40 Under 40: Josh Sanderson redefining homebuilding through innovative community
Meet Knox News’ 40 Under 40 class of 2024
Watch along and put friendly faces to the names of young professionals selected by Knox News for the 40 Under 40 class of 2024.
Josh Sanderson, 39, Development Associate, Smithbilt Homes
Josh Sanderson is continuing the Smithbilt Homes family legacy but doing it his way. He leads with compassion and builds homes with a vision of creating communities, making him a distinguished leader and innovator in the homebuilding industry.
Sanderson is spearheading the Belltown community development in Karns. The project combines diverse housing options, including single-family homes, apartments and senior living. The community also will have commercial spaces and a 40-acre public park.
In 50-100 words, introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a proud husband and father with a deep love for our city and county. Through development and home building, I aim to help shape Knoxville’s future, watching it thrive and grow alongside my children in this city I hold dear.
When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?
Continual internal growth.
What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
Ironically, the same as my career achievement, continual internal growth. In my line of work, there is no handbook or “how to guide,” so learning on the job is a daily challenge. Not getting overwhelmed with the daily situations that fall on my shoulders is the hardest obstacle that I face in my career.
What will you focus on in 2025?
Again, continual internal growth. I am a strong believer in the saying: “We all have three stages of our career. 1. Learning your craft 2. Mastering your craft. 3. Mentoring your craft.” I am in the “mastering my craft” era of my career.
What is your biggest professional dream?
Complete “legacy developments,” of which the development’s name is used when a Knoxvillian is describing Knoxville to an out-of-towner. “You have to go to Market Square when you’re in Knoxville”.
What mistake did you learn the most from?
Assuming. Never assume or judge based on appearance, half the facts, or one person’s opinion. Early in my career, I would make assumptions based on people’s opinions or their testament. “There’s another side to every story.” I have learned to gather the facts, process the situation and then take action.
What motivates you?
Mastering my craft. We all have so much to learn. Never stop learning.
What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?
The more money you have, the smarter you are. Nothing could be further from the truth.
What trait do you most want in a co-worker?
Initiative. Someone who is willing to take action and not get to the first roadblock and quit or wait for more instructions. Figuring it out.
What about Knoxville would you like to improve?
The mindset and approach leaders are taking for future growth. The decisions being made today will mold Knoxville’s future. That’s a task no leader should take lightly or have narrow vision.
What don’t people know about you?
My family is the most important aspect of my life.
- Family: Heaven Sanderson, wife; Tommie Smith, grandmother; Ken Sanderson, father; Traci Smith, mother; Rocky Smith, uncle; Tom Smith, uncle
- Years worked at current company: 16
- Degrees and certifications: Bachelor’s in marketing, University of Tennessee
- Community involvement: Past president of Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville
This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
-Devarrick Turner
This article was originally published by a www.knoxnews.com . Read the Original article here. .