Leading with Teamwork, Problem-Solving, and a People-First Approach

At SOLID, our strength comes from the people who bring passion, creativity, and dedication to their work every day. This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Jim Brown, Operations Manager in Charlotte, NC, who has been part of the SOLID family for the past three years.

Every Day Brings Something New

For Jim, no two days look alike—and that’s one of the things he loves most about working at SOLID. Leading his team means embracing variety, solving unique challenges, and making sure every technician is equipped with the tools and information they need to succeed.

“Every day is a little different,” Jim shares. “That’s one of the great things about working here.”

People at the Heart of the Role

When asked what he enjoys most, Jim doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people. From collaborating with his internal team to building strong relationships with clients, Jim thrives on the human connections that drive SOLID forward.

Turning Challenges Into Wins

One of Jim’s biggest professional challenges came in October 2023, when he took on responsibility for the Hard Surface team in Charlotte. The jobs were complex and demanding, but Jim focused on one clear priority: setting his technicians up for success.

“I worked to get our technicians as much information as possible for each job,” he explains. “That way, they could provide the best service possible for our clients.”

That mindset paid off in a big way during the Optimist Hall project in Charlotte—a massive 15,000-square-foot wood refinishing job. By coordinating closely with a subcontractor and maintaining daily communication with both the client and the team, Jim turned what began as a tough situation into a standout success story. The client was thrilled, and Jim walked away proud of the outcome.

A Team That Supports Beyond Charlotte

Jim’s team is known not only for their expertise in stone, wood, and metal restoration, but also for their willingness to share that expertise across the country. Charlotte’s talented craftsmen often travel to support other markets and even provide training to technicians who want to grow within SOLID.

What You Might Not Know

Behind the scenes, Jim emphasizes that the administrative side of his role is just as critical as the fieldwork. From processing orders to ensuring invoicing is accurate, it’s all part of delivering a seamless, full-circle experience for clients.

Staying Motivated Through Team Spirit

What keeps Jim and his team motivated? Simple: the culture of support. “We all like to win and will help each other whenever needed,” Jim says. “Our technicians see that in action every day, and it inspires them to do the same.”

Living the SOLID Values

When it comes to what sets SOLID apart, Jim points to a values-driven, solutionist approach. “We’re focused on our client’s needs. If the job is something we can’t do, we help them find someone who can.”

His daily guideposts? SOLID’s core values: Be Honest, Creative, Caring, Expert, and Great. “If we all do these daily, we’ll win at whatever we do,” Jim adds.

Words of Wisdom

For those stepping into a leadership role like his, Jim offers this advice:

• “Inspect what you Expect.”

• Always set your team up for success.

• And never underestimate the power of a good list. “I’m like Santa Claus—making a list and checking it twice. You have to plan to succeed.”

Celebrating the Wins

Jim makes sure wins don’t go unnoticed. At monthly meetings, his team recognizes those who embody SOLID’s core values with gift cards for lunch—a simple way to say thank you and reinforce the culture they’ve built together.

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Jim is energized by where SOLID is headed. “I’m excited to see Mike Crippen’s vision come to life,” he says with a smile.