Construction Today Vol 22 Issue 4 | Page 33

________________________________________________________________________________________ Hudgins Contracting
Hudgins, there was skepticism when I stepped into the role of CEO, which is understandable in hindsight. They faced a choice: support me and recognize I was not a threat or try to push me aside, hoping I would retreat. I was often encouraged to retire or take a step back by my leadership team, who were confident they could handle the business. But I had too much at stake to walk away.
“ Determined to succeed, I stayed, listened, asked questions, and eventually found allies in the industry, including CEOs from other general contracting firms who reached out to offer their help. In fact, a certified public accountant( CPA) specializing in contractors became an amazing mentor and a close friend to me. He assisted me during management meetings, guided me through financial complexities, and shared invaluable insights. I learned a lot from him, and his presence contributed significantly to our management
(
757) 545-8500 ensuring that his work family was cared for, as he had always intended,” she recounts.
Inclusive culture
Upon taking over Hudgins, Marsha faced challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-led industry.“ When my widowed mother was forced to take on my father’ s business, she learned to excel in the maledominated world of the 1960s. She often shared her struggles with me and her experiences shaped my understanding of what I could achieve. When I found myself in a similar position in the construction industry, I carried her spirit with me. At
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