Learn how Hudgins Contracting has evolved to champion women in construction
Through its evolution, Hudgins Contracting (Hudgins) has played a key role in the development of Hampton Roads’ most notable projects, such as Port Warwick, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Sentara CarePlex. With a diverse team of specialists bringing expertise and professionalism to every job, Hudgins has established itself as the partner of choice for complex civic, military, and private projects of any scale. As a full-service contractor, the company boasts unparalleled experience in the region, expertly delivering a wide range of services, including total site preparation from start to finish. Marsha Hudgins, CEO, takes a deep dive into the organization’s storied journey in the construction industry.
“The company was founded in 1971 by my husband, who, after a few years in the construction industry, decided to start his own venture. At just 29, he launched Hudgins as a general contractor, initially focusing on government work. As the business grew, he gradually expanded his team, becoming the second largest general contractor for commercial work in Hampton Roads in the late 1970s. By the time we married in 1986, I had also built a successful small business in Hampton after receiving my MBA from ODU some years prior. The birth of our son encouraged me to establish myself as a consultant, giving me not only flexibility but better work-life balance in my career.
“Following a recession in the late 1980s, the commercial real estate market took a hit, forcing our company to finish projects at our own expense and prompting us to change our business model. We had always managed our own site work and realized we could focus solely on that, as it presented less risk and was easier to manage. Thus, we retained our team and rebranded from Hudgins Construction to Hudgins Contracting. This transition was a startup with a boost, as my husband was well-regarded in the industry, and the Hudgins name was already well-known, so we quickly got established. In 2010, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which changed everything. Having worked closely with him during the startup phase, I understood the business model and what needed to be done to keep things running. I continued to help support our family during this difficult time, knowing I would need to focus entirely on the business when he ultimately lost his battle. Yet, his primary concern was for his employees, who had been with him through two different companies and were looking forward to retirement. My husband insisted that I keep the company going after his passing, a request I could not refuse. In 2012, I became CEO and Owner, committed to upholding his legacy and ensuring that his work family was cared for, as he had always intended,” she recounts.
Inclusive culture
Upon taking over Hudgins, Marsha faced challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-led industry. “When my widowed mother was forced to take on my father’s business, she learned to excel in the male-dominated world of the 1960s. She often shared her struggles with me and her experiences shaped my understanding of what I could achieve. When I found myself in a similar position in the construction industry, I carried her spirit with me. At Hudgins, there was skepticism when I stepped into the role of CEO, which is understandable in hindsight. They faced a choice: support me and recognize I was not a threat or try to push me aside, hoping I would retreat. I was often encouraged to retire or take a step back by my leadership team, who were confident they could handle the business. But I had too much at stake to walk away.
“Determined to succeed, I stayed, listened, asked questions, and eventually found allies in the industry, including CEOs from other general contracting firms who reached out to offer their help. In fact, a certified public accountant (CPA) specializing in contractors became an amazing mentor and a close friend to me. He assisted me during management meetings, guided me through financial complexities, and shared invaluable insights. I learned a lot from him, and his presence contributed significantly to our management team. However, I kept wondering whether we could maintain our success if he were to leave. I understood that the burden was on all of us, but it was my responsibility to convince everyone that we would still be in a good place and that I would play an integral role in our future,” she reflects. 
Since then, Marsha has been diligently leading Hudgins with an emphasis on enhancing the company culture. “My management style is very inclusive, and from day one, I implemented changes to benefit our field employees. Convincing a few of our management to adopt a new perspective took time, and ultimately, our philosophical differences became too great, leading us to part ways. I firmly believed in my vision for growth, which included guaranteed pay, education, and opportunities for our field employees, and it proved successful. This year marks the second consecutive year I have been recognized as one of the most influential people in Hampton Roads, which surprised me given the nature of the industry I am in,” she says.
Commitment to community
With Marsha at the helm, Hudgins is as dedicated as ever to make a positive impact on its local communities. “We have been engaged in the community since our inception, as my husband strongly believed in its importance. I still uphold this commitment because I believe our community provides us with opportunities for work, employees, and other essential resources. In other words, they make running our business possible. Being a part of that feels good and as my husband used to say, giving back to our community is the most meaningful contribution besides giving back to our employees. One of my key initiatives has been to advocate for women in our community. Hudgins partners with Old Dominion University on several community initiatives, and recently I have made a significant endowment to support a research project aimed at empowering minorities and women to start their own businesses. Additionally, the entire Hudgins team are staunch supporters of young women battling breast cancer, particularly through our partnership with Here For The Girls, an organization dedicated to women under 50 with metastatic breast cancer. I am so happy to see the growth of this organization, especially considering the frightening rise in breast cancer among young women,” Marsha expresses.
Under Marsha’s leadership, Hudgins continues to thrive while fostering a commitment to inclusivity and community.