William G. Yates III serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Yates Companies Inc., a family-owned construction leader known for tackling major projects across the U.S. His practical guidance has streamlined operations, helping teams deliver complex builds on time and within budget. With decades of hands-on experience, Yates has transformed family legacy into modern efficiency, making tough jobs like hospitals, factories, and resorts feel manageable for clients everywhere.
Early Background
Born into a construction dynasty in Mississippi, Yates followed his grandfather, Gully Yates, and his father, Bill Yates Jr., who grew the firm from a local operation in the 1960s into a top national contractor. He earned a BBA with high honors from the University of Mississippi and an MS in construction management from Arizona State University, gaining hands-on experience in the Gulf Coast division before rising to executive vice president. By 2003, he stepped up as President and CEO of Yates Construction, blending family wisdom with modern methods to handle everything from casinos to automotive plants.
Leadership
Yates leads by empowering teams, much like his father, hiring top talent, providing clear tools and direction, then stepping back to let them shine, which builds loyalty and sharpens focus on results. He emphasizes unity during challenges, gathering crews to remind them they’re “all in the same boat,” turning potential setbacks into successes through collaboration and decisive action. This approachable style keeps projects moving smoothly, avoiding red tape and fostering a sense of shared purpose on fast-paced sites.
Achievements
Yates has guided The Yates Companies to consistent rankings in Engineering News-Record’s top 50 U.S. contractors, with standout projects like the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, Nissan plants in the U.S. and Mexico, and Mercedes and Volvo facilities in South Carolina.
The firm pioneered casino barge construction to handle Gulf tides and launched early LEED projects like Georgia Tech’s Klaus Building in 2004, expanding offices to Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Dallas. Beyond building, he serves on boards for Trustmark Corporation, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s New Orleans Branch, the Mississippi Economic Council, and the Gulf Coast Business Council, influencing economic growth.
Hands-On Philosophy and Outlook
Yates stays rooted in family values, prioritizing employee success and community ties through groups like Restart MS, while adopting tech and coordination to make big projects simpler and greener. His warm, inspirational demeanor, echoed by peers calling the Yates legacy “passionate and creative,” drives a culture of reliability. Moving forward, he eyes steady growth via internal promotions and smart planning, ensuring the company thrives for generations by simplifying client challenges in evolving markets like manufacturing and infrastructure.
