Legacy In Progress: The Third Generation Journey of N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc.
“My late grandfather was a pioneer and visionary that always stood for what is right and modeled that a handshake is stronger than a contract. We still operate in those truths today,”
– Holden Wilbanks, 3rd generation, N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc.
N.J. Wilbanks was born in Cherokee County in 1932. In 1957, at age 25, he started N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc. His legacy continues to call Cherokee home today.
N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc. is a construction company that builds sites across North Georgia, their projects span from residential communities, schools, roads, industrial sites, shopping centers, hospitals, airports, office buildings, earthen dams and more.
“We are a grading contractor based here in Cherokee County. We provide full-scope site development services for larger scale land development deals,” said Holden Wilbanks, N.J. Wilbanks Project Manager. “Our mission is to grade North Georgia while developing lasting relationships, promoting family values and improving the lives in the communities we serve.”
Holden Wilbanks is part of the third generation to join the family business.
“When you grow up around this industry, it gets into your blood pretty quickly,” said Holden. “I developed a love for seeing things change on a site and running equipment at an early age. There’s just something about when our crews are in rhythm and working together as one unit – it’s a beautiful thing to watch.”
Holden attended school at Berry College in Rome, Georgia and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in economics. After graduating, he spent two years in Atlanta working in business development and then was excited at the opportunity to move home to Cherokee.
“My wife and I prayed for months about the decision to move back and felt complete peace about the move,” said Holden. “It has been about building something great with the people I love the most – and the opportunity to carry on an amazing legacy. Our business is filled with individuals that you will not find anywhere else. They are the most caring, fun-loving and talented people I have ever met. It’s an honor to work with them every day.”
Founded on the values of Care, Integrity, Quality, Teamwork and Fulfillment, N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc. is more than a business, it’s a family to all those who walk through the door.
“This business means the world to my family and me. Legacy and the strength of our family name are extremely important to us,” said Holden. “Being in business for 67 years, we have had to adapt and change with the times on more than one occasion. But one thing has always stayed the same our core values of Care, Integrity, Quality, Teamwork and Fulfillment.”
Founder N.J. Wilbanks realized the importance of serving to improve his community – he served in various leadership roles and gave back to his community in any way he could. N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc. strives to continue this legacy.
“My late grandfather was a pioneer and visionary that always stood for what is right and modeled that a handshake is stronger than a contract. We still operate in those truths today,” said Holden.
One way that N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc. strives to support their community is through their involvement and investment in Cherokee By Choice, the bold five-year strategic plan developed by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development in partnership with private and public sector leaders, partners and stakeholders around Cherokee to tackle the economic challenges facing the county.
“Spending time around the Cherokee Office of Economic Development and our elected officials and getting a backstage look into how many hours they pour into making Cherokee better every day, all you can do is be thankful,” said Holden. “It takes long hours and very smart and talented individuals to produce the seamless live, work, play environment that we have here in Cherokee.”
Holden Wilbanks is serving on the inaugural Cherokee By Choice Ambassador team this year.
“You don’t have to spend much time in Cherokee County to understand that something is different here. Just like any business, the whole is a sum of its parts, and Cherokee has some incredible things going for it,” said Holden. “It makes it an easy decision to keep our business rooted here and continue to be in Cherokee By Choice.”
For over 67 years, N.J. Wilbanks Contractor, Inc. has been serving North Georgia as the premier site contractor. We are proud to have them in Cherokee By Choice.