In spring 2024, Derek Gregg became Robins & Morton’s executive vice president of operations, moving from a regional leadership role in the firm’s Orlando office to a companywide leadership role.
Gregg’s experience in nearly every area of construction operations makes his insight truly invaluable, and that insight is shaped by the many titles he’s held over the years, including his first: co-operative education student.
Beginning in 1990, Gregg worked with Robins & Morton as a student while simultaneously completing his civil engineering degree at Auburn University. In 1994, he joined the company full time and completed assignments for both the firm’s home office in Birmingham and the Nashville office. In 1999, Gregg became a founding member of Robins & Morton’s Orlando office.
Since then, Gregg has served in project management, operations management, and business development positions, directly contributing to the success of nearly 160 construction projects totaling more than $3.5 billion. Today, he oversees Robins & Morton’s Florida, Special Projects, Birmingham Commercial, Government Services, Huntsville, Texas, and Self-Perform Work/Direct Delivery divisions.
Gregg shared his experience in Robins & Morton’s internship program and how it helped him carve his future path in construction.
Q: Tell us a little about your internship experiences.
A: My internship was my first hands-on exposure to construction management. Most of my coursework at Auburn was focused on engineering because of my degree, so through the co-op program I had the opportunity to learn from our team members with decades of experience, work on real projects, and understand the complexities of managing healthcare construction. It was the foundation of my construction education.
Q: What were some of the most critical things you learned?
A: One of the most important lessons I learned during my internships was the importance of meticulous planning and the level of detail that goes into every decision. Construction projects are puzzles that require coordination and foresight. I also learned that the construction business is more than bricks and mortar – it’s a people-focused industry. Teamwork, communication, trustworthiness, and integrity are all traits of successful managers in this business. That stems from a deep respect for our clients and business partners and our desire to deliver world-class facilities to our communities.
Q: How did the program shape your career?
A: In addition to providing me with practical skills and a deeper understanding of our industry, it led me to Robins & Morton, where I’ve spent the last 30 years of my career. The program also gave me the confidence to seamlessly transition from student to field engineer.
Q: You’ve remained a leader and mentor in Robins & Morton’s Co-op and Internship Program throughout your career. Why is it important that company leaders dedicate time to engage with student programs?
A: Robins & Morton’s Co-op and Internship Program is intended to help students grow into future industry leaders. It focuses on immersive and experiential training, where our co-ops and interns fully become a part of our teams. While they’re with us, they have the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles –– preconstruction and estimating, project management, field supervision, virtual design and construction, and more. Ultimately, it’s about investing in the future of our industry and supporting the next generation of construction professionals.
Q: What’s your advice to young professionals working to find their place in the industry?
A: My advice to young professionals is to never stop learning. Always look for opportunities to sharpen your skills, whether through certifications or hands-on experience, and network within the industry. Lastly, embrace change. Be willing to try new things and live in new places. Construction is unique in that you get to physically see your contributions to your community. It’s extremely rewarding and a privilege to change lives with your talents.