What happens when an architecture graduate decides he'd rather build buildings than design them? For Trent Hanna, President of SSI Northwest Arkansas, this realization launched a journey through construction superintendency and project management before culminating in the purchase of a 50-year-old general contracting company.
Trent's story is a masterclass in business transformation. Walking into a company still using carbon paper for purchase orders and operating without company credit cards, he faced the delicate challenge of modernizing operations while preserving the expertise of long-standing employees—including a superintendent with over 30 years of experience. His approach balanced respect for legacy with practical innovations that made everyone's jobs easier.
The conversation dives deep into the realities of commercial construction that rarely get discussed publicly. Trent openly addresses the extended payment terms plaguing the industry (sometimes beyond 120 days), the challenge of maintaining cash flow while satisfying both clients and subcontractors, and the increasing competition from out-of-town contractors flooding into Northwest Arkansas. His perspective on prioritizing reputation over size—aiming to be the contractor clients will "wait for" rather than the biggest in town—offers a refreshing counterpoint to growth-at-all-costs business philosophies.
For anyone feeling stuck in their career, Trent's advice is refreshingly direct: just do it. Take time to think strategically, develop your ideas, and execute. While making the initial leap is challenging, he notes the surprising number of people who emerge to support your journey once you commit to it. His experience demonstrates how combining architectural knowledge with hands-on construction expertise creates a unique perspective that can transform an entire business.
Whether you're managing a construction company, working your way through the ranks, or contemplating an entrepreneurial leap, Trent's insights on balancing tradition with innovation provide valuable guidance for navigating today's complex construction landscape.
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More About this Episode
Building More Than Structures: How a Young GC Is Reshaping a 50-Year Legacy in Commercial Construction
In the fast-paced world of commercial construction, legacy can be both a gift and a challenge. When Trent Hanna stepped into ownership of SSI Northwest Arkansas, a company with a 50+ year history, he didn’t just inherit a business - he inherited its culture, systems, and reputation. What followed was a bold, yet thoughtful transformation. In this episode of the Blue Collar Business Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Trent and unpack the rare journey from architecture grad to GC owner - all before his mid-30s.
This conversation offers real, actionable insight for anyone in the blue-collar space considering the leap to leadership or ownership. From navigating cultural shifts and revamping outdated processes to defining the type of company he truly wants to lead, Trent’s story hits on nearly every angle of business growth in construction.
Let’s break down some of the biggest takeaways and lessons from this episode.
From Architecture Dreams to Construction Realities
Trent didn’t start with a childhood dream of becoming a general contractor. In fact, like many of us, his early path involved a bit of wandering. After initially pursuing physical therapy and biology in college, he eventually gravitated toward architecture, driven by childhood memories of studying floor plans with his dad. But it wasn’t long into the program when he realized he wasn’t built to sit behind a drafting table - he wanted to build the vision, not just draw it.
This insight led him to pivot into the construction world, where he landed a role with Pickett Construction. With no field experience, he was tossed into a multifamily project as an assistant superintendent, navigating the chaos of daily site life while soaking up every bit of knowledge. “That’s how I learned - just tossed in. Here you go, help get it done,” Trent recalls. Like many great tradespeople turned business owners, the struggle was foundational to his growth.
Ownership with Purpose: The $100 Buy-In That Changed Everything
SSI Northwest Arkansas was established in 1969, with a long-standing reputation in Fort Smith and a quieter satellite office in NWA. Through a connection and a bit of luck, Trent met Leo, the aging owner who was ready to pass the torch. What began as a conversation became a life-changing opportunity: Trent was offered 20% ownership for just $100 - a gesture that was more symbolic than financial.
“That right there just said, ‘Okay, this guy’s genuine. He wants this thing to go into good hands,’” Trent said.
He quickly realized that owning a construction company didn’t mean sitting in a corner office. It meant accountability. Real skin in the game. And sleepless nights wondering if you just made the biggest mistake of your life. But for Trent, it was also the beginning of transforming something stale into something exceptional.
Legacy Meets Efficiency: Revamping a 50-Year-Old Business
One of the most compelling parts of Trent’s story is the contrast between the “way things have always been” and the new vision he brings to the company. Two key examples from our conversation stood out:
- No Credit Cards Policy Before Trent took over, the company had no credit cards for employees. Every purchase had to go through the office - yes, even buying a drill bit from Lowe’s. His solution? Give superintendents controlled access to company cards, emphasize responsibility, and track receipts via modern apps like Adobe Scan.
- Carbon Paper POs SSI was still using carbon copy paper for purchase orders. Not only was this outdated, but it was expensive and inefficient. Trent replaced the system with digital scanning and email - a change that saved time, money, and sanity.
These process upgrades are simple but significant. They represent a broader shift from rigid tradition to operational agility - something all blue-collar leaders can learn from.
Building Culture and Loyalty in a Legacy Company
Transforming a legacy business often means bumping heads with employees who’ve been around for decades. But Trent approached it with humility and respect. One of SSI’s superintendents has been with the company for over 30 years - and instead of pushing change down his throat, Trent led with collaboration.
“They just needed someone to support them,” he said. “I'm not perfect, but I try to be the guy who keeps them moving in the right direction.”
It’s a subtle but powerful leadership lesson. Cultural buy-in doesn't come from forcing innovation; it comes from showing your team how change benefits them, and making them part of the mission.
A New Kind of General Contractor
Trent isn’t interested in building the next billion-dollar GC empire. He’s not trying to become the biggest name in town. What he is trying to do is far more strategic: create a highly respected, relationship-driven GC that clients are willing to wait to work with.
He even models his strategy after Commerce Construction - a firm known for giving project managers control from estimating to completion. That level of ownership ensures consistency, accountability, and a better client experience.
“I don’t want to be the biggest. I want to be the GC that owners will wait for.”
In a region flooded with out-of-town contractors and rapid growth, SSI’s reputation - and Trent’s vision - could be its greatest asset.
The Real Challenges Behind the Scenes
Like any contractor running payroll and chasing receivables, Trent didn’t sugarcoat the hard parts. From 120-day pay terms to juggling multiple hats, the reality is grueling. He described 2024 as one of the hardest years in his professional life, particularly as the construction world continues to battle inflation, labor shortages, and rising material costs.
But despite the chaos, Trent emphasizes that mindset is everything. The moment he slid $100 across the table to buy into SSI, something changed. His perspective, his discipline, and his sense of ownership matured overnight.
For Those Feeling Stuck: “Just Do It”
When I asked Trent for advice to that blue collar guy or girl sitting in the mud, burnt out, unsure, but still dreaming of more - he kept it simple.
“Take 5-10 minutes and just think,” he said. “Shut off your phone, sit in silence. Let the ideas build. And when the time comes - just do it.”
And he’s right. The leap to ownership or leadership will never feel perfect. But if you’re waiting for all the stars to align, you’ll be waiting forever. Whether it’s starting a company, taking on a leadership role, or just pushing for change in your current gig - it starts with making the jump, then continuing to show up.
Trent Hanna’s journey from architecture student to president of SSI isn’t just inspiring - it’s instructional. He didn’t just inherit a company, he transformed it. And in doing so, he offers a roadmap for every builder, estimator, superintendent, or foreman who’s thinking, “There’s got to be a better way.”
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own shop or reshaping the one you’re in, Trent’s message is clear: Work hard, work smart, treat people right, and don’t be afraid to challenge how it’s always been done.
And if you’re stuck in the mud?
Take a breath, think it through - and just do it.
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