John Robison, Principal & Vice President of Operations, Scott + Reid

In an interview with Invest:, John Robison, principal and vice president of operations at general contractor Scott + Reid, highlighted the firm’s momentum in corporate interiors, retail, and hospitality, driven by investments in technology and a strong focus on client experience. “The last year has been one of strong momentum for Scott + Reid,” he said.

What have been some key milestones and achievements for Scott + Reid over the past year?

The last year has been one of strong momentum for Scott + Reid. Like many in the industry, we came through the “survive ‘til ‘25” mindset that defined the post-pandemic years. We didn’t panic. We used that time to invest in our people, expand into new markets, and diversify our services. That groundwork has paid off. Today, we’re seeing real traction across sectors, and we’re on track to have our best year yet.

When we think about milestones, a few stand out: expanding our presence across major Texas markets, growing our ground-up division, and continuing to strengthen our capabilities in high-end interiors, retail, and hospitality. These were intentional moves that positioned us to serve clients in a more comprehensive way.

We’ve also made significant investments in the retail space, particularly with national brands that are actively growing. As those brands have expanded, we’ve grown right alongside them, a testament to the trust and long-term relationships we’ve built. Being able to support their growth across multiple locations and markets speaks to our depth, adaptability, and consistency.

At the same time, we’ve remained focused on operational excellence. From project management platforms to site-tracking tools, the technology we’ve adopted has made us faster, more transparent, and better equipped to deliver a great client experience. That combination of growth, trust, and consistent execution has been a major win for us.

What sets Scott + Reid apart in a competitive construction market?

Scott + Reid is known for delivering high-quality construction paired with exceptional service. At the heart of that reputation is a relentless focus on the client experience. A lot of companies can build a project, but we go further. From the start, we set the tone by taking true ownership of the job. That means maintaining a clean, professional site, being solution-oriented, and knowing the details of the project better than anyone else on the team.

We don’t view this work as just another job. We view it as an opportunity to build a partnership. When challenges arise, and they always do in construction, it’s how we respond that earns trust and creates long-term relationships. We pride ourselves on being responsive, detail-oriented, and proactive every step of the way.

Another key is the culture we’ve built internally. Our team is empowered to make decisions, collaborate, and solve problems in real time. That kind of agility makes a real difference on the ground and allows us to adapt without slowing down progress.

Finally, our versatility is a strength. Whether it’s a 2,000-square-foot retail build-out or a 500,000-square-foot corporate headquarters renovation, we bring the same level of commitment to quality and client service, no matter the project size or scope.

How are you addressing labor and supply chain challenges within the construction industry?

You can’t build a project without people and materials, and both have faced real pressures in the current market. Labor costs, tariffs, and capital market uncertainty have all added complexity, but we’ve taken a proactive approach. It starts with people. We’ve built our reputation on high-quality construction and exceptional service, and that only happens when you have an experienced, engaged team that takes pride in the work. We’re fortunate to have strong tenure across our company, and that continuity is a big part of why clients trust us. We’ve also been recognized as a top workplace by several industry publications, something we’re proud of because it reflects the kind of culture we’ve built.

We also have long-standing relationships with our subcontractor partners. We treat them like true partners, not just vendors. That mutual respect and loyalty go a long way when labor is tight. Our subs want to work with us because we’re organized, we communicate clearly, and we do what we say we’re going to do.

On the supply chain side, we lean heavily on our preconstruction team to help navigate long lead times and material pricing. Their experience and vendor knowledge allow us to plan and get creative when needed. Tariffs and capital market shifts are adding some uncertainty, especially around certain product categories, but we stay in constant dialogue with our suppliers and partners to adjust in real time.

And when challenges arise, we’re upfront with clients. We set realistic expectations and bring them solutions, not surprises. They rely on us to be the experts, and that trust comes from open communication and a track record of delivering, no matter what the market is doing.

How is technology helping Scott + Reid enhance project delivery and client communication?

Technology has been a huge enabler for us. We’ve rolled out project management platforms like Procore to give both clients and internal teams real-time visibility into what’s happening on a job. From daily logs and schedule updates to RFIs and submittals, everything is in one place, which makes communication faster and more transparent. We’ve also added jobsite cameras on many projects, giving the team and the client a clear view of daily progress, no matter where they are.

Site-tracking tools allow our project managers to monitor milestones, document issues, and course-correct quickly. That level of responsiveness on the ground helps avoid delays and keeps things moving forward. We’re also using 3D modeling and visualization tools more often, especially during preconstruction, to help clients see what they’re getting before we ever break ground. It’s a great way to align early and minimize changes later.

At the end of the day, all of this goes back to the client experience. Technology helps us operate more efficiently, but more importantly, it helps us deliver with confidence. When clients feel informed, involved, and supported throughout the process, that builds trust. And trust is what creates long-term partnerships.

How do you see client expectations evolving in today’s construction market?

Clients today expect more than just technical execution; they expect collaboration, transparency, and flexibility. They want a return on their investment, and they want it faster, without sacrificing quality. Projects are moving at a faster pace, and decision-making often happens in real time. Clients are looking for partners who can keep up, solve problems proactively, and still deliver with precision. They expect open communication: regular updates, early issue identification, and clear visibility into both budget and schedule. Sustainability is becoming a bigger factor as well. More clients are asking about environmentally friendly building practices and materials, even if full LEED certification isn’t the goal. At the end of the day, construction is still a people business. Relationships, trust, and responsiveness are what set a firm apart in the client’s eyes.

What are the biggest opportunities you see ahead for Scott + Reid?

The corporate interiors market remains strong, especially as companies rethink how they use office space post-pandemic. As office environments evolve, there’s a tremendous opportunity to create flexible, collaborative, and tech-enabled spaces. With our expanding footprint in Houston and Dallas, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for these types of environments in key markets.

Retail is also evolving. Brands are looking for spaces that are more experiential and tailored to local markets, which plays to our strengths in high-end custom work. Our experience in both markets has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of regional preferences, which we leverage to deliver projects that truly resonate with clients and consumers.

From an operational perspective, continued investment in technology and people will open up even more opportunities. We’re also expanding into new geographic markets and industry sectors selectively, based on client needs and strategic growth plans. Our continued growth in Houston and Dallas underscores our ability to deliver top-tier service and expertise to a broader range of clients.

What are your top priorities for the next few years?

Our vision is to be the most trusted name in commercial construction, and we achieve that by delivering exceptional client experiences. We don’t grow without delivering for our clients.  It’s the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to being a trusted partner who understands and meets the unique needs of every client with the highest quality of service.

With continued growth in markets like Houston and Dallas, we see significant opportunities ahead. As demand for flexible office spaces, custom retail environments, and high-quality construction continues to rise, we’re well-positioned to play a key role in this evolution. We are the local team, deeply invested in these communities, and we want to be part of their continued success.

We’re focused on growing sustainably. That means saying yes to the right opportunities, not just more volume. We want to be strategic about the work we pursue, ensuring we maintain the standards that have built our reputation. Ultimately, it’s about staying true to who we are: a client-first, quality-driven construction partner that people trust to deliver.