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Wesley Construction has been building and renovating in Baton Rouge and across the country for more than 40 years. Founder Steve Wesley began his business based on successful relationship building. His son, Bryan Wesley, vice president and co-owner, says collaboration and community involvement are also pillars of the company’s long-standing reputation.
“Collaboration, honest communication and good working relationships among the whole team are the foundation to a project’s success,” Bryan says. “There can never be enough effective communication on a project.”
Bryan believes you can compare construction projects to event planning. Both require careful coordination and inclusive collaboration among the many stakeholders needed to complete a successful project. After bringing together the team (client/tenant, landlord/property owner, city and state officials, general contractor, architects and engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, third-party vendors like telecom communications, and so on), the “main event” is turning over a space that meets the client’s dreams.
“If event planners ever wanted to try construction management, they’d probably kill it,” Bryan adds.
Bryan explains that today’s construction environment is plagued with a host of issues. Skilled labor availability, supply chain stressors, tariffs, and ever-changing regulations and codes require a company to lead with agility and trust.
“There are numerous reasons for a project to fail these days,” Bryan says. “I believe the risk is reduced when we know and respect the people we’re working with. I know that they’ve got our backs, and they know that we have theirs. We’re in these projects together, and we like to say ‘Everything is ‘figureoutable’!’ This is the basis for trust.”
New construction jobs can have the occasional issue arise, and there are often issues uncovered during renovations of existing and historic facilities. Wesley Construction is big on being a team player and is always willing to collaborate with the entire team to find solutions. However, Bryan believes that when you discover an issue, you should always come to the table with potential solutions to start a productive conversation.
“When a project runs across an issue, decisions shouldn’t be made in a bubble,” Bryan explains. “It takes the whole team to be on the same page right away. But when you discover an issue, be prepared to own it! Put your problem-solving hat on and be ready to offer your thoughts on solutions.”
Wesley Construction has taken its team approach to every project they’ve done in 33 states. No matter the local construction environment, the company has relied on its core values. Wesley Construction focuses on not only building projects but building partnerships. Bryan explains clear and concise expectations and trust make great partners and collaborators no matter where the project is.
“I think when we all work together with each other’s best interest in mind,” Bryan says. “That’s what makes a project successful. When we go to places like Oregon, Washington, Virginia, or D.C., we bring our Louisiana Southern Hospitality culture with us!”
Locally, Wesley Construction supports moving the industry forward through education and community support. Bryan serves as president of LSU’s Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC), an organization whose mission is to make the LSU Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management the best Construction Education program in the country by helping to craft a strong, capable workforce entering the construction market.
Bryan is also heavily involved with the Builders of Hope Committee for the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter, building several incredible projects for Wish Kids in our community.
“The power of a Wish is an incredible thing. It can be just as impactful for the grantor as it is for the receiver.”
He’s also a 2026 Tastemaker for Fork Cancer Baton Rouge supporting the American Cancer Society.
“During a recent project at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, our team witnessed a patient ring the Celebration Bell after becoming cancer free. That moment stopped us in our tracks and reminded us why this work is bigger than just a job.”
“Later, when my daughter Jane was learning about community helpers at school, I told her that anyone can be a community helper, no matter their age or job. And I explained that in construction, daddy helps build the spaces where those helpers make a difference.”
Bryan has a goal of shattering the fundraising record of a Tastemaker by breaking $100,000 prior to the main event on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He goes on to explain that when looking for employees, they need to have more than just industry skills. He’s looking for team players who are also community minded.
“When you have the opportunities to meet people in a community support setting, you get to really know who they are as an individual and what their personal core values are,” Bryan says. “I look for people who want to be part of the positive growth I am seeing in the Greater Baton Rouge area. We want someone who is ready to be part of the solution and making a positive impact on our community.”
To learn more, visit Wesley Construction online at wesleyusa.com.
