When David joined Sanford Contractors in 1993, he was given the opportunity to build the Utility Division from the ground up. Over the next three decades, he grew it into one of the company’s core divisions, completing hundreds of utility projects, building lasting relationships with owners and partners, and developing a team prepared to carry the division forward.

As David prepares for retirement, we asked him to reflect on the career, people, and lessons that have meant the most to him.

What first brought you to Sanford Contractors 33 years ago?

I worked alongside Sanford Contractors on projects for several years before joining the company. When the opportunity came to build the Utility Division, it felt like the right next step. The chance to build something from the ground up was exciting.

What were some of the biggest challenges in getting the Utility Division off the ground?

We were starting from scratch, and building the team was the biggest challenge. I remember bidding one of our first major utility projects for the City of Sanford before we even had a crew in place. We took a chance, hired good people, and kept growing from there. Over time, we expanded from a couple of crews into a division completing complex projects across the region.

Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m proud of everything the Utility Division has accomplished, but the relationships we’ve built stand out most. Some of our clients have been with us since the early days of the division, and I think that says a lot about how we’ve always done business.

On a personal level, I’m grateful I was able to build a career doing something I genuinely enjoyed. My dad was a construction superintendent, and watching him go to work every day showed me early on what I wanted to do. I’m fortunate to say I enjoyed going to work every day.

Is there a project you’ll never forget?

The utility improvements around the Market House in downtown Fayetteville always stand out. It was one of our first major design-build utility projects and among the most technically challenging.

Because the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, every detail mattered. We documented nearby buildings before construction, monitored vibration throughout the project, and used vacuum excavation in many areas to protect existing infrastructure before bringing in heavier equipment. It required careful planning, patience, and teamwork, and it showed what our crews could do when quality and attention to detail mattered most.

How has the company changed the most since you started? What has stayed the same?

Technology has changed nearly everything, from how we estimate work to the equipment we use in the field.

What hasn’t changed are the company’s values. We’ve always focused on building quality projects, taking care of our clients, and building lasting relationships. That was true when I started, and it remains true today.

You’ve mentored many younger employees throughout your career. Why has that always been important to you?

Early in my career, a superintendent took me under his wing. I still remember a piece of advice he gave me: “You’ll be okay if you remember we don’t install pipe with an airplane.”

He was reminding me to slow down, take my time, and do things the right way. That lesson stuck with me, and I’ve always believed it’s important to pass those lessons on. Someone invested in me early in my career, and I’ve tried to do the same for the next generation.

Watching people grow into leaders has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. If I could leave younger employees with one piece of advice, it would be this: do your best, take responsibility for your actions, and always be honest. Everyone makes mistakes. If you’re honest about them, we can work through them together. Trying to cover something up only makes it worse.

Looking at today’s Utility Division, what gives you confidence about its future?

We have good people in place. They are capable, committed to quality work, and have grown into strong leaders. Our leaders and teams know how to keep jobs moving, mentor the next generation, and take care of our clients. That gives me confidence that the Utility Division is in good hands.

Once you’ve retired, what do you hope your teammates remember most about you?

I hope they remember that I was fair and always had their best interests at heart. My responsibility was making sure our people always had work and the support they needed to succeed. I enjoyed that responsibility, and letting go of the reins has probably been the hardest part of preparing to retire.

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?

I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and making more trips to the mountains. My wife and I have always enjoyed spending time around Blowing Rock and Boone, and we’ll have more opportunities to do that now.

When you look back on 33 years with Sanford Contractors, how would you define a successful career?

Being proud of the work we’ve done, knowing we took care of our clients, providing for my family, and seeing the people around me succeed. I think that’s what makes a career successful.

For 33 years, David’s leadership helped shape not only the Utility Division, but also the people within it. Through his commitment to quality, accountability, and mentorship, he built a division defined by strong relationships and a culture that will continue long after his retirement. We cannot thank David enough for his dedicated service and wish him and his family all the best in his next chapter.

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Since joining Sanford Contractors four years ago as the company’s Safety Coordinator, Aaron has helped strengthen the company’s safety program through training, mentorship, and collaboration across every division. Drawing on leadership experience gained during 12 years in the U.S. Army and later as an educator, he believes the strongest safety cultures are built by developing people and empowering them to make good decisions.

“The military taught me that leadership is about helping people, not just being in charge,” Aaron said. “I’ve carried that with me throughout my career.”

That philosophy continues to guide his approach today. Rather than simply enforcing standards, Aaron sees himself as a resource for crews, helping field leaders solve problems, answer questions, and make informed decisions.

“Safety is proactive, not reactive,” Aaron said. “Planning ahead and having those conversations doesn’t slow the work down. It helps us do the job the right way.”

Aaron believes Sanford Contractors’ strong safety culture starts with people who take ownership every day. “Our culture is to look out for each other,” he said. “Safety isn’t one person’s responsibility. It’s something every member of our team contributes to.”

In addition to supporting project teams across the company, Aaron leads the Safety Committee and Risk Management Group while overseeing companywide safety training and education. He believes safety management is constantly evolving, making continuous learning and improvement essential for both individuals and the organization.

Outside of work, Aaron enjoys reading, exercising, target shooting, and spending time with his family.

For Aaron, the most rewarding part of his role is simple: “I try to learn something new and help someone every single day.”

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Central Carolina Community College, Lee County Schools, Western Harnett High School, Grace Christian, Ascend Leadership Academy, Central Carolina Academy, ApprenticeshipNC, and Carolinas AGC for their partnership. Their continued support has helped connect students with real-world career opportunities while building a stronger pipeline of future construction professionals.

This recognition reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students and strengthening the future workforce in our communities.

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Training sessions and safety discussions were held across multiple divisions throughout the week, reinforcing the importance of preparation, accountability, and ongoing communication on all active jobsites. Daily jobsite huddles also included additional reminders and conversations centered around the special topic of fall protection and related safe work practices.

Sanford Contractors appreciates the support of industry and community partners who helped lead this year’s training efforts, including Sunstate Equipment’s Trench Safety Division, Travelers Insurance, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Certified Safety Experts.

Construction Safety Week serves as an annual opportunity for companies across the industry to reinforce the habits and responsibilities that support safe operations year-round. At Sanford Contractors, safety remains a shared responsibility and a daily commitment across every jobsite.

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Awarded to SCI in January 2025 by the NCDOT, these projects are now moving into construction, with crews beginning work in April 2026. These reconstruction projects represent an important step in restoring access for local residents and reconnecting key routes throughout the Burnsville community.

Sanford Contractors will replace three bridges:

Bridges 62 and 100 will be constructed in phases to help maintain access for nearby residents throughout construction. The original structures at both locations were washed away during the storm, and temporary railcar crossings were installed to provide interim access until permanent replacements can be built.

At Bridge 97, the previous structure was also destroyed, and the crossing has remained inaccessible since the storm. This location serves as a critical connection across the South Toe River, and restoring this crossing will provide an important benefit to the surrounding community.

Rebuilding after major storms takes coordination and strong partners. Sanford Contractors is proud to support these efforts by delivering structures that will serve Yancey County for years to come.

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Sanford Contractors was proud to partner with Samet Corporation to deliver the new main Lee County Library to our community. The nearly 34,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was designed by Vines Architecture to serve as a modern, accessible space for learning, connection, and community engagement. Projects like this come together through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to creating spaces that serve people for generations.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Lisa Minter noted that the new library had been included in the County’s capital improvement planning as early as 1993, describing it as a vision more than 30 years in the making. Beth List shared that the library reflects Lee County’s commitment to putting people first, describing it as “not just a place for books, but a place for people… a true third place where everyone belongs.” Sanford Area Growth Alliance also discussed how investments in quality-of-life infrastructure like the new Lee County Library and the Lee County Athletic Park play an important role in supporting continued economic and workforce development across the region.

More than just a place to read, the library offers expanded resources and flexible spaces for a wide range of uses. The facility includes areas for public meetings, dedicated programming for children, teens, and adults, rentable rooms, outdoor gathering spaces, computer access, and convenient drive-up book return and pickup.

One of the most anticipated features is the new makerspace, equipped with 3D printers and creative tools made possible through the support of Kyowa Kirin. This addition reflects the library’s expanded role as a hub for innovation and hands-on learning across Lee County.

As Commercial Building Vice President Blake Baur shared, it is incredibly rewarding to see the impact our projects can have on the community. Hundreds attended the grand opening celebrations, with families, library staff, and local leaders gathering throughout the day, all brimming with excitement about the new facility.

From groundbreaking in November 2024 to delivering this facility this spring, Sanford Contractors is proud to have played a role in bringing this new library to life. We look forward to seeing how it supports learning, connection, and growth across Lee County in the years ahead.

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This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for a long-standing commercial site that has served the Sanford community since the 1980s. For decades, Riverbirch has been a place for shopping and connection. This redevelopment represents an opportunity to reinvest in the site and reintroduce it as a modern retail destination that reflects the needs of the community today.

The approximately 42-acre redevelopment will be anchored by Target and will introduce a new-to-market grocery store, along with additional retail offerings. Plans for the site include updated infrastructure, improved access, and a more functional layout designed to better serve both tenants and visitors.

The Riverbirch redevelopment is being led by CASTO in partnership with the City of Sanford, Lee County, and local economic development partners, working together to support continued investment in a key commercial corridor.

Sanford Contractors’ team is mobilizing on site at Riverbirch to begin demolition and site development, marking the start of construction activity. Work will be completed in phases to align with the overall development plan and support continued progress across the project.

Projects like Riverbirch reflect the value of strong partnerships. We are proud to work alongside CASTO and the broader team to help bring this project to life for the Sanford community.

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The Women in Business Awards program recognizes Triangle women who demonstrate outstanding leadership and a strong record of accomplishment in business and community impact. The Inspiration category honors individuals whose careers and leadership have made a meaningful and lasting impact on those around them. This year’s honorees were selected from more than 100 nominees.

Barbara Angell’s career reflects a remarkable legacy of dedication, growth, and leadership within the construction industry. She began her career with Sanford Contractors more than 40 years ago and steadily advanced through the organization, earning respect through her work ethic, integrity, and financial expertise.

As President Donnie Oldham has shared, Barbara is “a living testament that if you’re smart and work extremely hard, you can accomplish great things.”

During her tenure, Sanford Contractors has grown from a team of 35 employees to more than 270, with annual volume increasing significantly over that time. Throughout this growth, Barbara has played a critical role in supporting the company’s financial strength and guiding long-term planning. She has served as Chief Financial Officer for more than 15 years.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Barbara’s impact is reflected in the example she sets. Her consistency, humility, and commitment to doing what is right have influenced generations of team members and leaders across the company. Her career stands as a meaningful example of what is possible through dedication and perseverance, particularly for women building long-term careers in the construction industry.

Barbara accepted the award on March 26 at a reception hosted at the Angus Barn in Raleigh, surrounded by members of the Sanford Contractors leadership team and her family.

Read her Triangle Business Journal profile here (subscription required): https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/c/tbj-2026-women-in-business-awards-winners/42731/barbara-angell.html

We are proud to celebrate Barbara’s well-earned recognition and grateful for her leadership and the example she sets each day.

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Our team is delivering two private hangars and preparing to begin concurrent construction of the new TTA Corporate Hangar. Work within active airfield environments requires careful phasing, close coordination with airport operations, and disciplined execution to maintain safety while minimizing disruption to daily activity.

While these projects focus on vertical construction, they reflect a broader aviation capability that integrates both building and infrastructure expertise.

Sanford Contractors supports aviation clients through multiple divisions. Our Commercial Building Division delivers hangars, terminal facilities, and supporting aviation structures through hard bid, design-build assist, and full design-build delivery methods. Preconstruction services play an important role in this work, allowing our team to provide early cost analysis, constructability reviews, and detailed scheduling that help airport owners make informed decisions and maintain project budgets.

At the same time, our Site Development Division has completed complex infrastructure improvements that support airport expansion and modernization. By self-performing key site and utility scopes, Sanford Contractors maintains greater control over coordination, schedule, and quality. That integrated approach allows our teams to deliver aviation projects efficiently while maintaining the operational awareness required within active airport environments.

Across the state, Sanford Contractors has built a reputation as a dependable partner to public agencies. Our leadership remains engaged, communication is direct, and our teams understand the importance of maintaining safe, uninterrupted operations while construction is underway.

Aviation projects require more than construction expertise. They require careful coordination, regulatory awareness, and a disciplined approach to planning and execution.

Sanford Contractors is proud to contribute to the infrastructure that supports North Carolina’s aviation network and the communities these airports serve.

Pictured above are some of Sanford Contractors’ previous projects at Raleigh Executive Jetport, including the first REJ Corporate Hangar and the REJ Terminal building – the first design-build project undertaken by the NC Department of Aviation.

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Different partners take turns leading the safety discussion, reinforcing a core principle on every job: safety is a shared responsibility. Recently, Sanford Contractors led the project-wide conversation, focusing on cold weather construction and the additional risks that come with fluctuating winter temperatures.

Thalle Construction Company is serving as the project’s general contractor, with Sanford Contractors’ Building Division constructing key structural components. With multiple trades working simultaneously, consistent communication is one of the most effective safety tools on site. The morning huddle allows teams to address real-time conditions, reinforce expectations, and start the day aligned.

During the discussion, our team emphasized practical precautions including proper layering, monitoring walking and working surfaces for ice and moisture, and recognizing early signs of cold stress. Reduced dexterity, fatigue, and slippery conditions can slow reaction time and impact performance. While winter conditions are not new to the industry, reminders and proactive planning help ensure small oversights do not turn into larger issues.

The Sanford Water Filtration Facility expansion will increase capacity from 12 million gallons per day to 30 million gallons per day, strengthening long-term water infrastructure for the region. Projects of this scale demand technical coordination, as well as trust, accountability, and open communication across every company on site. Rotating leadership of daily safety talks keeps engagement high and reinforces consistent standards across all trades.

At Sanford Contractors, we believe safety is strengthened through partnership. When every team member takes ownership of the day’s conditions, safe operations become the standard rather than the exception.

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