What Makes a Reference Check Substantive: Insights from Matt Lesher on a Critical but Overlooked Step in Facilities and Construction Executive Search
Most reference checks in executive search are a formality. Matt Lesher of Real8 Group explains what a substantive reference check looks like for VP of Facilities and Director of Construction searches.
How to Retain a New VP of Facilities or Director of Construction: A Playbook for the First Year
Retaining a new VP of Facilities or Director of Construction requires more than a good hire. This month-by-month playbook shows hiring leaders exactly what to do in year one to keep top executive talent.
Hiring Construction and Real Estate Executives in Mixed-Use and Urban Infill Development: What Makes This Search Different
Mixed-use and urban infill executive searches require a candidate profile that most job postings will never surface. Real8 Group explains what makes this vertical different and how to find the right leader.
The Onboarding Gap: Why Construction and Facilities Executive Hires Struggle in the First 90 Days (And How to Fix It)
Most construction and facilities executive hires that fail do so in the first 90 days. Real8 Group explains the onboarding mistakes that cause it and how to build a structured integration plan that protects your investment.
Construction and Facilities Executive Hiring in H1 2026: Market Trends, Compensation Shifts, and What to Expect in the Second Half
Real8 Group’s mid-year review of construction and facilities executive hiring covers demand trends, compensation shifts, search timeline patterns, and what H2 2026 is likely to look like.
Why Construction Firms Lose Owner-Side Talent: Insights from Matt Lesher on a Market Dynamic That Shapes Institutional Hiring Pipelines
Matt Lesher explains why experienced CM firm professionals consistently migrate to owner-side institutions, what construction firms lose in the process, and what both sides need to understand about this structural market dynamic.
Promote from Within or Run an External Search? A Decision Playbook for Construction and Facilities Leadership Roles
When a VP of Facilities or Director of Construction role opens up, should you promote from within or run an external search? Real8 Group’s five-step playbook helps hiring leaders make the right call.
The Job Description Trap: Why Your Construction and Facilities Executive JD Is Filtering Out the Best Candidates
The job description is the first filter in any executive search, and most organizations get it wrong. Real8 Group explains the common JD mistakes that cost construction and facilities leaders the best candidates.
Owners’ Rep and CM Firm Executive Compensation in 2026: Benchmarks, the Doer-Seller Premium, and What the Market Is Paying
Real8 Group breaks down 2026 compensation benchmarks for Project Manager through VP roles at owners’ rep and CM firms, including the doer-seller premium and how firm-side pay compares to owner-side institutions.
How to Make the Business Case to Your CFO or Board for a Senior Construction or Facilities Hire
Getting CFO or board approval for a senior construction or facilities hire is often harder than the search itself. This playbook shows how to frame the case, anchor the comp range, and get the budget unlocked.
Hiring Data Center Construction and Facilities Leaders: What Makes This Vertical Different
Data center construction and facilities leadership requires mission-critical expertise that most general construction talent lacks. Here is what makes this vertical different and where the qualified candidates actually are.
The Counteroffer Problem: What to Do When Your Top Construction or Facilities Candidate Decides to Stay
When a finalist in your construction or facilities search accepts a counteroffer and stays, it derails months of work. Here is how to reduce the risk and what to do when it happens anyway.
