John's journey to Chief Operating Officer at Ridgeway Homes reads like a classic tale of dedication and upward mobility within the construction industry. His role as COO is pivotal, orchestrating strategic growth while setting operational and financial benchmarks. John's daily operational helm includes overseeing project management, estimation, purchasing, and marketing divisions, ensuring a seamless operational flow. His interaction is not just limited to management; it extends to fostering a fulfilling experience for clients, associates, and employees alike, enabling each facet of the company to realize its full potential.

A testament to his loyalty and commitment, John's tenure at Ridgeway Homes spans a lifetime, with his roots in the company being as humble as fetching water on job sites. His evolution within the company is marked by his hands-on involvement in everything from client relations and design feature selection to the formulation of overarching company budgets.

Academically accomplished, John is armed with a Bachelor's Degree from The University of Mississippi, where he majored in Corporate Managerial Finance and Real Estate Analysis. His academic pursuits have translated into a robust professional licensure, holding a commercial general contractor license with a NASCLA accreditation across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Moreover, as a licensed Real Estate Broker in Mississippi, John actively engages in client representation during the crucial land acquisition phases of home construction.

Entrepreneurially spirited, John also holds a minority partnership and equity stake in an equipment rental venture that provisions the southeastern United States with essential tools, machinery, and safety equipment.

John's accolades are a reflection of his impact and influence in the field. His leadership steered Ridgeway Homes to become a Certified Professional Builder and Remodeler. His expertise is recognized city-wide as he sits on the permit review board for the City of Laurel. His proficiency in securing multi-state building licenses and his acknowledgement by The Mississippi Business Journal as one of the Top 50 under 40 most influential business figures, ranking in the top 10, underscore his significant contributions to the industry and community. John's narrative is not just a career chronicle but a benchmark of industry excellence and an inspiration for aspirational professionals in the construction sector.    

John W. Ridgeway, Jr., stands as a distinguished leader in the Southeastern United States' construction and real estate sectors, steering John W. Ridgeway Contractors, LLC—trading as Ridgeway Homes—as its Chief Operating Officer. Under his strategic leadership, the firm has flourished, cementing its status as a stalwart in homebuilding, general construction, real estate development, and brokerage, with a legacy spanning over sixty years and headquartered in the historic city of Laurel, Mississippi.

A Mississippi native, John was steeped in the fundamentals of construction and real estate from a tender age, thanks to his family's prominent involvement in the industry. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for residential and commercial property development. To harness this passion professionally, he pursued and achieved a degree in Business Administration, concentrating on Managerial Finance and Real Estate Investment Analysis, from the prestigious University of Mississippi.

Post-graduation, John dove straight into the family enterprise, mastering the trade from the ground up—his roles evolved from carpentry to site management, and eventually, project management. His commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to attain a general building construction NASCLA designation contractor’s license—a credential that not only bolstered his expertise but also propelled the company’s expansion into multiple states, enriching the family legacy.

Now, as COO, John's visionary leadership has guided Ridgeway Homes in broadening its operational reach to Alabama and Louisiana, fortifying the brand’s commitment to excellence and unwavering customer satisfaction. His dual insight as a licensed real estate broker has granted him a rare vantage point, allowing him to nimbly navigate market shifts and solidify Ridgeway Homes' position at the forefront of the housing market.

Beyond his corporate accomplishments, John is an active participant and leader in community and nonprofit organizations, embodying a philanthropic spirit that echoes the company’s ethos of community engagement. His board memberships testify to a deep-seated belief in nurturing the communities that Ridgeway Homes serves.

John envisions a future where Ridgeway Homes is synonymous with high-quality, accessible housing, and under his guidance, the company is not only achieving remarkable growth but also reshaping the residential landscape across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. His legacy is one of innovation, community, and a relentless pursuit of homebuilding excellence.

John is also known for his involvement in local community organizations. He has served on the boards of various nonprofits, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the communities in which Ridgeway Homes operates.

John's vision for Ridgeway Homes is rooted in providing quality, affordable housing for all. His leadership continues to drive the company's growth, shaping the housing landscape in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.