CEO, Ruby-Collins, Inc.
THE STORY: I was born in Carrollton, Kentucky in 1962. In 1972, my parents moved us to Perry, Georgia where my dad served as a superintendent, building a wastewater treatment plant for the City of Macon. I received an associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Technical Institute (now known as Kennesaw State University).
My grandfather, father, and uncle all worked in the construction industry, so it seemed natural for me to follow in their footsteps. When I graduated from high school, I went to work with my dad at Ruby-Collins as a laborer. I continued that path through my first year of college, co-oping with Ruby-Collins every other quarter and attending classes on the opposite quarters. As I gained knowledge in the industry, I knew that this was the career for me.
From that point, I served in several roles with Ruby-Collins, including laborer, carpenter, project engineer, assistant project manager, and purchasing agent. Thirty-one years of my 41-year career has been at Ruby-Collins. However, I did take a 10-year break, where I served as project estimator, project manager, chief estimator, and regional director for an environmental construction company.
One of the biggest honors of my career was being invited to rejoin the Ruby-Collins team to serve under my dad and to replace him when he retired. So, from 1999 to 2005, I was able to work with him as he finished his career at Ruby-Collins. When he retired, I assumed the role of chief estimator, then became VP of project development a few short years later. In 2013, I was promoted to CEO. Since that time, we have been on a journey to become the company that people desired to be apart of and wanted to work with. We have grown from 22 employees to 160 employees, revenue growth from $12 million to $87 million, and received the Hard Hat Safety Award from the Georgia Utility Contractor’s Association four out of the last five years, as well as rated as a top contractor for six years in a row from ENR magazine. Most importantly we have built a culture that allows us to help our employees and families grow in their careers and lives.
WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: When Ruby-Collins moved to Georgia in 1970, we located in Smyrna, which is now World Headquarters for our company.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The greatest thing about my job is helping others to grow and succeed. We have several great leaders, which gives me the opportunity to serve our company in this capacity, as well as serve as the current president of the Georgia Utility Contractor Association, which allows me to be a difference maker in our industry.
LEISURE TIME: My wife and I love to travel. We enjoy getting out on our Harley’s and love time with our children and grandchildren.
BEST ADVICE: There are two important things people should consider in how they live life and how they succeed in their career: Know what you don’t know and find someone to help you with those things; be a difference maker in all you do.
WHAT’S NEXT? As retirement from Ruby-Collins approaches, I would like to focus on motivational and inspirational teaching, coaching, and speaking. I also plan to join my wife at Sierra Real Estate Partners. Most of all, I want to focus on our community, and growth of our children and grandchildren.
4875 Martin Court SE, Smyrna, GA 30082 • 770.432.2900 • ruby-collins.com
