Richard Group Taps Industry Veteran to Lead Aggressive Western U.S. Expansion

CHICAGO, IL – April 24, 2026 – National contractor Richard Purpose Builders has announced a significant strategic move aimed at capturing a larger share of the lucrative Western United States construction market, appointing industry veteran Jennifer “Jenni” McCarthy as its new Vice President of Business Development. The hire signals an aggressive pivot to expand the firm’s private-sector portfolio, leveraging McCarthy’s nearly three decades of experience to compete in high-growth sectors across the region.

McCarthy is tasked with leading the private-sector growth strategy in the West, a region where the Chicago-headquartered firm already has offices in San Diego and Colorado Springs. The appointment is a clear indicator of the company's intent to build upon its established, dominant federal practice and diversify into more complex private projects. This move positions Richard Purpose Builders to more directly challenge established regional players in a thriving, yet competitive, market.

A Strategic Western Offensive

The decision to bring McCarthy aboard is less a routine personnel change and more a calculated offensive. Richard Purpose Builders, recognized as one of America's fastest-growing construction companies, has built a formidable reputation primarily through its federal government contracts. This new focus on the private sector in the West represents a critical step in the company's national expansion strategy.

Founder and CEO Jed Richard framed the hire as a catalyst for the company’s next phase. "With Jenni joining our team, we gain nearly three decades of carefully nurtured relationships and an instinct for understanding what clients need, even what they haven't said yet," he stated. "Her depth across healthcare, wellness, and advanced manufacturing brings a dimension to our West Coast development that will directly shape the scale and complexity of what we can pursue and win."

This strategic diversification is crucial for long-term growth. By complementing its stable federal work with the dynamic opportunities in the private sphere—from commercial development to specialized industrial facilities—the firm aims to create a more resilient and balanced business model. McCarthy’s role is central to this ambition, serving as the linchpin for translating strategy into secured projects and lasting client partnerships.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

McCarthy enters a Western U.S. construction market characterized by both immense opportunity and fierce competition. States like California are experiencing a construction boom fueled by infrastructure spending and robust housing demand. Meanwhile, Colorado and Arizona are emerging as hotspots for industrial and tech-related projects, including a surge in data center construction. These trends align directly with McCarthy’s background, but they also attract the industry’s heavyweights.

Richard Purpose Builders will be vying for projects against deeply entrenched competitors such as Swinerton, Hensel Phelps, Turner Construction Co., and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (no relation). Specialized firms like DPR Construction and Dome Construction have also carved out strong niches in the life sciences and healthcare sectors—key targets for Richard's expansion. Success will depend not only on competitive bidding but also on demonstrating a superior value proposition.

The 'Purpose-Driven' Differentiator

Richard Purpose Builders is betting that its unique company culture will be a key differentiator. The firm, which rebranded in 2024 to emphasize its identity as “purpose builders,” champions a philosophy of creating spaces that improve lives. This mission-oriented approach was a significant factor in attracting McCarthy.

"After 26 years in this industry, you develop a clear sense of what exceptional looks like, not just in the work, but in the people and the culture behind it," McCarthy said. "What stood out to me about Richard is that the values aren't posted on a wall. They're visible in the day-to-day... Building something that matters, with people you respect, in a way you're proud of made this an easy decision."

The company's focus on culture is backed by external recognition, including being named to Inc. Magazine's list of Best Places to Work and earning the top spot as the Best Place to Work for Construction in Illinois. By cultivating an environment that emphasizes transparency, gratitude, and resilience, Richard aims to foster the kind of deep, relational client engagement that McCarthy is known for—transforming transactional construction jobs into enduring partnerships.

A Specialist for High-Growth Sectors

Perhaps the most critical aspect of McCarthy's appointment is her specialized expertise. Her track record includes pioneering market entry into the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors. This experience is particularly timely, as the Western U.S. sees continued investment in biotech hubs, pharmaceutical facilities, and high-tech manufacturing plants.

Her ability to understand the nuanced requirements of these complex projects—from cleanrooms to intricate processing facilities—provides Richard with a significant advantage. It allows the firm to move beyond general commercial construction and pursue higher-margin, technically demanding work. This expertise is what Jed Richard referred to as a “dimension” that will change what the company can “pursue and win.”

By bringing in a leader with a proven ability to capture landmark deals in these niche markets, Richard Purpose Builders is not just adding a new executive; it is acquiring a strategic key to unlock some of the most dynamic and profitable segments of the Western construction industry. McCarthy's leadership is expected to be instrumental as the firm seeks to solidify its standing as a major national player in both the public and private arenas.