Lessons from Jonathan: Build Relationships

One of the earliest lessons I learned in business is that no meaningful progress happens in isolation. While it is easy to think of leadership, growth, or success as individual accomplishments, the truth is that every worthwhile outcome is shaped by people. Relationships have influenced every stage of my journey, from the earliest days of 4E to where we are today.

When I look back on the moments that mattered most, very few of them were about equipment, facilities, or financial milestones. They were about conversations, trust built over time, and people showing up for one another. Building relationships is not a strategy or a box to check. It is a mindset that affects how we work, how we lead, and how we treat others.

We Cannot Do Anything Alone

No matter how skilled, motivated, or determined someone may be, no one succeeds entirely on their own. I learned this early in my career. I relied on others for knowledge I did not yet have, for guidance when I was uncertain, and for support when the path forward was not clear.

I have found that some of the most important relationships reveal their value long after they are formed. A conversation today may turn into a partnership years from now. Recognizing that we cannot do anything alone keeps us grounded and reminds us to invest in people consistently, not only when it is convenient.

Relationships Are Not for Self-Promotion

There is a difference between building relationships and collecting contacts. Genuine relationships are not about positioning yourself for the next opportunity or promoting your own interests. They are about connection, mutual respect, and working toward something bigger than yourself.

Self-promotion may deliver short-term visibility, but it rarely builds long-term trust. People recognize authenticity, and they also recognize when someone is only present for personal benefit. Relationships rooted in humility and shared effort tend to last, even through challenges.

Contributing to the Betterment of Others

One of the most meaningful aspects of building relationships is the opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of others. This does not always require grand gestures. Often it looks like listening, offering guidance, sharing experience, or simply being present when someone needs support.

When we invest in others without expecting something in return, we create a foundation of respect. Over time, those investments shape the culture around us. People feel valued when they know they are seen as individuals, not as tools to achieve a goal, or obstacles to be removed.

I have learned that leadership is not about control, but about stewardship. Helping others succeed does not diminish your own progress. In fact, it strengthens it. When people grow, the organization grows with them. When individuals feel supported, they are more likely to invest that same care into their work and relationships.

Building Into People Creates Lasting Respect

Respect is not give; it’s earned. I have seen relationships tested by challenges, disagreements, and pressure. Those tests often reveal whether the foundation is strong. When relationships are built on mutual respect and shared values, they tend to endure. Even when circumstances change, the respect remains.

How This Shaped 4E

The culture at 4E has been shaped largely by a relationship-first mindset. From our team members to our customers and vendors, we place a high value on how people are treated. Projects come and go, but relationships last far longer.

By focusing on people rather than transactions, we have built long-term partnerships rooted in trust. Customers remember how they were treated just as much as the quality of the work. Team members thrive when they feel supported, respected, and invested in.

A Closing Reflection

Building relationships requires intention, patience, and humility. It recognizes that success is never a solo effort and that our actions impact others in ways we may never fully see. When we are willing to invest in others, to work together without self-interest, and to build into people’s lives, we create something that lasts for many years.