When Forrest McNabb joined Big-D Construction in 1988, the company was delivering around $35 million in annual revenue. Today, Big-D Companies is one of the largest groups of contractors in the United States and is approaching $3 billion. Forrest has played a key role in that transformation, but what matters most to him is not the numbers. It is the people, the relationships and the culture that have made Big-D what it is today.

As president of Big-D’s Ogden office and the National Food and Beverage group, Forrest brings over three and a half decades of Big-D Construction experience, a commitment to mentorship, and a deep appreciation for the work that shapes communities and industries alike.

When and why did you decide to go into the construction industry?

My dad was an ironworker and lead superintendent who built high-security projects throughout the West. I grew up following him around job sites and working on projects at home. In our family, we built things ourselves. That is where I learned the value of hard work from both of my parents.

After earning a scholarship with the U.S. Navy, I studied industrial engineering at New Mexico State University and worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. During my junior year, I had an injury that delayed my entry into the Navy’s Nuclear Submarine Program. I decided to enter the workforce instead, joining a general contractor in Albuquerque. After five years there, I joined Big-D Construction and moved to Utah. That was more than 36 years ago.

What led you to focus on food and beverage work, and what keeps you passionate about it?

Food and beverage projects have been part of my career from the start at Big-D. These jobs are unique because there is a clear connection to the end user. The products being made are things we all consume every day, so there is a sense of purpose and pride in delivering them.

In the mid-1990s, we expanded this work nationwide. The pace and complexity of these projects keep things interesting, but what keeps me passionate is seeing the real impact they have on businesses and communities.

Can you share a little about your path to becoming president of a Big-D Office?

I started as a senior estimator and held roles in both preconstruction and operations in Utah and Arizona. I have always believed success comes from relationships and work ethic, not titles. I tell others to outwork everyone, stay results-driven, and earn trust through action and integrity. That approach has shaped my entire career.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am proud of what we have built at Big-D. When I started, we were a $35 million company in one state with two offices. Now we are nearing $3 billion in nine states with 18 offices. But what means more to me are the people I have seen growing into leaders and the long-term relationships we have built with clients who keep coming back.

Two projects I will never forget are Skaggs Catholic Center and Mount Benedict’s Monastery. Both aligned with my faith and were meaningful Utah landmarks. In the food and beverage sector, Project Angus in Idaho Falls stands out. It received ENR regional and national top honors and recently earned the 2024 ProFood World Manufacturing Innovation Award. It was a great example of what happens when the right customer and vision come together.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a leader?

Bring someone with you. It is tempting to take on the hardest challenges alone, but the best leaders use those moments to mentor. Difficult projects provide real-world lessons, and giving others that exposure is how we build the next generation of leaders.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in construction?

Find strong mentors and learn from them. Show up early, stay late and put in the effort. This is an industry where success is earned. My dad used to say we only work half days, and then he would ask which half: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The point was to stay self-motivated; to give your best and be accountable.

What makes food and beverage projects uniquely challenging or rewarding?

These projects require top-tier teams. There is no room for error because food safety and speed to market are critical. Our clients focus on production timelines and quality from day one. You have to treat every job like a championship game. Everyone needs to perform at their best every time.

The most rewarding part is the people. Our team members are talented and dedicated, and their effort is what allows us to deliver at such a high level across the country. They are the reason we continue to live up to our mission of being the most sought-after construction company in the business.

How has ABC Utah been part of your journey and Big-D’s story?

ABC Utah has been important to our organization from the beginning. We have had key leaders involved at both the local and national levels. I was honored to be appointed to the first ABC National Green Building Committee in Washington, D.C., where I served from 2007 to 2015 after serving on the ABC Utah Board from 2004 to 2006. That experience deepened my appreciation for ABC’s role in driving innovation and setting standards for the industry.

ABC stands for free enterprise, which is something we strongly believe in at Big-D. We support open competition, opportunity and accountability. ABC provides a platform for advocacy, training and leadership that continues to benefit the construction community across Utah and beyond.