John R. McAdams

About John

John R. McAdams is the Founder and Chairman of McAdams, a leading North Carolina-based engineering and design firm he established in 1979 with just $9,000 and no initial clients. Through nearly four decades of leadership, he built the company into one of the Southeast’s most respected design, engineering, and planning firms. Known for his vision, courage, and commitment to his employees, John guided McAdams through economic challenges, making personal sacrifices to preserve jobs and client relationships during the recession. His leadership earned him the 2017 Jerry Allen Courage in Leadership Award from Zweig Group, recognizing his integrity, resilience, and impact on the firm’s enduring success and growth.