Embracing Video to Boost Mental Health & Morale in Construction

Brandon Nance’s path to construction has been anything but linear. After earning a computer engineering degree from Texas A&M University and a brief stint as a software developer, he spent 12 years in Naval Special Warfare. When Brandon returned to civilian life in Texas, he stepped into construction as a project engineer.

At industry conferences, he quickly recognized that mental health — a challenge he knew firsthand as a veteran — was also one of construction’s most urgent issues. That realization gave him a sense of belonging and purpose in the industry.

Soon after, he joined GAME Inc., a general contractor based in Kennewick, Washington. Hired initially as an assistant project manager, Brandon’s career took a turn when his passion for video collided with his desire to strengthen company culture and instill pride in the people who build our communities.

Focusing on people to build a stronger brand

Brandon noticed that contractors weren’t using social media to its full potential. With his background in video production, he pitched the idea of leveraging storytelling to highlight not just projects, but the people behind them.

GAME leadership invested in a drone, and before long, Brandon was producing professional videos that redefined the company’s presence. Within months, his role shifted to full-time marketing director.

Today, his videos showcase everything from project updates to parodies, but the common thread is always people. The result: a stronger brand, a tighter-knit workforce, and a company culture where employees feel recognized and valued..

“We started down this road with the mindset that it’s not just about the projects. It’s about the people. It doesn’t take much to boost someone’s mental health and make people proud of their jobs in this industry," Brandon says.

Storytelling with a strategic purpose

Every two weeks, Brandon meets with the owners of GAME to brainstorm ideas for new content. They map out a strategy to create quality productions that align with the company's goals.

“The first big video we did focused on our core values," Brandon says. "We had one of our dump truck drivers with an amazing raspy, deep voice narrate that story, and we just built off that.”

Content ranges from simple to complex and serious to lighthearted. Topics include:

• Company values: Defining what GAME stands for
• Employee spotlights: Highlighting the people driving projects forward
• Project updates: Drone fly-throughs and progress photography on projects
• Lighthearted parodies: Showing the fun side of the company culture
• Safety awareness: Education and orientation videos
• Charitable support: Highlighting community involvement

The videos he produces also help GAME build its workforce while bolstering its existing team. They have begun to establish an identity as a construction company for which people are truly excited to work.

"There hasn't been one person that’s come in and applied who hasn't mentioned social media or our videos or our online presence," Brandon says. "We feel we are building a positive culture at GAME. Everybody is seeing it."

Improving jobsite culture and morale

For Brandon, content isn’t just about marketing — it’s about morale. His military background makes him acutely aware of how pride, recognition, and camaraderie affect mental health.

Building trust with teams in the field was a gradual process. At first, it was a struggle to convey the value of shooting videos on active jobsites.

“Here comes somebody in a polo,” Brandon says. “They’re not dirty. They’re not one of us. It took me about two videos before I showed up and they were like, ‘Dude, are you here to make a video? This is awesome.’

Those small moments — a laugh, a proud feature, a shared clip — add up. They create an environment where workers feel seen, appreciated, and connected to something bigger.”

Making an impact one view at a time

Technology gives everyone the ability to be a content creator. Brandon and the team at GAME are showing how vision, values, and heart make it possible to create content that truly moves people and helps define an organization’s culture.

For Brandon, success isn’t measured in millions of views. It’s measured in the pride and joy of the people on screen.

“If we have 100 employees and there are 100 views, I know those 100 people really enjoyed that video," Brandon says. "It meant something to them. It showcased them. It’s giving value to people in an industry that don’t normally feel valued. And that's the end goal.”

Written by