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History


James G. Whitaker Jr., a self motivated man with a vision of owning his own business and a drive to excel within his community. Working with his father at Guntersville Concrete in 1957, Mr. Whitaker saw a opportunity and started doing odd jobs that nobody else wanted. He started his side business spending countless hours meeting customers’ needs during a time when new growth was plenty in and around Marshall County, Alabama (1957-estimated population 47,141). With that growth came the demand for increased roadwork. Mr. Whitaker focused on that with a long term view and concentrated his business with increased civil projects. In 1966 he purchased an asphalt paver and his business grew first to a modest Asphalt Company to a Corporation owning and operating 3 Asphalt Plants and 3 Sand and Limestone Quarries. Mr. Whitaker has employed hundreds over the years and created lasting careers for many employees and their families. Whitaker Contracting will always be known for strong principals and a company goal of delivering the highest quality products while building and maintaining lasting relationships with its customers. In 1998 a 18 stretch of Highway 431 was presented to Mr. Whitaker as “The Jim Whitaker Highway”. Serving as a member to the Alabama Road Builders Association he was inducted into the hall of fame. Mr. Whitaker supported the community and strived to support education enrichment. He served on the local school board and the advisory boards for Wallace State and Northeast Alabama Community College. Believing education opens doors to opportunity, enabling the students and the community alike to extend beyond the status quo and reach their full potential.
 

Mr. Whitaker died September 22, 2001. He was married to the late Mary Francis Elrod and raised three children. Mr. Whitakers children, their spouses and grandchildren still carry his dreams and maintain the guiding principles that built his company. Whitaker Contracting has been in business for just over 50 years, succeeding because of our collective service and because of our families approach to business. With new growth happening in and around Marshall County (2007-estimated population 87,178) and the demand for increased roadwork, we continuously look at the long term view of the next 50 years.

We would like to thank each and every customer for your part in making the past 50 years a success. Please take a look around our web site to see how we can help you meet your goals. Stay as long as you like and come back often.