2022 GroundBreaker: Amy Sullivan, President & CEO of ABC Carolinas

GroundBreak Carolinas is honored to spotlight Amy Sullivan, a member of the Class of 2022 GroundBreakers — an exclusive group of individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for the construction community in the Carolinas.

Sullivan is President & CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC Carolinas). ABC Carolinas represents general contractors, construction management firms, specialty contractors, various material and equipment suppliers, and service providers all dedicated to the construction industry in North and South Carolina. Based in Charlotte, ABC Carolinas is one of 69 chapters of ABC, a national association representing more than 21,000 members. South Carolina has three regional ABC councils – Midlands, Upstate and Lowcountry. North Carolina has four regional councils – Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Coastal.

When Sullivan took over ABC Carolinas in 2020, the organization was struggling with decreased membership and other challenges related to past leadership transitions. In less than two years, Sullivan has stabilized and grown the organization by building the ABC brand, hosting meaningful and engaging events across both states, promoting workforce and safety, and helping lead improvements in the construction industry.

Under her leadership, ABC Carolinas received two ABC National awards for 2021. The Chapter Performance Award recognizes a Chapter for not only membership growth, but also member retention, and participation in ABC’s formal safety (STEP) and quality (AQC) programs. The Charles A. Mullan Award is presented for Chapter Growth. ABC Carolinas also won the Mullan Award for 2020 – Sullivan’s’ first year with the association. 

GroundBreak Carolinas caught up with Sullivan this week for a quick conversation.

Tell us what you are most passionate about when it comes to the AEC industry and/or your role within your organization?

Being a former business development person in the AEC world, I love being able to see the positive community impact of my contributions and those of the organizations for whom I have worked.  Driving down the road and being able to identify buildings or properties that I’ve been involved with excites me. I take great satisfaction in knowing that my efforts, and those of others involved, made those communities better for the citizens that use, work, go to school, and enjoy those facilities; not only during my lifetime, but also after I am gone. As far as my role in ABCC, I love making connections among our members. Knowing that ABCC is helping our members with the growth and improvement of their businesses through relationships and opportunities made through our organization is a result of achieving not only that personal expectation that I strive for — but also, one of the highest priority expectations of our organization. Helping our members make their companies and the industry better gives me a sense of great satisfaction and professional fulfillment.

What are some of the things you are doing outside of your workspace and organization to improve the construction industry and encourage others to make construction a potential career choice?  

I am not only a strong advocate but perhaps even one of the “biggest cheerleaders” for the construction industry. As I travel around the Carolinas, I regularly meet with industry peers as well as collegiate, high school, and secondary school students, their parents, and faculty and administration personnel. I am always talking about the long-term career opportunities our industry has to offer.  I serve on the local Board of the Boy Scouts of America and have worked with this organization to showcase our industry. By establishing ABC Carolinas partnerships with the Boy Scouts Explorers Clubs in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Charleston, we are exposing middle school students to our industry through various competitions involving designing and building things.  I am hopeful that such activities and others being offered by ABCC will help the next generation understand that the construction industry offers tremendous opportunities to not only showcase their skills through buildings; but also offers multiple, long-term career paths for them.

What do you see as the future trends of the construction industry over the next 5-10 years? Will technological advances dominate the industry changes of the future?

I think that we will see safety be at the forefront and robotics and smart wearables start to be the norm.  Things like monitors, 3D goggles, smart boots, smart hats and power gloves.  Keeping our workers safe will be a priority over the next several years. I think drones, artificial intelligence, and experiential learning will also dominate our industry.  From a construction standpoint, modular construction and prefabrication of various building system components has already started in several of our industries, and I think that will continue into the future more so than ever.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?

Since starting with ABCC in May of 2020, during the onset of the pandemic, my greatest accomplishment has been keeping our association fully operational so that we can serve our essential construction industry. When other organizations were still having virtual events, ABCC started hosting in-person networking (safely and responsibly) in all 7 of our councils starting in July 2020.  I believe this is why we were so successful in 2020 and in 2021 in terms of retention and membership growth.  Having this kind of growth has enabled us to make key hiring decisions within ABCC and to build a strong and effective team.

What do you think are the most important personal attributes one must possess to be successful in the construction industry of tomorrow?

At the end of the day communication is key in any role in any industry. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is critical to being successful in our industry.  Being a team player and being a solution provider is also necessary for one’s success. Don’t find problems without offering a solution.  As technology takes over, the ability to maneuver through different systems and equipment is critical as well.  Then the basics of math, reading, dexterity, eye-hand coordination and physical strength come into play.  I don’t think there is necessarily a one-size-fits-all list of attributes for our industry, but the willingness to work, and to work hard as a team member, will bring about success.

What are the 3-5 Leadership Principles that you have discovered and executed that have contributed to your success?

• I believe establishing high expectations before empowering team members is critical. Everyone thinks and responds differently. So, to put people in a box and expect them to react the same is unreasonable. Empowering each team member to make their own decisions is important.  Listening is critical. I work on this daily.

• Humility. ABCC wouldn’t be where it is without EVERYONE. It takes a true village for success from our team members, members at large and Board members. Nothing happens in a vacuum. We all play a part of successes and failures.

• Being optimistic while also being realistic in today’s workplace is critical to one’s success.

Looking back over your construction career, is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?

I would have started earlier. My stepfather is a General Contractor and he enjoyed a 30-plus year career in construction.  I was offered a chance to get into the industry with him back in my twenties and I didn’t do it.  Knowing what I know now, that would have been a wise move! 

How do you empower your staff?

Providing the team with clear expectations, authority to make certain decisions, and the tools required to get the job done is how we make things happen within our organization. Both individual and team performance accountability encourages everyone to always put forth their very best effort in everything they do for our organization. If my guidance is needed, then I chime in.