Terri Olson, vice president of OE Construction, has dedicated herself to changing the conversation around mental health in construction. After losing her son Tyler to suicide in 2011, she transformed her tragedy into a mission to support the well-being of employees in an industry with one of the highest suicide rates in the country.
A Family Business With a People-First Approach
Founded in 2006 by Terri’s youngest son, Chris Olson, OE Construction has grown into a company that doesn’t just build infrastructure — it builds a culture of care. Chris serves as the company president, and Terri provides key leadership support in financial, administrative and technology functions. With 50 employees, including 38 field workers, OE Construction is deeply committed to employee well-being, recognizing that a healthy workforce is the foundation of a successful business.
OE Construction’s approach to mental health is rooted in personal experience. Many employees knew Tyler and felt the loss as a collective tragedy. In 2017, the company suffered another devastating loss when longtime employee Hermelindo Marquez, known as “Lindo,” died by suicide. His death underscored the importance of workplace mental health initiatives and reaffirmed OE Construction’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment.
Turning Pain Into Purpose: Addressing Mental Health
Terri and her team have taken proactive steps to integrate mental health awareness into the fabric of OE Construction’s safety and training programs. What began as an extension of drug and alcohol awareness training has evolved into a comprehensive mental health initiative.
Key strategies include the following:
- Culture of Care program — Through Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Colorado’s Culture of Care initiative, OE Construction has incorporated training and messaging focused on psychological safety and inclusion.
- Open-door policy — Employees are encouraged to speak up if they or a colleague are struggling, reinforcing a company culture in which asking for help is both accepted and encouraged.
- Safety training integration — Mental health is now a central topic in company safety meetings and toolbox talks.
- Utilizing industry resources — OE Construction actively participates in the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, distributing hard hat stickers, posters and educational materials to employees.
- Youturn Health resources — The company provides employees with access to peer coaching and mental health support through Youturn Health, ensuring that help is readily available and accessible.
The company has also created a comprehensive “toolbox of resources” that employees can access at any time. This toolbox includes mental health support through insurance plans, third-party counseling services and even external suicide prevention resources. By making these tools readily available, OE Construction ensures that all employees can access the help they need.
Fostering a Family-Oriented Work Environment
As a family-owned business, OE Construction treats its employees like family. The company’s core values include:
- Active listening and open communication between leadership and employees
- Comprehensive training on mental health awareness
- Encouraging employees to speak up and seek help when needed
- Responding immediately to any employee concerns regarding mental health
- Recognizing that employees are the backbone of the company’s success
This people-first approach is crucial in an industry where long hours, physical strain and high-pressure deadlines contribute to stress, anxiety and burnout. Terri emphasized that mental health is just as important as physical safety on a jobsite. “We make sure that every worker understands that their well-being matters, and that includes their mental health,” she said.
Leveraging Technology for Efficiency & Mental Well-Being
Beyond mental health, OE Construction is committed to reducing workplace stress through innovative technology solutions. The company has streamlined field reporting, equipment tracking and document management to minimize paperwork burdens. Automating these processes allows employees to focus on their work without unnecessary administrative stress, leading to greater job satisfaction and improved mental well-being.
OE Construction has implemented the following:
- 100% electronic field reporting, reducing paperwork burden and improving efficiency.
- Electronic tracking for equipment and vehicle maintenance, ensuring better safety and planning.
- GPS-enabled machine control technology, increasing accuracy and productivity on-site.
- Cloud-based solutions for estimating and project management, which enhance collaboration and minimize manual errors.
- AI-enabled software for document review and compliance, helping teams stay organized and focused on higher-value tasks.
By leveraging these tools, OE Construction improves operational efficiency and also reduces stress for employees, allowing them to focus more on craftsmanship and teamwork rather than administrative burdens.
Giving Back & Shaping the Future
OE Construction believes in “paying it forward” and is actively involved in workforce development initiatives such as Transportation and Construction Girl, AGC Colorado and National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) of Colorado. The company hosts young women for hands-on construction experiences, introducing them to technology, project management and heavy equipment operation.
Additionally, Terri shares her personal story at industry events to help raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in construction. She believes storytelling is a powerful tool for change, encouraging leaders to listen, learn and take action within their organizations.
One of OE Construction’s most impactful initiatives is its partnership with Next Gen Equipment Training. By utilizing advanced heavy equipment simulators, the company provides employees — both new and experienced — with opportunities to advance their skills. Many employees have worked their way from entry-level positions to leadership roles through this training, reinforcing OE Construction’s commitment to career development and employee success.
Building a Better Future
OE Construction’s commitment to mental health and well-being goes beyond words — it’s woven into the company’s culture and flows through its policies, training programs and daily operations. By prioritizing people alongside productivity, OE Construction is not only improving its workplace culture but also setting an example for the entire industry.
“We can make a difference,” Terri said. “By being the light for others and bringing this topic to the forefront, we’re ensuring that our industry becomes a place where employees feel valued, supported and, most importantly, heard.”
As more construction firms recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace, OE Construction’s proactive approach serves as a model for how businesses can create environments that support not just physical safety, but emotional and psychological well-being as well. In doing so, the industry can take meaningful steps toward reducing the staggering rates of suicide and mental health challenges among construction workers.
At OE Construction, the message is clear: Taking care of people isn’t just good for business — it’s the right thing to do.