By Chris “Mr. Classic” Romulo – Former Muay Thai Champion & Resilience Speaker
I know what it feels like to take hits that shake your foundation.
I’ve fought my way through the physical brutality of the Muay Thai ring — but some of the hardest blows came outside the ropes: rebuilding my gym after Hurricane Sandy only to lose it again during COVID, and most recently, recovering from a life-threatening illness.
The toughest opponents weren’t the ones standing in front of me. They were the ones inside — fear, self-doubt, and negative self-talk.
And if you’re leading in construction, I believe you and your crews face those same opponents every day — especially now.
The Mental Health Crisis in Construction
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this industry is hurting.
- Suicide rates among male construction workers are 56 per 100,000 — nearly twice the rate of men in other industries (CDC, 2021).
- Suicide in construction is 4 times higher than the national average (OSHA).
- A 2024 CPWR report shows that 5,200 workers in construction died by suicide in 2022 — roughly the size of a full job site, gone every year.
- 15% of construction workers report anxiety or depression symptoms — and 84% of them never seek professional help.
These are not just numbers. They’re your crew leaders. Your foremen. Your apprentices. Your friends.
From Setbacks to Comebacks: My Journey
I’ve had to rebuild — physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was once knocked out in the ring and told my fighting career was over. I’ve watched my business go under, not once but twice. And I’ve had to face the mirror and ask, “Who am I if I’m not winning?”
That’s when I started building a different kind of strength — the kind that doesn’t show up on paper but determines whether or not you keep showing up at all.
It’s the same mindset I now share with teams across industries: The Champions A.C.T. Framework — a blueprint for resilience anyone can apply, from job sites to boardrooms.
Champions A.C.T.: Accept. Challenge. Take Action.
Accept Reality
You can’t fix what you won’t face. Stress, burnout, fatigue, and isolation are real risks in the trades. We treat physical safety like it’s life or death — and we need to do the same with mental well-being.
Challenge Beliefs
“Be tough.” “Push through.” “Don’t show weakness.”
Sound familiar? That mindset helps you pour concrete in the rain and finish jobs on deadline — but it can also stop someone from asking for help until it’s too late. It’s time we reframe what toughness means.
Take Action
Talk is good — but action saves lives. That means:
- Leaders modeling vulnerability
- Normalizing check-ins during toolbox talks
- Creating peer-support programs
- Bringing in mental health training as part of the safety culture
I’ve lived these steps. Accepting I needed help, challenging my own belief that it made me “less of a fighter,” and finally taking action — working with a coach and therapist.
And now? I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.
What Works on the Worksite: How You Can Lead
You’re not just building standards. You’re shaping culture.
Here’s where leaders can make real impact:
- Make mental health part of the safety narrative — not a side topic.
- Train leadership to recognize signs of struggle early.
- Promote peer support — crews trust their own.
- Share real stories — vulnerability opens doors.
- Invest in programs that protect minds, not just bodies.
Final Word: The Strongest Foundations Are Human
I’m not here to sell anything. Just to speak the truth and offer something useful — from one fighter to another.
This industry is made up of champions. And even champions need a corner sometimes.
If we can treat mental health like safety — as non-negotiable — we’ll stop losing good people to invisible battles.
We’ll build something stronger than projects.
We’ll build culture, connection, and a workforce that knows how to rise again — stronger each time it falls.
About the Author:
Chris Romulo is a former professional Muay Thai champion turned resilience speaker and mental performance coach. After rebuilding his life and business through major setbacks — including losing his home and gym to Hurricane Sandy and recovering from a life-threatening illness — he now helps teams in high-pressure industries develop mental resilience and perform under stress.
Learn more at www.chrisromulo.com
