Paul Krebs is a respected leader in the construction and development industry. He is the President and Owner of Paul Krebs Construction, a company he founded in 1967.
With over 50 years of experience, Paul has built homes, apartment complexes, mobile home parks, and large infrastructure projects across Georgia and the Southeast.
Paul’s passion for building started early. At just 13, he began working with his father at Krebs Engineering in Birmingham, Alabama. This taught him the importance of hard work and hands-on learning. He later attended Riverside Military Academy and Auburn University, where he also ran track.
Through the years, Paul earned licences in Utility Engineering, Utility Management, and Water Treatment. These skills helped him take on complex projects, including major utility systems and residential developments.
But Paul isn’t just a builder—he’s a community leader. He donated land for Krebs Park in Hinesville, Georgia, which features basketball and tennis courts, pickleball, a skate park, and walking trails. He has also supported local animal rescues and hospitals.
Paul is known for his direct, practical approach. He believes in doing things right and working hard every day.
“You can’t fake experience,” he often says. “You have to know your work and care about your community.”
Outside of business, Paul stays active with tennis, windsurfing, cycling, and fitness. His life reflects his values—hard work, giving back, and building places where people can live well. He remains a trusted voice in construction and a champion for strong communities.
In Conversation with Paul Krebs: A Lifetime of Building Communities
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Paul Krebs, President and Owner of Paul Krebs Construction. With more than 50 years of experience, Paul shares the lessons, challenges, and values that have shaped his long and respected career in construction and community development.
Q: Paul, let’s start from the beginning. How did your career in construction begin?
It really started when I was a boy. I was just 13 years old when I began working with my father at Krebs Engineering in Birmingham, Alabama. He believed in putting me to work early. I learned every part of the business—digging trenches, surveying land, you name it. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me a lot. That experience gave me a strong foundation in both the technical side and the value of hard work.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to run your own company one day?
I think deep down, yes. Working alongside my father showed me the impact you can have through building. After attending Riverside Military Academy, I went on to Auburn University, where I also ran track. Sports taught me discipline and perseverance—qualities that are vital in business too. By 1967, I felt ready to start my own company. I wasn’t waiting for the “perfect time.” I just went for it.
Q: How did Paul Krebs Construction grow from those early days?
It was gradual. At first, I took on smaller projects—basic construction work, site prep, utility jobs. But because of my background and licences in Utility Engineering, Utility Management, and Water Treatment, I was able to take on bigger and more technical projects fairly early on.
I’ve always believed in learning every part of the process. That’s what allowed me to expand into larger developments—mobile home parks, apartment complexes, entire housing communities. Over time, we built a strong reputation for handling both residential and infrastructure projects.
Q: Your work has also had a big impact on the community, especially in Hinesville. Can you tell us more about that?
Community has always been important to me. I donated land for what’s now Krebs Park in Hinesville, Georgia. That was a project close to my heart. The park has basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball, a skate park, a dog park, and walking trails. It’s a place where people can come together, exercise, and enjoy life.
I’ve also donated land for a pet rescue and supported Mayo Hospital. Giving back is just something I believe in. When you’ve had success, you should use it to make your community better.
Q: What do you think has been the key to your long career in construction?
Two things: hard work and honesty. You can’t fake experience in this business. I’ve always believed in showing up every day and doing the job right. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small repair or a major development—you need to take pride in your work.
Also, knowing your craft is critical. I’ve held my licences for decades, and that technical knowledge helps me avoid mistakes that others might miss. You can’t rely on shortcuts if you want your work to last.
Q: You’ve also been very active personally. How has that shaped your approach to business?
I’ve always been drawn to physical activity. I played semi-pro rugby with the Birmingham All Blacks, and I still enjoy tennis, windsurfing, bicycling, and working out. Staying active keeps my mind sharp and helps me handle stress.
Sports also taught me teamwork and resilience—both are important in construction, where you often face unexpected problems. Whether on the job site or on the tennis court, you learn that you can’t quit when things get hard.
Q: What advice would you offer to young people interested in construction or development?
Start by learning everything you can. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. You need to understand the basics before you can lead others. And think long-term. Construction isn’t just about the building—it’s about the people who will live or work there. If you focus on quality and community, success tends to follow.
Q: After all these years, what keeps you motivated?
It’s simple—I like to build things. I like to solve problems. And I enjoy seeing the results of hard work. When I walk through a neighbourhood or a park that I helped create, I feel proud knowing it’s making life better for others. That’s what keeps me going.
Read more:
Paul Krebs on Building Communities and a Lasting Career in Construction