How This Woman Built a Construction Empire From Scratch. Ann McNeill on Legacy, Money, and Niching

What if your small business could play in billion-dollar programs?

What if your current company is actually five companies in disguise?

That’s exactly what Ann McNeill brings to the table in this episode of the Construction Champions Podcast. As the first Black female general contractor in the state of Florida, and the founder of multiple companies under MCO Construction, Ann has spent over 45 years building not just projects, but legacy.

The Five Businesses You’re Really Running

Ann opens the episode with a perspective-shifting truth: every contractor is running five businesses, whether they realize it or not:

Marketing – How the world finds you
Sales – How you get people to say yes
Operations – How you deliver the work
Finance – How you manage money and cash flow
Administration – How you stay legally and operationally compliant

Most construction owners spend all their time in operations and neglect the rest. That’s why growth plateaus, stress rises, and businesses never become what they could be.

"We think we own a construction company, but really we own five," Ann says. "And most of us are only running one."

The Money Is In the Niche

Ann didn’t build a billion-dollar legacy by chasing every opportunity. She got specific. She niched down into federal programs, found her lane, and stayed in it.

"You have to niche to be rich. Stop chasing everything. Find your lane and build a world-class business in that space."

Whether it's schools, government buildings, or infrastructure, Ann knew what her company did best and where she could win repeatedly. That consistency built wealth.

From $90K Payrolls to Generational Wealth

At her peak, Ann was running a weekly payroll of over $90,000. But it wasn’t about ego, it was about ownership, systems, and intentionality.

She shares how she:

Survived tough economic downturns
Built out multiple businesses from one core foundation
Started a nonprofit to pour back into the next generation
Built wealth while helping others win

And she’s still calling herself a small business, because the mindset of humility and hunger has never left her.

Make Your Money Make Money

One of Ann’s biggest takeaways? Contractors must learn how to make their money make money.

You don’t build a legacy just by working hard—you build it by putting your dollars to work through:

Smart investments
Wealth education
Systems that build cash reserves
Delegation so you can focus on strategy

“If you’re always working for your business and your business isn’t working for you, something’s wrong,” Ann explains.

Build Your Life While You Build Your Business

Ann isn’t just about the business, she’s about the full picture.

In this episode, she dives into how to:

Balance family and business across decades
Stay spiritually aligned and mentally focused
Use morning routines and journaling to create clarity
Lead with purpose—not just profit

She shows us that the ultimate goal isn’t just financial success, it’s building a life and legacy that outlasts you.

This Is What Legacy Looks Like

Few people in construction will ever reach the level Ann McNeill has. But her message is clear: you don’t have to be born with money, connections, or power.

You can build it.

One smart decision at a time. One clear niche. One system. One belief in yourself.

This episode isn’t just business advice,it’s a masterclass in how to think, act, and build like a champion.

Watch the full episode

Visit Ann’s Website: https://www.annmcneil.com

Phone: (786) 546-0184

About the Host

Ron Nussbaum is a U.S. Marine veteran and the founder of BuilderComs, a client communication platform built for the construction industry. He hosts the Construction Champions Podcast to elevate leaders who are changing the game.

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