Sussex Development Corporation is a privately held general contracting firm founded in 1990 by Harry L. Davis III, a Virginia Beach native and Virginia Tech graduate who set out to build a company grounded in integrity, commitment, collaboration, and excellence. Starting with a two-room office and an early hospital renovation project, Sussex grew steadily by leveraging key relationships, eventually expanding its presence across the Mid-Atlantic region in markets spanning healthcare, recreational facilities, banking, education, and beyond. Today, the company remains closely held, with over 90% of its work coming from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the trust and lasting relationships the team has built over more than three decades in business.

This episode is somewhat unique as it was recorded live in front of an audience during the Associated General Contractors of Virginia's (AGCVA) 2026 Annual Convention at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. I was honored to have father and son Harry and Rolley Davis from Sussex Development Corporation join me for a conversation about the history and stories behind their company. Rolley recently made his own mark on that history, having been named President of Sussex Development, a milestone that speaks to the next chapter of this family-built firm.

Founded in 1958 by W.M. “Bill” Jordan and Bob Lawson, WM Jordan Company has grown into a powerhouse of construction management and real estate development across the Southeastern United States. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, the company is known for its relentless pursuit of excellence, community investment, and a culture that values integrity, innovation, and people-first leadership.

In this episode, we sit down with John Lawson, Executive Chairman and son of the company’s founder, to explore the history and stories behind WM Jordan. John shares how the company’s values and a strategy of continuous improvement-have shaped its evolution from a regional builder to a nationally ranked firm. He reflects on the leadership transition, the importance of empowering employees, and how WM Jordan’s commitment to community development continues to drive its success. WM Jordan’s story is one of resilience, vision, and generational leadership. John’s insights offer a rare glimpse into what it takes to sustain a family-founded business for nearly seven decades, and why the next chapter is just beginning.

Founded in 1963 by Sidney Barbee Cox, Jr., S.B. Cox, Inc. has grown from a small demolition contractor into a trusted leader across multiple industries, including demolition, landfill operations, roll-off dumpster services, portable toilets, and ready-mix concrete. With over six decades of experience, the company has helped reshape the landscape of Virginia and surrounding states. Rooted in a legacy of hard work, safety, and customer satisfaction, S.B. Cox, Inc. continues to evolve through the dedication of its team and the power of state-of-the-art equipment, safely taking on projects of all sizes with unmatched precision and reliability.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Barbee Cox, the son of the founder, who has continued to carry forward the legacy of his parents. Barbee shares interesting stories and insights about their journey, navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving market, the challenges they faced, and the innovations that have kept them at the forefront of the demolition industry.