Nabholz makes leadership changes, Jake Nabholz to become CEO

Conway-based general contractor Nabholz Construction Services announced Tuesday (June 22) that regional president Jake Nabholz will become CEO effective Jan. 1, 2022. Existing CEO Greg Williams, who also is chairman of the board, will retain his chairman role.

The company’s board of directors unanimously approved the changes. The announcement also included other leadership moves.

“Jake’s leadership style is modern, yet still in line with the values and principles our company was founded on over 70 years ago,” Williams said. “He has overseen tremendous growth in the company, particularly in our Oklahoma operations.”

Nabholz has worked for the company for 23 years and is the grandson of company founder Bob Nabholz and son of executive vice president David Nabholz. Williams has worked for the company for 30 years and has served as CEO since 2014 and as chairman since 2019. According to the release, Williams will help guide Nabholz as he transitions to CEO.

“Greg has done a tremendous job setting up the company for geographic growth and further diversification of our service lines,” Nabholz said. “His vision for Nabholz’ future clearly guided his decisions and initiatives, and I hope to continue building on this progress.”

Nabholz, who works at the company’s corporate office, started with the company as a summer laborer while in high school. He graduated with a construction management degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe. He worked in business development and leadership roles in Tulsa and central Arkansas. In 2018, he was promoted to regional president, overseeing operations in central and northeast Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Oklahoma. He serves on the board of the Arkansas Children’s Foundation, Philander Smith College Board of Trustees, Conway Corp Board of Directors and the Associated General Contractors of Arkansas.

During Williams’ tenure as CEO, the company’s revenue has nearly tripled and has had four consecutive years of record revenue. The company’s revenue in fiscal 2020 (Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020) was $767 million.

Williams also oversaw several acquisitions in new business sectors, including solar and rail transit, and the opening of new locations in Tulsa, Connecticut, North Little Rock and central Tennessee. While employee numbers have risen, the company continues to pay 100% of employees’ health insurance premiums, largely as a result of Williams’ vision of a comprehensive wellness program, according to a news release.

In other leadership changes, Brad Hegeman has been elected vice chairman and named chief strategy officer. He will be responsible for Nabholz’ overarching strategy, including long-term planning for further growth and diversification of the company through innovation, market development, new services and acquisitions. Hegeman joined Nabholz in 1996 as corporate controller. His most recent position was chief operating officer alongside Greg Fogle, who will remain chief operating officer. Hegeman is the chairman of the governor’s Military Affairs Council and serves on the University of Central Arkansas Foundation Board and Ronald McDonald House Board. Hegeman, who works at the company’s corporate office, starts in his new roles July 1.

The geographic area Nabholz previously oversaw will be split into two regions with two presidents. Working out of Jonesboro, Andrew Adlong, executive vice president, will be the regional president of the company’s construction operations in central and northeast Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Working out of Tulsa, Michael Feamster, executive vice president, will be the regional president of the company’s construction operations in Oklahoma. The new roles for Adlong and Feamster are effective July 1.