Adam Hart, president of Hart Construction, grew up in Memphis, where he began learning the ropes of the commercial construction business in 1999 working for Crawford Smith & Sharp LLC. He started his namesake company in Searcy after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Harding University in 2003. He is active with various civic organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and United Way. He serves on the President’s Council at Harding University in Searcy.
Hart Construction, backed by a staff of 25, recorded revenue of $19.7 million in 2020.
What attracted you to commercial construction?
As a kid, I was fascinated by construction and development, and like many little boys, I dreamed of operating a bulldozer. As I grew older, my enthusiasm to be in charge of bringing buildings out of the ground blossomed into the idea of building my own construction company.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The ability to create value for our customers is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my career. It is especially fun when I’m able to invest in projects from time to time and bring the construction element to the table. I love the process of seeking out second- or third-generation properties and making old things new again.
What construction sectors are hot?
I would say that from the work we have in progress and in the planning phase, both medical and industrial are the most prolific. I believe, because of the pandemic, the industrial sector has ramped up due to a partial shift in manufacturing from overseas as well as our economy’s logistical needs due to online shopping/retail.
What challenges have confronted your company during the pandemic?
We did have several projects that hit the pause button. The last two to three months, though, have yielded issues due to the pandemic. The shutdown of 2020 included many manufacturing sectors involved with the supply of materials to our industry. Lumber prices are (and remain) up 300%, and steel components have not only gone up in price but have also been subject to backlogs. The trickle-down effect of raw materials is currently translating into higher pricing and scheduling impacts on projects.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
I remember my dad always telling me, “Son, any job worth doing is worth doing well.” That advice transformed how I approach all business opportunities and construction projects. We are all presented with opportunities both inside and outside of our core business. If I follow my dad’s advice, it usually provides a pretty good litmus test of whether I should jump off into something new. Otherwise, we end up very mediocre at a lot of things.
Mistakes are said to deliver some of the most meaningful lessons. What is a mistake that helped shape your career?
In 2007, I developed a residential subdivision with lots ready to sell at the beginning of 2008. Of course, we all know the world fell apart in 2008, but I had lots to sell. That trying time forced me to dig deep, think outside the box and figure out how to sell. I do not regret the project because it taught me to always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Who are your mentors, people who made a difference in your life?
Early in my career Reggie Crawford, who owned a construction company in Memphis, hired me and shared his knowledge and experience with me. He helped guide me through starting Hart Construction in 2003 and was a sounding board for many years.
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