to build.”

Weaver’s own accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence. He’s received awards for customer service, leadership and safety, and been recognized by both clients and his company for project success and trusted relationships, including leading efforts for major customers like Bell’s Brewery and Harbor Foam.

But for Weaver, the greatest reward is knowing he’s making a difference. “I don’t do this for awards—I do it because I care about the work, the people and the legacy we’re building,” he says.

As Weaver continues to guide projects and shape careers, his vision for the future remains grounded in the same principles that launched his career: hard work, respect and mentorship.

“I want to leave this industry better than I found it,” he says. “That means teaching, empowering and always pushing for excellence.”

by Maggie Murphy
Maggie leads Construction Executive’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy—overseeing all print and digital content, design and production efforts, and working with the editorial team to tell the many stories of America’s builders and contractors. She’s a native Marylander with extensive construction industry experience and an educational background in communications, history and classical literature.

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