How Good Company Culture Builds Leaders

W.E. O'Neil is sharing their succession planning playbook with us.

In an employment climate where many people are promoted without preparation, resigning without notice and silently quitting (not a practice we encourage), Steven Culp and Tanya Iacabone are a beautiful example of how professionals pass the proverbial torch when they work in a happy and healthy company culture.

Steven and Tanya, May 2025

Building the Future: A Succession Plan Thrives at W.E. O’Neil Construction

In Nashville’s bustling construction scene, relationships are king. For over five years, Steven Culp, a 47-year veteran of the AEC and civil infrastructure world, has been the face of W.E. O’Neil Construction, forging ties to fuel the firm’s growth. Now, with retirement set for July 2025, Steven has orchestrated a seamless transition by identifying, hiring and mentoring his successor early. Tanya Iacabone (eye-ka-bone) joined W.E. O’Neil Construction as Business Development Manager in October of 2024.

Tanya, an Arizona State grad with a knack for sales and relationship management, brings fresh energy to the role. Her nine-month onboarding—dubbed “Tanya’s Indoctrination” by Steven—is a masterclass in succession. Steven’s been hands-on the last 9 months, introducing her to his Nashville network of developers, architects, and trade partners built over the past 32 years, while schooling her in W.E. O’Neil’s culture, processes, and project pipeline. Together, they’ve co-crafted the 2025 market study and business plan, ensuring Tanya’s ready to lead.

Why It Matters

Steven saw the risk of leaving a void. “Tanya needed prep time to become W.E. O’Neil in Nashville,” he says. “Clients and partners need to know her as our point person.” His detailed training plan spans company history, construction methods, legal docs, and a who’s-who of local contacts—keeping them “burning shoe leather” meeting folks face-to-face. “I like to hire people smarter than me,” Steven adds. “Tanya’s an example of that. W.E. O’Neil’s future in Nashville is bright with her,”.

Photos from Steven's retirement party on 7/10/2025.

Tanya’s Take

Tanya blends Steven’s old-school handshake charm with a tech-savvy edge. “Steven’s shown me relationships rule here,” she says, “but I’m excited to layer in tools to anticipate client needs.” As Steven steps back, Tanya’s stepping up, co-managing outreach and soon taking the reins. She’s targeting growth in education, multifamily, retail, and mixed-use projects, leaning on W.E. O’Neil’s ethos: “We build dreams and great relationships.”

A Blueprint for Construction

With 59% of industry leaders nearing retirement in the next decade (per Deloitte, 2024), Steven’s proactive handoff stands out. Rather than a scramble, W.E. O’Neil gets renewal. Steven’s next act? At 66, he will soon return to Lipscomb University for a K-5 teaching certificate, eyeing a kindergarten or 1^st grade classroom. Meanwhile, Tanya’s poised to cement W.E. O’Neil’s Nashville legacy—one handshake, and one smart move, at a time.

Tanya is also a Class of 2025, Nashville Top 30 Under 30, and is currently raising $5,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - click here to support her efforts!

To connect with Tanya directly please email her at tiacabone@weoneil.com