FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tahlequah, Okla., Nov. 10th 2026. Two Eight, a drilling and blasting company operating in 13 states, has launched Two Eight RISE, a weekly leadership development community open to its entire team, from frontline teammates in the field to the office team.

Two Eight's teams work on job sites across multiple states and rarely see each other in person. Two Eight RISE gives them the opportunity to come together every week to share wins, talk through challenges, and grow as leaders at work and at home. 

Two Eight partnered with executive coach Cory Carlson and the RISE Community to bring its people-first leadership philosophy to life through a weekly development experience. It was adapted specifically for a team of drillers, blasters, mechanics, drivers, and office staff, most of whom had never had access to leadership development like this before.

“We say our vision is to build the best business for the best people so they can live their best lives. If we really want to fulfill that vision, we’ve got to invest in our team beyond just someone's ability to do their job,” said Ace McCarthy, President of Two Eight. “Our entire team used to only get together once a year. Now we have the opportunity to grow together weekly talking about leadership, marriage, parenting, health, money, and life as a whole. We’re seeing people grow in ways I honestly never expected”.

Early Results

A survey of team members after the first 90 days found:

• An average rating of 9 out of 10
• 90% rated it an 8 or higher
• 100% would recommend it to another team member

Team members said they've gotten to know coworkers they'd never met. They're also putting their phones down in the evening, going on more dates with their spouses, spending more time with their kids, and getting back into exercise.

"You don't have one version of yourself at work and another at home. You're one person," Carlson said. "Ace understands that investing in his people isn't separate from building a great company. It’s essential to building one."

Two Eight RISE is part of a broader commitment to developing people at every level of the company, guided by Two Eight’s vision: “Build the best business for the best people so they can live their best lives.” Two Eight believes that stronger people build stronger teams, make better decisions, serve customers better and ultimately create a safer, more successful company.

About Two Eight

Two Eight is a drilling and blasting company serving quarry, construction, and heavy civil customers across 13 states. Learn more at twoeight.com.

About the RISE Community

The RISE Community, founded by executive coach and author Cory Carlson, builds leadership communities that help people win at work and at home. Two Eight RISE is the first private, company-built version of RISE. Learn more at rise-community.com.

Media Contact

Jay Hopper, Partner
RISE Community
jay@rise-community.com
513-739-9319