In the traditionally male-dominated field of construction, WDS Contracting stands out not only as a successful business but also as a beacon of representation. Owned and operated by Jenny Williams, the company is minority- and female-owned, setting an inspiring example in the industry. For Jenny, representation matters deeply, especially for the younger generation. She explained, “It always surprises people to find out we are a Woman-Owned company in a very male-dominated industry. It’s important for girls to grow up seeing examples of leaders that may not look typical. As women, we juggle a lot of roles, and each of those roles gives us a unique perspective. I believe that broad perspective is one of our greatest advantages.”
WDS Contracting has grown significantly since its inception in 2005, when Jenny and her husband Matt Williams started the business together. Starting out as Williams Dirt Service, the company specializes in earthwork and land development. Reflecting on the early days, Jenny recalled, “We literally started from nothing. Matt came home one day and said he thought we should start our own company. He would handle the field side, and I would run the office side. I thought he was crazy—but 20 years later, here we are.” The pair began with small-scale residential jobs, slowly expanding their operations. From residential projects, they transitioned into commercial earthwork contracting and eventually into federal and tribal opportunities, building a reputation for precision and reliability. Recently, the company expanded their services to include solution-based Construction Management, offering innovative approaches to projects.
Their determination to succeed was matched by their willingness to innovate. Thirteen years ago, the couple made a bold decision to invest in GPS machine control technology for their fleet of equipment. At the time, it was a hefty financial commitment that many considered risky. However, it paid off in spades, setting WDS apart from competitors. Jenny explained, “We were one of the first companies in Oklahoma to fully embrace this advancement. It allowed us to complete projects more efficiently and accurately. We could do twice the work with half the crew, and it was done right the first time. For us, it’s always been a priority to stay current with the evolution of technology.” This forward-thinking approach became a cornerstone of the company’s operations and a significant factor in its success.
Two years ago, the company’s trajectory took another leap forward when they began working with a Tribal program led by Ken Atkins and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. Through this program, WDS embraced an Alternative Contracting Method known as CM/GC, or Construction Manager/General Contractor. Unlike traditional construction methods, which often prioritize low bids over long-term value, CM/GC emphasizes collaboration. Both the design and construction teams work together from the outset, allowing for innovative problem-solving and streamlined execution. Jenny described the impact this method had on their business, noting, “What sets this method apart is the builder helps design the projects. Both the design team and the construction team collaborate, and the results are like nothing we’d ever seen. We’ve taken on several project bundles now totaling over 40 projects since starting with Alternative Contracting Methods, and it’s been a whirlwind.”
Working with the Seminole Nation and other tribes, WDS has completed projects that would typically take years in a matter of months, achieving cost savings of up to 40%. The company’s commitment to collaboration extends to its partnerships with other industry leaders. For road, parking lot, and trail projects, WDS works closely with Oklahoma’s leading paving company, Haskell Lemon Group. This partnership has led to innovations that saved hundreds of thousands of dollars while completing projects in record time. One of their joint efforts, the Econtuchka Road Project, earned an Oklahoma Asphalt Award, a first for the Seminole Nation. Jenny expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we prioritize innovation and teamwork.”
Another key partnership has been with Stronghold Construction, which specializes in vertical building. Stronghold shared the vision of creating a positive impact on the construction industry through a proactive approach. This Joint-Venture has been instrumental in the success of several tribal projects, including the Kickapoo Tribe’s Economic Development Suite of Projects. These initiatives focus on generating long-term economic growth through travel plazas, hotels, RV parks, grocery stores, and major infrastructure improvements. The team employed the Progressive Design-Build Method to overcome challenges posed by the traditional low-bid approach. Jenny explained, “The tribe had experienced numerous projects that initially seemed inexpensive but ended up being extremely costly due to change orders and delays. With this method, we’ve avoided those pitfalls and delivered projects that truly add value.”
Jenny and her team take great pride in the work they’ve done for tribal communities, describing it as a unique and deeply meaningful experience. “There is a sense of contributing to something bigger than yourself,” Jenny shared. “It’s not just another developer’s next round of fast food joints or big box stores—it’s about shaping a community for the better. That’s not something we take lightly.”
Their impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, WDS Contracting received the Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center Partner in Progress Award, a milestone Jenny considers one of the company’s greatest accomplishments. Beyond the accolades, the Williams family remains focused on growth and sustainability. With three sons, one of whom already works for the company, WDS is positioning itself as a lasting family enterprise. Jenny shared her vision for the future, saying, “Watching our sons come along has been very rewarding. We’d like to see this family business continue to expand, building relationships and delivering value. We have a motto: ‘move dirt, build relationships,’ and that really sums it up for us.”
“We have a motto: ‘move dirt, build relationships,’ and that really sums it up for us.”
For Jenny, the success of WDS Contracting isn’t defined by any single factor but rather by a combination of determination, innovation, and collaboration. She acknowledged, “There isn’t just one key to success. It’s been many keys, and those keys have changed as we’ve grown and faced new challenges.”
From its modest beginnings to its current role as a leader in construction innovation, WDS Contracting exemplifies what can be achieved through hard work and forward-thinking. As a minority- and female-owned business, it’s breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. For Jenny, the journey has been about more than just business—it’s about showing young women that they, too, can lead and succeed in any field.
WDS Contracting would also like to express our sincere gratitude to several other companies that have supported us along the way. Thank you to Atkins Engineering, FORM Design Studio, Green Couch Design, VRX, Consor Engineering, Johnson and Associates Utility Exploration, Arrowhead Engineering, CC Environmental, Digital Takeoff & Modeling, Innovative Contracting and Engineering, Ozark Lazer, CL Boyd, Phaser Marketing, The National Association of Women in Construction, and Cory Fisk.
