“It’s half the battle that will come out.” For many, this might sound like a cliché, but for Sara Beth Wilcox, it’s a mantra that fuels her career. She’s dedicated to shaping Skylines, driven by young leaders, and steering Alabama towards a promising future.

As the vice president and division manager of Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the largest construction firms in the southeast, Wilcox oversees projects worth hundreds of millions in North Alabama. But her narrative extends beyond just concrete and contracts; it’s deeply rooted in resilience, mentorship, and the belief that positive change happens when leaders step up, even amidst intimidation.

“I can’t count how many times I felt out of place,” Wilcox admitted. “Stepping into the CEO’s office as the only woman at the table can feel daunting, but it’s often where valuable connections are made.” This mindset has been vital in navigating her personal challenges and professional transitions, ultimately leading her to lead Brasfield & Gorrie’s Huntsville division, where her efforts are literally building Alabama’s future.

Early Foundations

Wilcox was born and raised in Florence and showed an early fascination with construction. While her peers were engrossed in novels, she perused floor plans and design books instead. This passion ultimately took her to Auburn University, initially to study architecture before switching to architectural science.

At Auburn, she immersed herself in student competitions, partnering with builders and contractors. Her team clinched several regional titles, which helped her grasp both the thrills and the challenges of a career in construction.

After an internship in Florida and six years at a Nashville construction firm, she returned to Alabama in 2012 to join Brasfield & Gorrie. Although she started as a 30-year-old assistant project manager, she quickly recognized the potential for growth within the company. “I found a culture where I could thrive,” she said. And thrive she did.

Building Careers and Cities

From Auburn to Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville, Wilcox’s fingerprints can be seen on various projects, large and small. She manages projects ranging from the Auburn University Veterinary Hospital to renovations at the Magic City Assessment Academy in Birmingham.

However, a notable milestone came in 2021 when she was appointed to lead the Huntsville operation of Brasfield & Gorrie, and within two years, she was promoted to Division Manager. Under her guidance, annual revenues jumped from $70 million to over $115 million, propelled by significant projects like the HudsonAlpha Discovery Life Sciences and the Alabama School of Cybertechnology and Engineering.

Her influence also attracted new contractors and industries to North Alabama. “We are not just constructing buildings; we’re building Alabama’s infrastructure for the future,” Wilcox stated. “This is evident as companies recognize the potential here.”

Lessons of Leadership

Wilcox candidly shares the hurdles she faced along her journey. “Life isn’t always smooth,” she acknowledges, mentioning that even skilled leaders often grapple with self-doubt. “I think imposter syndrome is a part of who I am. I manage a Fortune 500 company, yet there are times I feel out of place. Those moments don’t define you, though. You push through, show up, and realize you deserve to be where you are.”

This authenticity has become a hallmark of her leadership style. Wilcox is deeply devoted to mentoring, especially young women aspiring to enter the construction realm. In 2014, she founded the Brasfield & Gorrie Operational Women Network, growing it to over 150 members and later helping establish the National Women’s Association for construction in North Alabama, where she served as the inaugural president.

Wilcox emphasizes recognizing others’ potential. “Sometimes, you can see things in people that they can’t see in themselves,” she expressed. “It’s fulfilling to help them embrace their future, even when they doubt its feasibility.”

Inspiration and Impact

When asked about her inspirations, Wilcox readily mentions both prominent figures and local heroes. She admires the resilience of Martha Stewart, the composure of Condoleezza Rice, and the local leaders of Huntsville like Peggy Lee Wright and Laura Hodge. Yet, she finds motivation in the emerging generation of builders she guides.

Her impact extends beyond mere recruitment. Wilcox is involved with the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, the Solid Waste Division at Huntsville Utility, and has also coached at the Boys & Girls Club, taught Sunday School, and participated actively in the United Way and Subaru committees. Her accolades include being selected for the Southeast Top Young Professionals List in 2022 and named among the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 in 2021.

Nonetheless, she reflects that her proudest achievement is navigating the transition to Huntsville, building trust and leading new teams while relocating her family. “It wasn’t flawless,” she said. “There were setbacks, but the triumphs were significant, and I take pride in that.”

Shaping the Future

Through it all, Wilcox remains grounded in her belief that Alabama stands on the brink of something extraordinary. “We’re elevating the game,” she asserted.

“The companies we collaborate with, like HudsonAlpha and Cummings Research Park, are transforming perceptions of Alabama, and I am part of that narrative.”

Because of her influential role in construction, her dedication to guiding the next generation, and her unwavering commitment to her community, Sara Beth Wilcox is not just constructing projects. She is crafting a legacy and the future of Alabama.