H.B. Neild Construction Director of Safety Quais “Q” Savoir has been named ISTC’s 2025 Safety Trainer of the Year.
The special recognition was announced Thursday evening in front of Southeast Texas industry and safety leaders at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza.
According to the Industrial Safety Training Council, the award demands unwavering commitment to leadership, a robust corporate safety program and employees who prioritize safety each and every day. At the heart of it all is the individual who brings the program to life within the company.
Savoir oversees the H.B. Neild safety department, which is responsible for the wellbeing of all field and office personnel, totaling approximately 100 team members.
In accepting the award, Savoir called the honor a “speechless moment,” but proceeded to speak from the heart with gratitude and thanks.
“My path as a safety professional was a little bit unorthodox,” he said. “I like to thank God for keeping me rising every single day. I would like to thank my beautiful wife and my daughter. Last but not least, I would like to thank H.B. Neild and the Neild family. They were the first company to believe in me. I finally get to give something back to H.B. Neild as the ISTC Safety Trainer of the Year. Thank you from my heart and my family.”
H.B. Neild Construction CEO Taylor Neild Sr. said it is not surprising to see Savoir earn the unique honor, adding he displayed special character during the interview process before his 2018 hiring.
“There is nothing more rewarding than having the reassurance that you have hired the right person for the right job,” Neild said. “Safety is not just a job for Q. It’s truly a lifestyle for him. Whether or not he is on the job or off the job, safety is what he is preaching to his friends, family and coworkers. It shows.”
H.B. Neild Construction President Thomas B. Neild Jr. said it has been great having a front row seat to watch and support Savoir grow in his safety professional career.
“His attitude of ‘Teach me more so I can teach others more is genuine, and those of us who are lucky enough to work alongside him see that in practice every day,” Neild said. “You cannot fake being truly passionate about what you do day in and day out. Q is truly passionate about not just safety as a textbook topic but creating and driving an actionable culture of safety for H.B. Neild, our subcontractors and the clients we serve.”
Savoir is a U.S. Army Veteran with more than 15 years of experience in safety management, including his service in the military.
He is recognized across H.B. Neild and Southeast Texas for innovative leadership while developing impactful safety programs, comprehensive case management strategies and rigorous training initiatives that prioritize worker safety and health.
He is currently the co-chair of the ABC Southeast Texas Chapter Safety Committee, where President/CEO Jane Gimler calls him an incredible asset.
“His deep knowledge of safety practices and his leadership have inspired a new way of thinking within our organization,” she said. “Through his involvement with other safety associations, Q has helped strengthen collaboration across the industry. We’re grateful for his dedication, expertise and the valuable time he invests in keeping our teams safe.”
Savoir also serves in a leadership role for the local chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.
“Q has been instrumental in advocating for the safety profession through our local ASSP Chapter by adopting our mission to protect people, property, and the environment,” ASSP Sabine Neches Chapter President Natalia Rios said. “He has fostered a culture of safety awareness with others in the industry by leading by example and demonstrating a passion for the safety of people.”
As chapter treasurer, Savoir helped facilitate the 34th Annual ASSP Sabine Neches Professional Development Conference at the LIT Szuch Multi-Purpose Center.
He and other organizers brought together safety professionals, project managers, engineers, salespeople and more to help attendees broaden networking, professional education and tangible resources.
For Thomas B. Neild Jr., the saying, “A rising tide lifts all ships,” comes to mind when thinking of Savoir and his demeanor as a respected servant-leader for the company and industry.
“He is always looking for ways to help others be the best version of themselves that they can be, and encouraging them along the way,” Neild said. “He has been a great member of the H.B. Neild team, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow together in our commitment to safety.”
Quais “Q” Savoir career accomplishments and associations
- Employed with H.B. Neild since 2018
- Lamar Institute of Technology, Computer Networking & Information Systems & Technology
- Honorably Discharged Army Veteran
- Quartermaster School
- Advanced Individual Training (92F) Petro Supply Specialist
- OSHA 30
- Hazmat & Transportation Certification / McAlester, OK
- NCCER – Field Safety, Safety Technician, Construction Site Safety Tech, Construction Site Safety Supervisor
- Risk Management Safety Professional
- United States Army Reserves
- Associated General Contractors of Southeast Texas
- Golden Triangle Business Roundtable
- Houston Business Roundtable
- American Society of Safety Professionals