Two Eight launches companywide leadership program for all 85 teammates

Two Eight has rolled out Two Eight RISE, a weekly leadership development community for every employee across its 13-state drilling and blasting operation. After 90 days, teammates gave the program a 9 out of 10 rating, signaling strong early engagement and a broader push to develop people beyond the job site.

Why it matters: - Two Eight is extending leadership development to its full workforce, not just managers. - The program is designed to strengthen both workplace performance and personal life skills, which the company links to safety, decision-making and customer service. - Early feedback suggests the model is resonating with field and office staff who rarely get together in person.

What happened: - Two Eight launched Two Eight RISE, a weekly leadership development community open to all 85 teammates. - The program includes frontline teammates in the field and office staff. - Two Eight operates a drilling and blasting business across 13 states. - The company partnered with executive coach Cory Carlson and the RISE Community to build the program. - The announcement was made in Tahlequah, Okla., on Nov. 10, 2026.

The details: - Two Eight RISE was adapted for drillers, blasters, mechanics, drivers and office staff. - Most participants had not previously had access to leadership development of this kind. - The weekly sessions give teammates a chance to share wins, discuss challenges and grow as leaders at work and at home. - Ace McCarthy, president of Two Eight, said the company used to bring the entire team together once a year, but now the team meets weekly to talk about leadership, marriage, parenting, health, money and life. - A 90-day survey found an average rating of 9 out of 10. - Ninety percent of respondents rated the program an 8 or higher. - One hundred percent said they would recommend it to another team member. - Team members said they have gotten to know coworkers they had never met. - Employees also said they are putting their phones down more in the evening, spending more time with spouses and children, and getting back into exercise. - Two Eight says stronger people build stronger teams, make better decisions, serve customers better and create a safer, more successful company. - Two Eight serves quarry, construction and heavy civil customers. - The company says its vision is to build the best business for the best people so they can live their best lives.

Between the lines: - The program reflects a wider shift from one-off training to ongoing community-based development. - The company is positioning leadership growth as a whole-life investment, not just a job-performance tool. - Cory Carlson said people do not have one version of themselves at work and another at home, and that investing in people is essential to building a great company. - Two Eight RISE is the first private, company-built version of the RISE model.

What's next: - Two Eight is expected to keep running the weekly program as part of its broader people-development strategy. - The company appears likely to use the early survey results to reinforce or expand the initiative. - The RISE Community will continue building leadership communities aimed at helping people win at work and at home.

The bottom line: - Two Eight is betting that investing in personal growth across the entire workforce will improve both culture and performance.