Thank you for visiting Inc. Magazine’s new construction blog site. My name is Bill Fairchild. For the past 15 years I have been the President of R.W. Murray Co., a commercial general contracting firm located in Manassas, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1976 where I majored in Building Construction, I moved to Richmond, Virginia to work for a national construction company, Whiting Turner. Several years and another job later, I went to work for R. W. Murray Co., a commercial construction company, as regional manager in their Northern Virginia location. The company owner based in St. Louis, subsequently retired five years later and offered each division manager the opportunity to purchase their location and I did! With 52 employees and record revenues, I am happy to say I have a successful company and can now spend a good portion of my time giving back to the design and construction community.

As the incoming Chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors--a national association representing more than 24,000 construction and construction-related firms in 78 chapters across the United States-- I continue to have many opportunities to meet business owners all over the country. Their inspiring stories as well as dedication to the industry and free enterprise, give me enthusiasm to represent their voice in matters affecting the construction industry.

I look forward to chatting with you on line as we address dynamic national issues affecting the way we do business. I trust my entrepreneurial spirit, more than 35 years of construction experience, and passionate representation of merit shop firms, will enable me to provide you with insight and counsel on issues that are sensitive to your thriving businesses.