Andrew Norton – Construction Partners Inc.

Andrew Norton’s leadership as deputy general counsel at Construction Partners, Inc. is central to the company’s continued success in the highly competitive field of commercial site development and public road construction. With a presence across six southeastern states, Construction Partners specializes in building, repairing, and maintaining surface infrastructure bolstered by a network of hot-mix asphalt plants, aggregate facilities, and liquid asphalt terminals. The company’s projects span a wide array of public works and private sector developments, requiring expertise in various legal and regulatory areas. Norton’s role in managing the company’s legal affairs is expansive, overseeing everything from risk management and corporate governance to mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiation, labor and employment law, and environmental compliance.

Norton’s influence on the company’s projects is vast, shaping how each is approached and executed. His expertise ensures that every project adheres to the highest legal and regulatory compliance standards, mitigating risks while simultaneously seizing opportunities for the company’s growth. The company’s infrastructure projects, such as roadways, bridges, and public works, require meticulous planning and coordination. Norton is crucial in negotiating contracts, meeting environmental regulations, and overseeing compliance with labor laws. His strategic oversight protects the company from potential legal pitfalls and ensures that projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

Fred Smith Company, which Norton also serves, complements Construction Partners with its top-tier site work services, such as asphalt mix production and comprehensive project management. The company prides itself on delivering high-quality services with a focus on client satisfaction. Norton’s leadership ensures that these services are delivered with a clear understanding of the legal requirements involved, reducing risk and boosting operational efficiency.

One of Norton’s most notable contributions is his emphasis on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, values ingrained in the Construction Partners and Fred Smith Company culture.

“We all really do operate by our core values, safety, family, and faith; that’s what really matters, and that’s how we get the job done,” Norton says.

These values drive every project, decision, and action within the company. Norton’s leadership is rooted in these values, ensuring that the company’s workforce is aligned with these principles at every level.

Norton is committed to fostering a strong and supportive culture within the organizations he serves. He recognizes that the success of any business is driven by its people, and he actively works to create an environment where employees feel valued and supported. His leadership style is built on trust, respect, and open communication, which has helped Construction Partners retain a loyal and highly skilled workforce. Under his guidance, recruitment strategies are focused on attracting top-tier talent from across the industry, ensuring that the company continues to grow and evolve with a competent team. His ability to retain talent is equally important. Norton’s focus on employee development, work-life balance, and promotion from within has fostered a sense of loyalty among staff, ensuring low turnover and high morale.

Norton’s influence on the company’s workforce is reflected in the company’s commitment to developing employees’ skills and providing opportunities for advancement. His leadership in this area includes recruiting and retaining talent and creating a culture where employees are encouraged to grow professionally. By emphasizing teamwork and providing clear pathways for career advancement, Norton helps ensure that the company’s success is sustainable in the long term.

Norton’s dedication to innovation also marks his leadership. Whether navigating complex legal challenges or implementing new growth strategies, Norton consistently seeks ways to improve operations. His ability to think outside the box and provide creative solutions to legal and business problems has allowed both companies to remain at the forefront of the industry. His leadership style promotes a culture of innovation, where new ideas are welcomed and actively pursued to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Norton’s journey began with an early interest in law and business, shaped by his background in accounting and economics. After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a Minor in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he further honed his legal skills at Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. He excelled in mock trials, client counseling, and moot court, developing a reputation for leadership and legal proficiency there.

Upon graduating with a Juris Doctor, Norton embarked on a career that saw him take on pivotal roles in government and private sectors. He served as Deputy General Counsel for the North Carolina State Health Plan, Assistant General Counsel for the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, and Assistant General Counsel for the Department of Environmental Quality. These positions allowed him to develop a deep understanding of litigation, risk management, and regulatory compliance, skills he would carry into his later roles.

In 2021, Norton joined Fred Smith Company as vice president of legal affairs, further cementing his reputation as a seasoned legal executive. By October 2023, he had taken on his current role as deputy general counsel for Construction Partners, where he continues to leverage his vast experience to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive business growth. Outside of work, Norton is committed to community involvement, serving on various committees and supporting charitable initiatives, reflecting his leadership in and out of the office.