If you ask Ben Nichols about himself, he’ll first tell you he’s the father of four –– three boys and a girl. Fatherhood demands collaboration, leadership, innovation and sometimes a sense of humor, so it’s no surprise he’s able to work well on a design-build team. When Nichols isn’t navigating life with his team at home, he’s leading on the job as President and CEO of Harkins Builders, Inc. His background as a Combat Engineer in the US Marine Corps has equipped him with military-honed skills that he now applies to the toughest challenges in design-build projects.
From Combat Engineering to Construction Professional
Nichols graduated from the Naval Academy in 2008 and served as a Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps for five and a half years. During this time, he completed a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 and was stationed in Japan, Spain and the Philippines. These experiences honed his leadership skills, which he continues to rely on in his current work.
“On day one in the Marine Corps after training, they give you 44 Marines and say, ‘Here. You’re the platoon commander. Lead these Marines,’” Nichols said. “It was some of the best times, some of the worst times, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
During his military service, Nichols worked on projects like constructing a bridge to help farmers access crops more easily and pumping water out of Manhattan to assist with flood recovery in New York City after Hurricane Sandy.
After leaving the Marines, Nichols sought a career that mirrored his experience in Combat Engineering and found what he was looking for in construction. He began as a Quality Control Manager and quickly advanced to Project Manager, working on both design-build and design/bid/build projects. He learned quickly that design-build’s collaborative nature and efficiency resonated with his military experience –– making those jobs much more fun for the former Marine.
“It was much more fun to operate in the design-build environment, conversely to a design/bid/build environment, just because it felt so much more collaborative amongst all the stakeholders,” Nichols said. “That’s where I developed my love of design-build.”
Flexibility, Efficiency and Collaboration Fueled Nichols’ Passion for Design-Build
Nichols said he often looks at design-build projects first when choosing a project because of their efficiency and collaboration. Design-build promotes a highly collaborative, integrated approach built on trust, mutual respect, teamwork, innovation and creative problem-solving. It is widely used for both private and public sector projects at the federal, state and municipal levels and across all project types, including vertical construction, transportation and water/wastewater markets.
“I couldn’t be more passionate about alternative delivery methods like design-build that really promote way more collaboration and help decisions get made much more efficiently than the design/bid/build method,” Nichols said. “I think if there were more alternative delivery method projects out there, it would be a good thing for the construction industry.”
Design-build also offers the flexibility to adapt when problems arise. Nichols recalls a project where the National Guard required that the lobby glass be ballistic-resistant, forcing a quick redesign under a tight deadline. The adaptability of design-build, he notes, was crucial for completing the project.
Leading Harkins Builders with a Vision of Shared Success
Nichols’s military background shaped his belief that leadership is sacrificial –– a perspective he brings to his construction projects. At Harkins, a 100% employee-owned company, profits are shared directly with employees, encouraging everyone to invest in the company’s success and well-being. This commitment to shared success has not gone unnoticed; earlier in 2024, Nichols was named to ENR’s National Top 20 Under 40, and this week, ENR MidAtlantic recognized Harkins as its Contractor of the Year.
As Nichols continues to lead Harkins with the same dedication and collaborative spirit that defined his military service and guides him in a busy family life, his passion for design-build’s transformative power in the construction industry remains unwavering. His journey from the Marine Corps to the forefront of construction leadership is a testament to the lasting impact of strong, adaptable leadership.
Become a DBIA Young Professional Member and Lead the Next Generation of Design-Builders
Ben Nichols has leveraged the leadership skills he learned in the military into a thriving career in design-build. Now, it’s your turn. DBIA’s Young Professional Membership, designed for future leaders under 35, offers the insights, education and networking opportunities you need to excel.
For just $75 annually, you’ll access discounted certification workshops, conferences and a network of industry leaders. Join a community committed to shaping a better tomorrow. Your journey in design-build starts here. Contact membership@dbia.org to learn more or join today.
