After 33 years with Sanford Contractors and 52 years in the industry, former Utility Division Vice President David Stike is retiring, bringing to a close a career that helped shape both the company and its Utility Division.

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.

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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.