In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Uri Pearl, owner of Nealon Insulation, a fast-growing home services company in Connecticut built on a powerful people-first philosophy.

Uri's journey into construction is anything but traditional. With a background in capital markets, startups, and even serving as a First Sergeant in the Israeli Defense Forces, Uri entered the trades through entrepreneurship via acquisition—taking over a 50-year-old insulation business and transforming it into a rapidly scaling, culture-driven company.

Together, Fletcher and Uri dive deep into what it really takes to build culture fast in a growing trade business. Uri shares how focusing on intangibles like integrity, ambition, and attitude—rather than just experience—has helped him recruit, train, and retain top talent in a competitive labor market.

They also explore:

• Why hiring for character beats hiring for experience
• How to create a high-performance culture in blue-collar industries
• The importance of investing in people—even when it impacts short-term margins
• Practical strategies for attracting, filtering, and retaining the right team members
• How growth creates opportunity—and why it's a responsibility of leadership

Uri's perspective is a refreshing reminder that great businesses aren't built on systems alone—they're built on people who care, grow, and take pride in their work.

If you're a leader in construction, home services, or any growing business, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building a team that drives long-term success.