Who We Are

N.J. Wilbanks (Founder 1932–2010) Although he no longer “comes to the office”, N.J.’s spirit and legacy are alive and well. His exemplary way of treating employees and clients is engrained in our entire management philosophy. N.J. inspired an enduring work ethic, and taught his sons that a handshake was stronger than any contract; that a good name was worth more than silver or gold. He realized the importance of serving to improve his community, so being politically active, giving his time in various leadership roles, and loving his church were principles he lived by. We are eternally grateful for his many years of priceless leadership.

Growing up in the family business, Chris has experience in almost all facets of heavy construction, and even the trucking business, gained from when his father founded the business in trucking. He attended Reinhardt College, but the demands of the business drew him into full-time employment shortly thereafter. Chris married his high school sweetheart and they now enjoy spending time with their three adult children. He enjoys most any kind of travel, is lethal with a shotgun, and almost as lethal on the Hawks Ridge golf course. Chris is a Leadership Cherokee alumnus and serves on the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Foundation board. For those that know Chris well, they will attest to his attention to detail and perfectionism, which has been a key element in the business’ success. In addition, he always strives to see things from the other person’s perspective, which is a rare gift that most customers appreciate and recognize as honorable.

Kip grew up in the family construction business working in an assortment of roles. He later earned his Associate in Business degree from Reinhardt University, Bachelor in Business from the University of Georgia, and Masters in Business from Kennesaw State University, and now performs primarily in the administrative & financial functions of the business. He and his wife are members of Embrace Church Canton, where he serves on the Board and he has been leading small groups for over 20 years. He and his family are active in an annual mission project with Living Stone Ministries in Spanish Wells, Bahamas. Kip is proud to serve on the Northside-Cherokee Hospital board, The Joy House board, and as a Leadership Cherokee alumnus. He enjoys spending time at the Hawks Ridge Golf Club, cycling, snow skiing, soccer, and most any other activity that involves adrenaline. Not claiming to be much of a cook, don’t let him fool you …. his three Big Green Eggs might convince you otherwise.

Sean was born in Albany, New York, but you won’t hear a northern accent with this fellow. He inherited his passion for dirt and diesel fuel from his dad, and spent the majority of his life here in the south around heavy equipment. To further his love for construction, Sean earned his Bachelor in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University and later became a Licensed Utility Manager. Sean enjoys metal detecting, golf, and spending time with his three kids & dogs; with two of his children being twin teenage girls, that can be quite challenging at times! Sean attends NorthPointe Church in Adairsville, where he enjoys serving in the men’s ministry. Although a man of few words, Sean prefers to admit that he is “careful with his answers.” Those around the office know Sean can be frankly honest at times, so we don’t mind him being careful with his words. Seriously though, we love Sean and greatly respect his commitment to what is just and fair, while holding himself to a very high moral standard.

Hugh has a genuine appreciation for the game of golf, quite possibly due to being born in Augusta, Georgia. Raised as an “Army brat”, his family moved several times, but ironically never left the state of Georgia, which has made him a devout Georgian & family man; obviously, as he is full of stories about his six kids! Hugh gives credit to the United States Army for the development of both his professional and personal skills. He proudly served our country for twenty years in the Enlisted Ranks, as an Infantry Officer, and then transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers. He spent the rest of his military career as a Combat Heavy Engineer Officer and a Facility Management Officer, where he gained a wealth of site work experience. After retiring from military service, he immediately began working in the “real world” of construction, managing both commercial and residential site development. Retirement is a relative term to Hugh. “I enjoy the grading business and have no intentions of seeking true retirement anytime soon. I’m still having fun!” “I am truly blessed to be associated with a company that supports family values and demonstrates/promotes ethical behavior within the grading industry. This is a breath of fresh air within the construction arena and I am proud to be a member of the N.J. Wilbanks team.”

Geoff is from Alabama, but his family roots run deep here in Georgia. In a former life, he was a classical trained chef that transitioned into property management, utilities and vertical construction before becoming a project manager here at NJW. He joined the Wilbanks Family in March 2018. Being a graduate of the University of Alabama, we tolerate his allegiance in college football but give him a hard time about it whenever we can. Geoff is an avid outdoorsman and spends as much time as he can in the woods with his trusty chocolate lab Remy. He earned his Eagle Scout Rank with the Boy Scouts as a young man, and stays involved as an active leader with Boy Scout Troop 125 in Waleska, GA. Geoff also enjoys woodworking and building furniture in his spare time.

Holden is the third generation of the Wilbanks Family to enter the business. Raised around equipment and job sites, he has always had a fascination with excavation and seeing things develop. He attended Berry College and graduated in 2016 with a degree in Business Management. Holden is grateful for the “hands-on” business experience he got at Berry through creating his own enterprise, “Berry Bees” which is still operating on campus. After graduation, Holden married his high school sweetheart, Isabella and they both took jobs in Atlanta with Holden working in Technology Consulting. They have since moved back north and love to spend time outside and enjoy God’s Creation. Holden enjoys woodworking, playing music and serving at his Church in his spare time.

Jimmy came to NJW in 2014 with an extensive background in heavy civil construction.  His knowledge and team first attitude have proven invaluable to the success of N.J. Wilbanks since his start.  Upon graduating from Georgia Southern in 2003, he began his career in sitework.  He cares passionately for this industry and takes great pride in the work he completes.  The most satisfying moments for him come from looking at what the dedicated field personnel do to make the set of plans come to life.  There is nothing more gratifying than seeing the hard work pay off with a completed site that provides so much for the communities in which we work.  When not at work, he enjoys all things sports and outdoor related, especially cheering on his sons and the home teams.  Jimmy resides in Marietta with his wife and two sons.

Nick is the third generation of the Snyder Family here at NJW and joined the team right out of high school in August 2017. He was born and raised in Cartersville, GA and is currently a student at Georgia Highlands College. Despite being a fan of most Georgia based sports teams, Nick is a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers. He is also fascinated by cars and enjoys all forms of motorsports.

IB travels all the way from North Carolina to work with us, and we sure are glad he does! He was an avid softball player for 26 years, participating in tournaments just about every weekend. He has toned it down a bit in recent years, and now enjoys spending his free time camping and hunting with his wife. IB joined our team in April 2003.

Robbie is our resident history buff. He is especially interested in anything Civil War related, and even enjoys participating in Civil War reenactments. Robbie brought his talents & experience to the NJW team in September 2013.

Andy is a second-generation employee of NJW’s. He enjoys his privilege of the Second Amendment and participates in many turkey shoots, or anything related to hunting or sports shooting. Andy joined our team in August 1989 and we are thankful for his years of service and hard work.

Daniel joined the Wilbanks team in April of 2018 and has fit right in since day one. He enjoys golfing, hunting, and fishing in his free time. He also loves spending quality time with his wife and daughter. Daniel has been in the industry for 20+ years and loves what he does. He is always quick to thank the good Lord for all his many blessings.

Tim joined the Wilbanks team in January of 2018.  He started as a ditch man on one of our pipe crews and it was not long before he moved into a Pipe Foreman role.  Tim loves the outdoors and enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and spending time on the lake.  He has four children and a granddaughter that he takes a lot of pride in spoiling.

Randy is a true outdoorsman through and through. As long as he is outside, he is happy, which makes him a perfect fit for us. He loves anything from camping to hunting, and of course supervising any project given to him. Randy joined our team in January 2002.

Terry is a 3rd generation Mulkey to join the Wilbanks Team.  He loves to run equipment and has been doing it nearly his entire life.  In his free time he loves to spend time outdoors hunting and fishing.  Terry began as an Operator, was promoted to Finish Foreman, and now Superintendent.  Terry is a true testament that with hard work and dedication you can meet every goal you set for yourself.

Heath has been on the Wilbanks team since October of 1996. As such a long-term employee, he considers his coworkers family, and they all feel the same about him. He loves to spend time outdoors hunting, shooting and “playing in the dirt”. He takes great pride in hard work and providing for his family

Nolan, a second generation Hawthorne to join the Wilbanks Team, started as an Operator in 2013.  His hard work earned him a Finish Foreman position in the summer of 2019 and he is now one of our Superintendents as of 2020.  Nolan was raised in this industry and loves “hogging dirt”.  In his free time, Nolan loves to play music all over the south from Alabama to South Carolina with his Southern Rock band.  If you ever get the chance to hear him on the guitar, don’t miss it!

Better known as “Scooter” (little Two Wheeler), he is another proud second generation employee. Scooter has been involved with the Boy Scouts since he was 6 years old. He now serves as a Scout Master with his son’s Troop 125. He is a history buff, treasure hunter and loves sports shooting. Scooter joined our team in May 2012, and we are thankful for his hard work ethic and commitment to our company.