Welcome back to A Good Pour! I’m Kathryn Good, and today, I’m thrilled to finally sit down with a longtime friend, Cal Gentry. Cal is the president and owner of Civil Land Company, and we’ve been talking about having him on the podcast for a long time now—three years, to be exact!
We first met years ago when our kids were in the same toddler class at Primrose School in Hendersonville. Our little ones were in the same class and, let’s just say, there was a lot of competition over who would get Charlie’s attention (my daughter Clara was definitely not the only one with a crush on him!). From there, our families grew closer, and soon, we were vacationing together, sharing life’s highs and lows. Cal and I also started our businesses around the same time, and it’s been incredible to see our journeys unfold side by side.
One thing that’s always stood out to me about Cal is his servant leadership and genuine approach to business. It’s rare and inspiring in today’s world. When I asked him to be a part of this conversation, I was reminded of how much he believes in doing the right thing—not just because it’s good for business but because it’s good for people.
So, let’s dive into our conversation about good work, leadership, and the impact of doing things with purpose.
Building a Business with Purpose
Cal’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t something that happened overnight. After 20 years in engineering and development, he took a leap of faith and decided to build his own company. While he hoped for more time with his family, he admits it was life-changing in ways he hadn’t expected. His daughter Kate’s last year of elementary school was the perfect example of how entrepreneurship gave him more control over his time. He could walk her to school every day and be there for every one of her soccer games—a luxury he didn’t have in his corporate career.
The most rewarding part? Applying the experience he’d gained over two decades to projects that aligned with his values, working with people he had never worked with before, and solving problems in ways that made a difference. Whether it’s for a non-profit or a development project, Cal found fulfillment in bringing people’s ideas to life.
Doing Good Work in Business
When I asked Cal what “doing good work” means to him, his answer was simple yet powerful: it’s about solving problems for people who need them solved. As an engineer, Cal spent years solving problems in the world of real estate development, but now he does so on his terms—working on projects that are aligned with his values and making a real impact. Whether it’s helping people make money or supporting nonprofits, he’s using his skills to improve lives and communities.
I admire how focused he’s been on staying in his lane. Early in his career, he knew exactly what he was good at and stuck to it. He didn’t waste time trying to do everything himself, whether it was marketing or bookkeeping. Instead, he built a strong network of people—just like me—who could help him fill in the gaps. This kind of focused approach is a key part of what makes his work so effective.
Collaboration is Key
Another thing I love about Cal is his approach to collaboration. He’s not just about working with the same group of people; he’s about building relationships with others in the industry who bring something different to the table. It’s not always about doing things the way they’ve always been done. Sometimes, it’s about taking risks and being open to new ideas.
Cal’s collaboration with others, whether it’s engineers, home builders, or nonprofit leaders, has been one of the keys to his success. He’s always focused on making people happy and ensuring that everyone wins in the process. Whether it’s a business deal or a partnership with a nonprofit, Cal wants to leave the table knowing that everyone feels good about the outcome. It’s this kind of mindset that makes him a true leader in our community.
The Importance of Support
In the midst of all of this, Cal emphasizes the importance of having support from the people closest to you. When he left his corporate job to start his own business, his wife Lisa was right there by his side. While it wasn’t easy—especially with sleepless nights and uncertainty—having her support was one of the biggest factors in his success. It was a team effort, and having that strong foundation at home made all the difference.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Looking back on his journey, Cal has some great advice for anyone thinking about striking out on their own. First, measure nine times and cut once. Don’t rush into anything. Save money so you have the time to grow your business the right way. And don’t take the “easy money” just to make ends meet. Do the work that aligns with your values, and trust that the rest will follow.
For Cal, his journey has been more about adding value than having a specific business model. By staying open to new opportunities and trusting the process, things have flowed organically. And while there’s still a lot of uncertainty, Cal feels confident in the direction he’s headed.
The Balance Between Vision and Mission
What’s changed for Cal over time is his ability to say no. In the beginning, he wanted to say yes to everything, but over time, he learned the importance of focus. Saying no doesn’t mean closing doors; it means protecting the relationships and projects that matter most. Cal’s approach is centered around balance—being true to his values while also respecting his work capacity and the relationships that fuel it.
This conversation with Cal was a reminder of why doing good work—whether it’s in business or in life—is about solving problems, building relationships, and always choosing to do what’s right. If you’re an entrepreneur or someone who wants to make a difference in your community, take it from Cal: trust the process, stay focused, and never underestimate the power of collaboration and support
Thanks for joining me today! If you enjoyed this conversation, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s continue the conversation about how we can do good work and make an impact together. And remember—when you do good work, the good work does you right back.