Marsha Hudgins was approaching retirement when her husband made a request that would change the course of her life.
He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His company, Hudgins Contracting, had weathered the Great Recession, but its future was uncertain.
He wanted the business to survive.
Before he died in 2011, he made Marsha promise not to shut it down. She agreed, taking ownership of a construction company in an industry where she had little direct operating experience.
Fifteen years later, the business is still operating, and Marsha says she has tripled its revenue.
On episode 331 of Fervent Four, she joined hosts Zack Miller and Tim Ryan to discuss the transition, the operational changes that followed, and the business lessons that shaped her approach.
Taking Over at 60
Marsha wasn’t new to business.
She earned an MBA from Old Dominion University, opened her first retail store at 25, operated two stores, and built a consulting career focused on healthcare organizations.
But construction was different.
Although she had discussed business decisions with her husband throughout their marriage, she had never been responsible for managing his company.
When she arrived, longtime employees were accustomed to doing things their own way. Some preferred that she stay home and let them handle operations.
Rather than immediately impose changes, Marsha spent her early years listening and learning.
She also leaned on experienced construction executives in the region who helped her understand the industry.
Changing How the Business Operated
One of her earliest major changes involved employees.
Like many construction companies, Hudgins Contracting historically laid off workers during slower winter months and rehired when activity increased.
Marsha questioned the practice.
If the company wanted to develop employees into foremen and superintendents, why repeatedly lose the people it had already trained?
She pushed to retain and develop workers instead.
She also brought greater attention to equipment utilization, maintenance costs, purchasing decisions, and job-site efficiency.
The company developed stronger management processes, invested in training, and promoted employees into leadership roles.
Today, Marsha credits much of the company’s success to its team, including president Pam Kelly.
The Business Behind the Business
Marsha’s experience spans healthcare, retail, consulting, horses, and construction.
Her central argument is that entrepreneurs must understand more than the products or services they provide.
An MBA can teach financial management, marketing, and operations. But those lessons must be paired with an understanding of the particular industry.
She learned that distinction early in her career.
Her first furniture store struggled after she underestimated the investment required to present and market its products effectively.
She adapted, obtained financing, improved the store, and says it became profitable within three years.
Those lessons continued to shape how she operated businesses decades later.
Finding the Next Generation of Construction Talent
Marsha also sees an opportunity for the construction industry to expand its workforce.
She believes women represent an underutilized source of talent across construction and other technical professions.
At Hudgins Contracting, she has helped create a leadership structure that includes women in senior positions while emphasizing training, advancement, and professional development.
For Marsha, attracting talent requires more than simply asking people to enter an industry. Companies must create environments where people can build meaningful careers.
Not Ready to Retire
Asked whether she plans to retire, Marsha had a question of her own.
“Define retire.”
She now has a leadership team that allows her to spend more time traveling and visiting family while remaining involved in the company.
And she has no immediate interest in walking away.
For someone whose unexpected second career began at 60, the enjoyment of building a business remains part of the reward.
Watch or listen to episode 331 of Fervent Four to hear Marsha’s story and the lessons she learned along the way.
