Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, made a simple but meaningful contribution to the role of leadership when he said, “To lead the people, walk behind them.”

Many leaders have adopted this mindset, attempting to create and nurture a team mentality within their organization — a team that is compelled to, in turn, make things happen.

“It is not a single person’s ability or drive alone that creates success,” said Atlantic Scaffolding President Craig Kaple. “It’s the ability to align others in common goals that drives that success.”

Kaple joined Atlantic Scaffolding in 2005 as executive vice president and took the reigns as president in 2006. In this position, he is charged with working with a diverse group of people — from craft workers to managers to executives to the board of directors — to achieve the desired goals of the organization.

Kaple’s primary responsibility focuses on analyzing all aspects of the business to reveal trends and data that are crucial to Atlantic’s future success. This involves a host of skills — people, operational, financial and organizational. But, the role of mentoring talent within the organization and watching those employees grow has been just as important and extremely rewarding.

Being given an opportunity to make decisions that have a real impact on the company was a turning point in Kaple’s career and was accompanied by the realization that this position also comes with huge responsibility.

“I want to continuously raise the bar for our organization and achieve our goals,” Kaple said. “Atlantic, as an organization, has an incredible amount of upside potential for continued growth both financially and geographically.”

“Craig’s commitment to the company’s success filters down to the entire team, which in turn, guarantees Atlantic will remain an industry leader,” said Pete Vrettakos, Atlantic’s chairman.

Kaple’s experience in industry — he spent 20 years at HydroChem and nearly five at SIPCO Services — has resulted in a thorough understanding of the industrial services business from the ground up and every position in between.

BIC continues to be an outstanding resource for keeping up with changes in current trends in the industry, Kaple said, and a large number of acquaintances he has met over the years have proved to be valuable in conducting business in this industry. 

“I have had the good fortune in my position to interface with a large group of customers, employees and associates,” he said.

Understanding all the components of business, attention to detail and a competitive spirit have proved to be successful tools for Kaple. He credits three people who have served as mentors, each in a different capacity.

“Steve Hoffpauir, above all, taught me complete attention to detail, Pat DeBusk taught me absolute principles of customer service, and my father taught me work ethic,” he said.

If roles were reversed and he was on the advice-giving side of the fence, Kaple advocates that the ability to communicate effectively with people is of the utmost importance.

In addition, he said, strong attention to detail, consistency and reliability in serving the customers is the backbone of a successful organization.

“And don’t be afraid to make decisions or mistakes,” he said. “Do be afraid to not quickly own up to and learn from them.”

“Find a mentor, and be willing to pay your dues,” he added.

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Kaple moved to Baton Rouge, La., during high school and attended Louisiana State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business. He now lives in the Houston area with his wife, Natalie, and stays busy as a father of five children ranging from age four to 20.

To learn more, visit www.atlanticii.com or call (800) 766-6130.