Retired FCL Builders Executives Discuss Retaining Talent in Cold Chain Operations

Former CEO Carmen Dodaro and CHRO Lisa Pinion share insights on building a strong culture and developing employees from within

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:27pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal thermostat, a sleek stainless steel valve, and a smooth concrete block, arranged elegantly on a clean white background to symbolize the precision and durability required in cold chain operations.Precision components and materials underscore the technical expertise required to maintain efficient cold chain operations.Chicago Today

In an interview, retired FCL Builders CEO Carmen Dodaro and Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Pinion discuss the challenges of employee retention in the cold chain industry, which sees annual turnover rates of 30-40%. They emphasize the importance of cultivating a strong company culture, promoting from within, and hiring for attitude over just skills. The executives share how FCL has grown its cold storage division over the decades by investing in employee development and delivering a consistent employee experience.

Why it matters

High turnover rates in the transportation and warehousing sectors, including the cold chain industry, pose a major sustainability challenge for companies. Retaining skilled workers is critical for maintaining efficient cold chain operations. FCL Builders' approach of prioritizing culture, internal promotion, and holistic talent development offers insights that could benefit other cold chain businesses struggling with retention.

The details

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the transportation and warehousing industry sees around 3% of its workforce turn over each month, translating to 30-40% annual turnover. This retention challenge is even more pronounced in the harsher conditions of cold chain manufacturing and distribution environments. FCL Builders, a construction firm with a specialized cold storage division, has navigated this issue by cultivating a strong company culture, promoting from within, and focusing on employee development. Former CEO Carmen Dodaro and current CHRO Lisa Pinion emphasize that culture is not about superficial perks, but about how employees are treated, valued, and empowered to do meaningful work. The company has successfully grown its cold storage business in part by developing talent internally, with current President and CEO Chris Linn rising through the ranks. Pinion notes that FCL's approach to talent acquisition is to 'hire for attitude and train for skill,' underscoring the importance of finding the right cultural fit.

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data on 3% monthly turnover in transportation and warehousing was cited.
  • FCL Builders' cold storage division was launched in the early 1990s with a project at the Chicago International Produce Market.

The players

Carmen Dodaro

Retired CEO and board member at FCL Builders, who started as a project manager at the company with little cold chain experience and helped grow its cold storage division over the decades.

Lisa Pinion

Chief Human Resources Officer at FCL Builders, who discusses the company's approach to talent acquisition, employee development, and cultivating a strong company culture.

Chris Linn

Current President and CEO of FCL Builders, who worked his way up from field operations.

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What they’re saying

“From a recruitment standpoint, it's about delivering consistent story and experience and being able to deliver on a consistent employee experience and ability to tell candidates about how they can make an impact, how they can learn and grow and then deliver on that from day one.”

— Lisa Pinion, Chief Human Resources Officer, FCL Builders

“It's about how you're treated on the tough days. It's about how you feel when you wake up in the morning and you're ready to go to work. It's about feeling valued and respected and part of something and that's what a great culture is all about.”

— Lisa Pinion, Chief Human Resources Officer, FCL Builders

“Doing the right thing for the people is always the right thing for the business. In terms of talent acquisition, hire for attitude and train for skill.”

— Lisa Pinion, Chief Human Resources Officer, FCL Builders

What’s next

FCL Builders plans to continue expanding its cold storage division and developing talent from within the organization to address the industry's high turnover challenges.

The takeaway

FCL Builders' approach to retaining talent in the cold chain industry, which emphasizes cultivating a strong company culture, promoting from within, and hiring for attitude over just skills, offers valuable insights for other businesses struggling with high turnover rates in this sector.