More Than a Game
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, rugby was more than just a sport to me—it was a way of life. Playing semi-pro rugby for the Birmingham All Blacks taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Those lessons didn’t stay on the field; they followed me into my career and helped shape how I run Paul Krebs Construction.
Running a construction business has many parallels with playing rugby. Both demand collaboration, quick thinking, resilience, and strong leadership. In this blog, I’ll share how my experiences on the rugby field have influenced my approach to building not only structures but also strong, united teams on the job site.
Teamwork: The Heart of Success
Rugby is a team sport through and through. No single player wins a match alone. Every member has a role to play, and success depends on how well the team functions as a whole.
That same principle applies to construction. Every project involves multiple trades, subcontractors, suppliers, and staff. Without collaboration and clear communication, projects can stall or fail.
On the field, rugby taught me to trust my teammates and to give my best for the group’s success, not just personal glory. I’ve carried that mindset into business by fostering a culture where every employee understands their role and feels valued. When everyone pulls in the same direction, the results speak for themselves.
Leadership by Example
In rugby, leadership isn’t about barking orders from the sidelines. It’s about showing up, giving your all, and inspiring others to do the same. Captains lead through action, not just words.
This lesson has been central to my leadership style. As the owner and president of my company, I make it a point to be hands-on, visible, and involved. Whether it’s walking a job site, discussing plans with a client, or helping solve an unexpected challenge, I lead by example.
Showing commitment and integrity encourages the team to mirror those values. It builds trust and loyalty, which are essential on any construction site where safety, timing, and quality are critical.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Rugby is a tough, physically demanding sport. You get knocked down, you get up again, and you keep pushing forward. The same resilience is necessary in construction.
Projects face delays, weather issues, budget constraints, and sometimes unexpected setbacks. My rugby experience taught me that obstacles are part of the game. How you respond—staying calm, adapting, and finding solutions—makes all the difference.
I encourage my team to view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up. Resilience is contagious and can turn difficult situations into success stories.
Communication: Clear and Constant
Effective communication is crucial both on the rugby field and on the construction site. In rugby, players must call out plays, warn teammates of opponents, and adjust tactics instantly.
Similarly, in construction, clear and constant communication helps avoid mistakes, delays, and misunderstandings. Whether it’s between project managers and crews, subcontractors and suppliers, or company leadership and clients, open communication keeps everyone aligned.
I’ve found that fostering a culture where questions are welcomed and updates are regular prevents small issues from becoming big problems.
Trust and Accountability
Trust is the glue that holds teams together. On the rugby pitch, you rely on your teammates to do their job so you can focus on yours. That trust builds confidence and cohesion.
In construction, trust means knowing that your team members are qualified, reliable, and committed. It also means holding everyone accountable for their responsibilities.
I’ve worked hard to create an environment where trust is earned and accountability is clear. When everyone owns their role and delivers on their promises, the entire project runs more smoothly.
Celebrating Small Wins
Rugby matches are made up of countless plays and moments, each contributing to the final outcome. Celebrating these small wins keeps morale high and motivates the team.
In construction, I believe in acknowledging milestones—whether it’s completing a foundation, passing an inspection, or resolving a tough problem. Recognizing these achievements keeps the team energized and focused on the bigger goal.
Celebration doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple thank-you or team lunch can reinforce camaraderie and pride.
Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
The best rugby players never stop learning. They review game footage, practice new skills, and adapt their strategies. The construction industry demands the same approach.
Technology, materials, and regulations are always evolving. Staying current and encouraging continuous improvement in my team is vital.
My rugby background taught me that a willingness to learn and adapt isn’t a sign of weakness but a path to strength. This mindset helps us stay competitive and deliver quality work.
Building a Legacy Beyond Buildings
Ultimately, rugby and construction share a deeper lesson: success isn’t just about the scoreboard or the building you complete. It’s about the relationships you build, the team you develop, and the legacy you leave behind.
Through both rugby and my construction career, I’ve learned that strong teams create strong communities. Leading with integrity, teamwork, and resilience isn’t just good business—it’s how we build something that lasts.
Bringing Rugby Lessons to Every Project
From the rugby fields of Birmingham to construction sites across Georgia, the lessons I’ve learned remain the same: teamwork, leadership, resilience, communication, trust, and celebration.
These values have guided me since I was a young player and continue to shape how I run Paul Krebs Construction today. Whether you’re leading a crew of workers or a team of athletes, these principles apply.
Building isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about people working together toward a common goal. And that’s the greatest lesson rugby has taught me.