Willis A. Smith Construction Marks 50 Years

October 24, 2022 – Sarasota

Since its founding in 1972, Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. has embarked on an unprecedented journey that has seen it define the region by building some of its most important, high-visibility landmarks. From notable arts and culture projects to cutting-edge sustainable structures, Willis Smith continues to grow along with Southwest Florida while retaining its founding values. 

This year, one of the region’s largest locally owned construction management firms celebrates 50 years of delivering high-value, client-focused construction services. “I can hardly express how proud I am of this company,” says CEO David Sessions, who joined the company in 1988. “To be able to grow the way we have over the last 50 years while still being known for our honesty and reliability is a testament to the company culture.” 

As Southwest Florida’s arts landscape continued to grow, Willis Smith was selected again and again for some of the most important arts and culture projects in the region. “We are very proud and thankful to have repeat clients,” says Sessions, “and the arts and culture continue to shine as a defining part of our region and the Willis Smith portfolio.” 

An important nuance of that portfolio is that it primarily resides in the region Willis Smith calls home. “We have always been committed to bringing value to our community,” says President John LaCivita, who joined the company in 1996. “Our growth is a by-product of that commitment.” 

As a result of the area’s growth, Willis Smith has managed the construction of new educational facilities, from K-8, colleges and universities, churches, daycare centers, parks, emergency response facilities, museums, amenity centers, town centers, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and more. All of which have helped welcome the growing number of new businesses and Floridians who now call the Gulf Coast home. “Southwest Florida is a beautiful place to live, I was born here and it was only a matter of time before more people from around the country discovered it,” says LaCivita. 

Overwhelmingly, many new residents come for the region’s natural assets—warm weather, beaches, wetlands, and wildlife. That is why today, many of the company’s marquee projects incorporate the latest in sustainability, resilience, and ecologically sensitive practices. “Construction of the future, especially in our region, is going to continue to focus heavily on resiliency and sustainability,” says LaCivita. “For us, it is a natural outgrowth of our love for the place we all call home.” 

Over the last 50 years, Willis Smith has championed all of those values. It has shown resilience in weathering the economic downturns of the 80s, 90s, and mid-2000s, sustainability in being able to maintain steady growth, and a sense of community as it seeks to honor the needs of our local region. But wherever the future of the region goes, LaCivita adds, “we’re here for it and we want to continue to give back and are excited for the next 50 years.” 

An important factor in the resilience and success of the firm is its people. One of the firm’s Core Values is “Care for Employees” has resulted in a level of commitment seldom found in the industry. Some of its employees are reaching milestones of 20, 25 and even 30 plus years.