Chris Parker

Chris Parker – Lessons a Nashville Entrepreneur Learned During 30 Years in Construction

Chris Parker is the Owner of CITY Construction, LLC, a Nashville-based general contracting company specializing in commercial construction projects ranging from restaurant build-outs to large-scale renovations. Under Chris’ leadership, CITY Construction has delivered high-profile projects such as the food court renovations at Bridgestone Arena, while maintaining a reputation for tackling challenging and creative builds that require innovative problem-solving. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Chris is known for his hands-on approach, deep relationships with subcontractors, and his passion for leaving a lasting mark on the city.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

[1:48] Chris Parker shares what initially drew him to EO
[3:19] Surprising openness in early EO forum meetings and the value of sharing deep personal experiences
[7:19] Chris’ unconventional path from marketing graduate to construction entrepreneur
[12:54] How Chris’ confidence and leadership style evolved after starting CITY Construction and getting his first big break at Bridgestone Arena
[14:42] Why building physical spaces fuels Chris’ passion and sense of pride
[17:48] The thrill of tackling complex construction projects with complex logistics
[19:02] How subcontractor relationships have evolved and why they’re more critical than ever
[23:01] Losing motivation during a stressful year and finding renewed purpose through EO

In This Episode

Some entrepreneurs hit a point where the business they once loved begins to feel like a burden. Long hours, constant stress, and the lack of meaningful connections can leave them drained and questioning their path forward. What does it take to reignite your passion for the work and rebuild a business that aligns with your values?

Chris Parker, a seasoned construction professional, shares how joining a peer support community helped him reset during a period of burnout. Through structured, confidential forums, Chris found a safe space to speak openly, gain perspective, and feel less alone in his challenges. He underscores the importance of letting go of tasks that don’t align with your strengths, reconnecting with taking pride in your work, and surrounding yourself with people who both challenge and support you. By reflecting on his values and future goals, Chris found renewed purpose and motivation to grow in a way that would be sustainable.

In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline interviews Chris Parker, Owner of CITY Construction, LLC, about rediscovering passion and direction as an entrepreneur. Chris explains how EO forums helped him reconnect with his mission, navigate a stressful business year, and embrace vulnerability as a strength. He also shares insights on growing a small team, handling complex projects, and planning for a future with improved balance.

Quotable Moments:

“I was just blown away at the vulnerability and the depth that the EO guys were sharing.”
“I wanted to build things I could be proud of and brag about to my kids.”
“I think as entrepreneurs, sometimes we get to a place where it’s just not fun.”
“I didn’t have that fire to go get after it like I usually do.”
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room, right?”

Action Steps:

Join a peer accountability group like EO: Surrounding yourself with trusted peers creates space for vulnerability, support, and personal and professional growth.
Regularly reflect on your entrepreneurial “why”: Reconnecting with your core motivation helps reignite passion and prevent long-term burnout.
Let go of tasks that don’t align with your strengths: Delegating effectively frees you to focus on high-impact, energizing work.
Seek feedback outside your immediate circle: Honest insights from peers or mentors can challenge assumptions and provide clarity in decision-making.
Celebrate completed work to build pride and momentum: Recognizing accomplishments — especially in physical industries like construction — reinforces purpose and energizes your team.