Our conversation with… Scott Contracting’s Johnny Wilkins

The Director of Business Development for Scott Contracting talks about the importance of an early morning routine, why book reading beats TV watching, and why living intentionally is the key to life.

What’s the most cherished item in your office?

My diploma from The University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!

What’s your favorite time to get things done?

I’m always ready to strike a deal. I come full of optimism in the morning and try to keep that energy flowing all day long.

What’s the soundtrack that plays in the background of your office?

More of the indie rock vibe, but definitely some cool jazz, chill beats and classic rock.

Name the band you cannot take off your playlist.

Toss up between Radiohead and My Morning Jacket

What does a typical workday look like?

I’m up at 5 a.m. to start my morning routine, highlighted by 30 minutes of book reading. I spend my days either on appointments with clients or setting them up.

My job in business development is to tell our story and I’m constantly thinking about ways to do this, one on one appointments, social media, client events. I love what I do.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on a job site?

Earlier in my career, I was managing a project that required us to demo a three-story building in downtown Atlanta to make way for a new building we were contracted for. The demo building was a concrete and brick structure that sat right on the property line of an adjacent commercial bank property.

Careful inspection and selective demo allowed our heavy demo contractor to understand how it was built and to create a strategy to bring it down. It was about a four-day process, and I couldn’t believe the precision used to make the building fall directly onto our property and not a single brick onto the adjacent property.

It was amazing to watch and a lot of relief when it was over.

What are you binge watching right now?

“Better Call Saul.” Yes, I am late to this one I know, but TV watching is not my favorite jam. Reading books is underrated.

What’s the coolest thing you have done recently?

I have been running endurance events for over 10 years. This past January, I finished my 6th marathon with a personal best time. Shoutout to “Classic City Marathon,” Athens, Georgia.

What has this experience taught you?

Training for endurance events teaches you so much about yourself. But this year taught me that you can always find another little tweak, another way to get better. There is no question that that applies to all aspects of my life, and I look with eyes open for those areas of growth.

Favorite comfort food?

My protein smoothie bowl: Blend one frozen banana, a handful of blueberries, a handful of walnuts, 1/2 avocado, five pitted dates, one scoop of protein powder, 1/2 cup of almond milk, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. It may sound crazy, but this tastes like eating cake batter to me. I love it.

Best advice you ever received?

“Until it’s done, it’s not done.” I don’t know if I was told it, but I definitely use it; in construction and everything else.

Biggest influence in your life?

My Dad. In all the ways.

What trait do you most admire?

Do what you say you’re going to do. It may not always be the easy thing to do, but that’s where the value lies.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Live intentionally. Life moves really fast and things can often turn out great without a lot of planning. However, when you choose to live intentionally, you see the vision, create the path and know that the decisions you make are leading you toward your goals.