Chief Executive Officer, Gadberry Construction Company, Inc.
Gadberry is in his second decade in the construction business, having launched his company in 2000. He grew the business while completing his degree at The University of Texas at Dallas. Right before the recession hit, his company had just under $1 million in revenue and 21 employees. Gadberry managed to keep his company afloat as the economy tanked in 2008. Today, his company is thriving, with revenues topping $3 million and a second office in Houston. In 2014, the company was named No. 37 on the Dallas 100 Entrepreneur list of fastest-growing private companies in the Dallas area. It also ranked No. 374 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the United States. Gadberry was recently named to the “40 Under 40” list compiled by Dallas Business Journal. Gadberry, selected from 500 nominees, was honored for his professional achievements and contributions to the community.Gadberry graduated cum laude from the Naveen Jindal School of Management.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
The highlight of my career thus far is being named the 37th fastest-growing private company in Dallas. That was a special night, and I got to share it with my grandmother, mother and the whole Gadberry team. My proudest achievement would be surviving in the construction industry for 15 years, especially through the financial crisis of 2009.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
It’s a great business school with a solid night program and flexible hours. I was able to complete almost 100 percent of my classes attending class from 7 to 10 p.m.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
Definitely graduation!
Who was your favorite professor or what was your favorite class and why?
I honestly can’t remember a favorite professor. I was working 60 to 80 hours a week and going to school at night. I’m not sure about a favorite class, but I think I got the most out of my corporate finance and accounting courses.
What’s the best advice you have received?
My grandfather used to tell me, “Never work in a job that does not make you happy or give you some kind of satisfaction.” That simple piece of advice guided me to start a company in an industry I love, and we are now the 12th-fastest growing construction company in America, according to the 2015 Inc. 5000 list.
What advice do you have for current students hoping to succeed in the business world?
I have five simple pieces of advice:1. Network.2. Get a mentor.3. Network.4. Get another mentor.5. Network.
What makes an effective leader?
I would say it boils down to first being the hardest-working guy in the room and not letting any task be beneath you. Second is to always be yourself and be honest. It’s the only way you’ll be truly happy in a leadership position.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I stay active in my local community; I network and participate in multiple professional organizations. It seems like I am getting asked more and more these days to sit on boards and commissions. It might seem like a chore to some people, but I look at it as priceless experience and free education. It beats sitting at home watching TV or playing video games.
