Founder of CMC, John Albert Jacobs
John A. Jacobs, Sr. was born and grew up in the Waccamaw-Siouan American Indian Tribal Community of Buckhead NC. As an enrolled member of the Tribe, John’s dream had always been to build a construction firm that could provide career opportunities for tribal and community members who have historically struggled with finding success. As a Native American, John vividly understood the value that jobs, and careers would be the ultimate way to support and honor his people. He realized early on that jobs would bring much needed hope and trades to the Tribal Community.
John Jacobs founded CMC Building, Inc. in 1988 after leaving a senior project management position at BL Harbert International in order to pursue his dream of owning his own construction company. John’s vision and initial core efforts were centered on bringing high quality building services to southeastern NC’s commercial, industrial and residential markets, with a future eye on expanding to the entire US southeast region and beyond. John made the decision to qualify CMC Building, Inc. as an SBA approved 8(a) company, which dynamically changed the course and growth of the Company. CMC has since enjoyed the successful completion of numerous governmental, federal and public/private sector projects. Under his leadership the company experienced tremendous growth and has become one of the regions premier small business minority owned firms. He received numerous awards, including “The General Shale Brick 2008 Wilmington Dream Home Builder of the year”. John served as a mentor and father figure to countless young men, who have gone on to provide their own economic growth in the community. He has created a legacy of impact and entrepreneurial spirit that will carry on for generations to come.
Committed to excellence in craftmanship, quality and favorable completion of every project, John built key relationships over time in order to adapt, diversify and continue to serve his clients at the highest level. John continued to embrace and manage the ever-changing industry trends; ensuring that the company supported the latest technologies and best practices for employees and companywide future success and stability.
John would say.………“My goal has always been to build a company that will provide career opportunities for my people as well as other citizens, a company that can provide quality jobs and benefit the community and their families”.
John’s vision for CMC lives on after his passing in September 2015. The CMC team continues to keep his dream alive through lessons learned via the dedication and leadership of his wife and partner Ms. Emma Jacobs, President & CEO. Ms. Emma continues to lead the company on this journey with faith, experience and support. She believes her greatest assets are the people of CMC! She is committed to helping others, striving for success and conducting business in an honest, fair and professional manner. CMC Building, Inc. has successfully operated for over 28 years and continues to grow and carry on John’s commitment to excellence and equitable partnerships.