Regional Manager, BL Harbert International
Q: Tell us about your company…
BL Harbert International is a diversified construction company working in the U.S. and abroad. The company is one of the country’s most influential contractors, a leader in sustainable construction, and a top design-builder.
Q: What types of moves are you making in the Huntsville/Madison County market?
We have recently renovated our office located in the Downtown Square and are extremely excited to see it grow. We have a long history of working in the Huntsville area with clients such as the U.S. Government and several private defense contractors. Our office positions us to support our clients and grow in the Huntsville market.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face in your business, and how do you work to overcome them?
Every industry, including construction, is facing similar issues in hiring. Before COVID, the construction industry faced a skills gap with many aging workers retiring. To help counter that, we have focused on building relationships with trade schools and community colleges to create awareness about commercial construction opportunities. Additionally, we have invested in craft trade programs and doubled our recruiting efforts.
Q: You’ve joined the Chamber’s Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative, or HREGI. What would you say to other companies considering this type of investment?
Supporting HREGI has been an eye-opening experience. This particular Chamber has one of the strongest reputations in the state. These investments draw the business leaders closer together in a collaborative way and allow the Chamber to pursue critical growth initiatives that ultimately make our business environment and communities better. I would say the investment is a no-brainer; it is well worth it.
This article appears in the June 2022 issue of Initiatives magazine, a publication of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.