Professional achievements
• Managed impactful projects, including Arkansas medical cyclotron addition and Arkansas Capitol secured walkway.
• 2024 Associated General Contractors of Arkansas Construction Leadership Council Outstanding Member of the Year.
Community involvement
Led multiple construction service projects at Camp Aldersgate; organized events at Our House and Arkansas Food Bank; Leadership Greater Little Rock, Class XL.
Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome
“Navigating the generational divide in the construction industry. When I started as a project coordinator at 23, and even at 25 after being promoted to project manager, it was a constant struggle to earn respect or establish authority with subcontractors who had been doing their jobs since I was in elementary school or longer. Even though I grew up on a jobsite and had about five years of field experience before graduating college, I was always viewed as the kid from construction school. What I found made the real difference was being humble, asking questions, and showing that I had a ‘give a damn’ about me. We’re fortunate that central Arkansas is a smaller market, where we often work with the same subcontractors across multiple projects. That repetition has helped build mutual trust and respect over time, and get to the point where, while still young, my opinion and experience are valid.”
First job and lessons learned
“My first ‘job’ was when I was 7 picking up scraps and nails on one of my father’s remodels. That taught me the value of working for a dollar. My first consistent job was when I started refereeing youth soccer in the 8th grade. That taught me to pay attention to the task at hand, own your mistakes when they happen, communicate with your team and to never let outside distractions influence the ‘right’ decision.”
A small habit that has helped you succeed
“Waking up early. It’s pretty cliché to talk about how you can ‘grab this much time back in your day’ and this or that — but it’s so true. I’ve been an early riser since high school, through college, and still to this day. The quiet time in the morning has become my favorite time of the day: I’ll make a pot of coffee and watch the news, catch up on whatever game I fell asleep watching, get some quiet thinking time or get a jump on whatever the day is going to bring. It has really helped me start the day with clarity and control.”
What you’re most passionate about in your career
“I often joke that I switched majors to construction engineering because ‘construction is all I really knew,’ but honestly, it’s true. I grew up on job sites with my dad, always enjoyed working with my hands and worked in the field during college. It became second nature and with it came a natural passion for building. Today, I am most passionate about the impact of our projects and the trust our clients place in us. We’re not just building buildings; we’re helping bring someone’s vision to life and something that will positively impact the community. That’s what keeps me all in.”
Who you look up to and why
“I look up to my father, Trace, and there’s not nearly enough space to list all the reasons why. He’s the one who taught me everything I know about construction and was the reason I fell in love with the industry in the first place. But more than that, he’s been a constant teacher and mentor in life. He’s shown me what hard work really looks like, how to earn what you want, and most importantly, how to respond when life doesn’t go your way.”
One book everyone should read and why
“‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey. It is the only book I’ve read cover to cover since I was in high school and for good reason. It’s a great reminder to follow what matters to you, roll with the punches life throws your way and keep looking for the ‘green lights’ in life.”
A word that describes you
“Driven”