Starting Early with Purpose
I began working in construction when I was just 13 years old, side by side with my father at Krebs Engineering in Birmingham, Alabama. It wasn’t glamorous work, but I loved it. From the beginning, I learned that building something—whether it’s a bridge, a home, or a business—starts with discipline, attention to detail, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Those early years didn’t just shape my understanding of construction. They shaped my values. I learned the importance of showing up on time, doing what you say you’re going to do, and taking pride in the work you leave behind. These lessons have stayed with me for more than five decades, and they’ve guided every decision I’ve made in my professional and personal life.
The Power of Taking a Risk
In 1967, I decided to strike out on my own and start Paul Krebs Construction. It was a leap of faith. I didn’t have a big team or a long list of clients. But I had confidence in what I knew, and I had a strong foundation built on years of hands-on experience.
Taking that risk was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Over the years, the business grew—project by project, client by client. I earned licenses in utility engineering, utility management, and water treatment, which allowed me to take on more complex work and broaden the scope of what I could offer. I designed and developed everything from mobile home parks to apartment complexes to full-scale housing developments.
The success didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly didn’t come without challenges. But I learned that business, like construction, is about laying a solid base and building from there—carefully, steadily, and with purpose.
Relationships Matter More Than Blueprints
In construction, plans are important. You need blueprints, codes, permits, and inspections. But just as important are the people behind those plans. I’ve always believed that strong relationships are the true foundation of any successful business.
Whether it’s a client, subcontractor, supplier, or employee, treating people with respect and honesty will take you further than any marketing strategy. Some of the people I’ve worked with have been with me for decades—and that kind of loyalty doesn’t come from contracts. It comes from trust.
Listening matters. So does fairness. I’ve had tough conversations, made difficult calls, and been in situations where not everyone agreed. But I’ve always tried to do what’s right—even if it wasn’t easy. That mindset has helped me build long-lasting partnerships and a reputation I’m proud of.
Never Stop Learning
Even after 50 years in this industry, I’m still learning. Techniques change. Materials improve. Regulations evolve. I’ve seen firsthand how innovation has changed the way we build—sometimes for the better, sometimes requiring a bit of adjustment.
But staying curious and open-minded has helped me adapt through the years. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room—but you should be willing to listen, ask questions, and try new things. That applies to both the job site and life in general.
Experience is a great teacher, but so is humility. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop growing.
Fitness Fuels Focus
Construction is physical work, and I’ve always believed in staying active—on and off the job site. In my younger years, I ran track at Auburn, played semi-pro rugby with the Birmingham All Blacks, and enjoyed tennis, windsurfing, and biking. I still make time to work out because staying fit helps me stay sharp.
The habits I developed in sports—discipline, endurance, and resilience—have served me well in business. They’ve also helped me stay balanced. Running a company is demanding, but making time for physical health has helped me manage stress, maintain energy, and keep a positive mindset.
Giving Back Is Part of the Work
As I look back, one of the most rewarding parts of my journey hasn’t been the buildings I’ve completed, but the ways I’ve been able to give back. I’ve donated land for a local pet rescue and for Krebs Park in Hinesville, Georgia—a place with basketball courts, tennis courts, a skate park, and walking trails for the community to enjoy.
To me, building a business means you also build responsibility. When we have the means to contribute, we should. Giving back—whether it’s land, time, or resources—is one of the most lasting ways we can leave a legacy.
Supporting causes like Mayo Hospital and community projects has been my way of saying thank you to the people and places that helped me along the way.
Final Thoughts: Build with Integrity
Looking back on more than 50 years in construction, the lesson that rises above all others is this: build with integrity. Whether you’re laying concrete, hiring a new employee, or making a business decision—do it honestly, do it right, and do it with care.
Strong foundations don’t just hold up buildings. They hold up lives, relationships, businesses, and communities. I’m proud of what I’ve built over the years, and even more proud of the people I’ve met and the communities I’ve been able to serve.
My advice to anyone starting out—whether in construction, business, or any other field—is simple: stay grounded, work hard, treat people well, and leave things better than you found them. That’s what true building is all about.