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737 production leaders explain what ‘Give a damn’ means

Team members told business news network CNBC that culture is helping shape the next 737 rate increase as a new line prepares to start in July.

June 11, 2026 in Commercial

A CNBC camera crew of two interviews a Boeing line leader on the 737 factory floor Laura Hill, 737 first line leader, is interviewed by CNBC

Boeing teammates, including first line leaders, interviewed by the business news network CNBC said the 737 program continues to see a shift in culture as the company prepares to launch a new production line this summer and boost rate.

What they’re saying: As part of CNBC’s coverage from Renton and Everett, correspondent Phil LeBeau interviewed members of the team, who shared their thoughts on the company Values and Behaviors, namely “Give a damn.”

  • “Give a damn? Give a damn is my favorite, because I think it just encompasses everything. Give a damn about the people you work with and the product itself,” said Laura Hill, first line leader.
  • “Give a damn to your paperwork. Give your heart, put your heart into it. Whether leadership or building the airplane, put your heart into it,” said Greg Connolly, first line leader.
  • “What does give a damn mean? That means the work that we do, we care about it. We’re going to do everything possible to make sure it’s safe and it’s quality,” Jennifer Boland-Masterson, 737 North Line senior director of manufacturing, said.
Why 737 team ‘Gives a damn’: Production leaders on the 737 program were interviewed by CNBC, and shared their connection to the phrase. (CNBC video)

Why it matters: The team said culture changes are helping support safe, high-quality production as Boeing adds capacity to meet customer demand and work through a backlog of 737 orders.

Driving the news: Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg recently appeared on CNBC for a live interview, where he announced the July 6 opening of the company’s fourth 737 MAX production line. The North Line, located about hour from Renton in Everett, Washington, will help increase production of the single-aisle aircraft.

What’s next: Boeing will continue work to begin operations on the new North Line on July 6, as well as increasing the rate to build the 737 at 47 airplanes per month this summer.