S:6 E#12: Construction Projects on Tribal Land with Glenn Steiger and Jeff Ehret

In this episode of Get the kNACk, host Jerry Eyink brings together leaders from utility and construction sectors to explore a central theme: how building on tribal land differs from conventional construction. Joining him are NAC members Glenn Steiger, retired consultant for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, and Jeff Ehret, founder and chairman of The PENTA Building Group, which has completed over $4 billion in tribal projects across 15 tribes since 2002.

They share how sovereign immunity, tribal courts, and TERO employment requirements shape every project, along with the logistical and financial realities of building in remote locations. Importantly, they reveal that success on tribal land depends as much on relationships, patience, and cultural understanding as it does on technical execution. The guests share the leadership lessons from their careers and what it takes to build lasting trust in order to transform the industry to build a better nation.