James H. Roberts has been a major player in the construction industry for decades. He became the CEO of Granite Construction in September 2010 and led the company through significant growth and strategic changes until his transition to Chief Executive...

James H. Roberts has been a major player in the construction industry for decades. He became the CEO of Granite Construction in September 2010 and led the company through significant growth and strategic changes until his transition to Chief Executive Officer Emeritus in 2020. He joined Granite in 1981 and climbed the ranks, serving in various roles from Regional Manager to President. This experience gave him an insider's view of the company's operations and the construction sector as a whole. Under his leadership, Granite Construction focused on performance-based compensation, aligning employee interests with company outcomes. Interestingly, Roberts' compensation packages over the years reflected both his commitment and the company’s performance, with bonuses linked to specific metrics like safety and efficiency. Notably, he accumulated substantial stock ownership, at one point holding shares worth over $5 million. Outside of his professional achievements, Roberts served as Chairman of The National Asphalt Pavement Association in 2006, highlighting his influence in the industry. Roberts' journey is a case study in persistence and operational mastery, showing how long-term dedication can lead to substantial impact.