Jim Wilkerson learned solid values growing up in rural Kansas. He also learned valuable life and construction skills serving three years as an officer in the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers. After graduating from Kansas State University in 1968, he worked for Atlanta-based Holder Construction Company for ten years. He won Holders’ coveted Superintendent of the Year Award on two separate occasions, appreciating the opportunity to get involved with both large and small projects with such a reputable company. In 1982, at the age of 35, Jim founded J.M. Wilkerson Construction Co., Inc. He has overseen over $500 million worth of construction in those years. He feels one of his greatest accomplishments has been putting a great team together - one that can manage through good times, as well as the bad times. Jim has always believed the success of a business depends on the quality and performance of its people. He has always prioritized the recruitment of the highest quality employees and encourages continuous improvement through training and learning new developments in the industry, resulting in knowledgeable employees and satisfied clients.

Brett Hawley joined J.M. Wilkerson Construction’s team as Chief Estimator in 1994 and now serves as the CEO/President. He has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, gaining his estimating experience while in school and with other organizations prior to joining J.M. Wilkerson Construction. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas. Brett was instrumental in the Plant Wansley power project, which advanced J.M. Wilkerson Construction’s operations and business processes. During that project, J.M. Wilkerson Construction’s safety, quality and technology programs were implemented and set the standard for programs moving forward.

Jason Cureton began his career in Information Technology in 1999 and added Financial and Operational Management responsibilities in 2011. In the CFO/CTO role, he has responsibility for company financial and operational functions, including management of the Information Technology, Human Resources and Accounting Departments. Jason is also an officer of the company, serving as the Corporate Secretary.

Austin Pruitt has worked with J.M. Wilkerson Construction as an estimator, engineer and quality assurance representative for over 24 years. Before joining JMW, Austin worked for Blue Circle Concrete in sales for commercial and residential construction. His knowledge of pre-construction, construction and his ability to coordinate trade partners makes him a valued leader of the JMW Estimating Department, working with both our Commercial Construction and Heavy Construction Departments.

Mike Travis has been connected to the Design, Development and Construction industry for more than 27 years. At J.M. Wilkerson, Mike previously served as the Director of Business Development since 2008, and is currently serving as Vice President. His background in Architecture, Development and Construction is critical to JMW’s pre-construction efforts and new business pursuits. Mike is also heavily involved with the City of Decatur as well as several charitable organizations such as the Alliance Children’s Theater Guild and Woodruff Arts Center Families Center Stage. Other contributions include the Our House, Decatur Oyster Roast Co-Host, Quality Care for Children sponsor and Decatur Arts Festival volunteer.

With over eighteen years’ experience in the construction industry, Chris Griffeth is an asset to any project. Chris was previously one of JMW’s most accomplished project managers. Chris has worked on all types of projects and has been with the JMW team for over 15 years. Possessing many strengths in his management, Chris has become quite successful in the administration of HUD or federally funded as well as task order or on-call projects. He has successfully completed multiple projects for the Atlanta Housing Authority, City of Atlanta as well as Federal and Military agencies. He enjoys working on difficult and challenging projects and believes that communication between the Owner, Architect and Contractor is critical to a successful project.

Ruthie Smith leads our HR department as well as helps facilitate the J.M. Wilkerson’s Safety/Risk Management and Quality Control departments. She is responsible for ensuring JMW compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, as well as ensuring JMW’s strict quality standards are met on every job. It is her responsibility to initiate any action required to achieve the above objectives and ensure all project activities are consistent with JMW’s safety and quality policies and procedures. With the aid of our third party Safety consultant, Safety Consultants USA, Ruthie conducts project site inspections, job analysis, safety reports and safety training. One of her main objectives is to serve as a model for employees by reinforcing JMW’s safety and quality goals and objectives and to prevent injury or loss of life.