For Aaron Hayes, every safety meeting, jobsite visit, and training session begins with the same purpose: taking care of people.

Since joining Sanford Contractors four years ago as the company’s Safety Coordinator, Aaron has helped strengthen the company’s safety program through training, mentorship, and collaboration across every division. Drawing on leadership experience gained during 12 years in the U.S. Army and later as an educator, he believes the strongest safety cultures are built by developing people and empowering them to make good decisions.

“The military taught me that leadership is about helping people, not just being in charge,” Aaron said. “I’ve carried that with me throughout my career.”

That philosophy continues to guide his approach today. Rather than simply enforcing standards, Aaron sees himself as a resource for crews, helping field leaders solve problems, answer questions, and make informed decisions.

“Safety is proactive, not reactive,” Aaron said. “Planning ahead and having those conversations doesn’t slow the work down. It helps us do the job the right way.”

Aaron believes Sanford Contractors’ strong safety culture starts with people who take ownership every day. “Our culture is to look out for each other,” he said. “Safety isn’t one person’s responsibility. It’s something every member of our team contributes to.”

In addition to supporting project teams across the company, Aaron leads the Safety Committee and Risk Management Group while overseeing companywide safety training and education. He believes safety management is constantly evolving, making continuous learning and improvement essential for both individuals and the organization.

Outside of work, Aaron enjoys reading, exercising, target shooting, and spending time with his family.

For Aaron, the most rewarding part of his role is simple: “I try to learn something new and help someone every single day.”