GENERAL CONTRACTORS

  

Ruby-Collins, Inc.

4806 Wright Drive

Smyrna, GA 30082

(770) 432-2900

Presidential History of Ruby Construction Company, Inc. and Ruby-Collins, Inc.

Ed Ruby    1952 - 1964

Ruby Construction Company, Inc. was incorporated in April 1952, under the leadership of J. Edwin Ruby, Sr., President, with main offices in Madisonville, Kentucky. The company was formed from predecessor companies with business activity dating back to 1888 in the fields of building, real estate, coal mining, and lumber. The business purpose of Ruby Construction Company, Inc., at the time of incorporation, was to engage in highway, public utility, building, and heavy construction. In 1955 the Building Division was phased out and primary emphasis was placed on expanding operation in Highway and Heavy Construction. 

 

Clark Potter    1965 - 1974

Under the guidance of Clark J. Potter, Sr., Ruby Construction Company, Inc. adopted a policy of progressive management in 1965, the extensive use of in-company training programs, the utilization of new technologies, and with a positive-motivated work force, Ruby Construction Company, Inc., experienced rapid and successful growth. Contract volume during the ten-year period 1960-1970 increased from four million to in excess of twenty million. In 1969 Ruby Construction Company, Inc. ranked eighteenth in the United States in contract volume of Federal Aid Contracts. 

 

Joel Field    1974 - 1985

During Joel M. Field’s reign as president, Ruby Construction Company, Inc., continued to expand and enter into other diversified fields. Sun Coal Mine was purchased in Colorado along with water rights from Rocky Mountain Power Company. M & M Construction Services was formed as a sand and gravel company. Rural Mining Company was formed as a coal mining company. Jefferson Enterprise, Inc. was to be the commercial construction branch of the company. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s most of these companies were successful and later sold or merged with other corporate entities. 

 

Dick Smith    1985 - 1999

New management was provided when Richard F. Smith was appointed as President of the Company. Significant events took place over the next few years, and in 1987 all administrative and accounting functions of Ruby Construction Company, Inc. were moved to Smyrna, Georgia. With the exception of a small amount of punch list work, all Ruby Construction Company, Inc. and the remaining subsidiaries projects were completed. Soon the parent company Ruby Construction Company, Inc. was simply a holding company and due to the success of Ruby-Collins, Inc. it was the sole surviving company in the Ruby family. Through Richard F. Smith’s leadership, hard work, and tenacity he turned Ruby-Collins, Inc. into one of the most well respected construction companies in the Southeast United States, with a volume in some years exceeding thirty million dollars in construction work. 

 

Ben Morgan    1999 - 2008

In September 1999, Benjamin J. Morgan became President of the Ruby Construction Company, Inc. after the retirement of Richard F. Smith. Mr. Morgan has led our company through some of the largest growth we have ever experienced. This growth is due in large part to the City of Atlanta Storm & Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Projects that continue to provide opportunities for work. Mr. Morgan retains the Chief Executive Officer position today as the Ruby companies move in to the next phase of leadership with the naming of the new president in March 2008.   

 

Larry Keller    2008 - 2009

In March of 2008, Benjamin J. Morgan, CEO and President, named Lawrence W. Keller to succeed him as President of the Ruby Construction Company, Inc.  While Mr. Keller's tenure was only for a short period, he continues in the tradition of all the presidents before him by showing his dedication and support to the Ruby family. His continued hard work and support have been critical to the further success and growth of the Plant Division and of Ruby-Collins, Inc.

 

David Westrick    2009 - Present

In November of 2009, David A. Westrick was named President of Ruby Construction Company, Inc.  Mr. Westrick and the Ruby family are ready to face the current challenges of a sluggish economy and to transition into the next generation of leadership, ensuring that Ruby Collins, Inc. will remain one of the best contractors in the Southeast United States.