Although Chairman’s Circle investors Terrell and Wiley Richards were born in Chicago, the family’s Mississippi roots run deep. Their parents were from Benton County, about 50 miles southeast of Memphis, and the twins attended school in Ashland.  “We’ve always had strong family connections throughout the Memphis and Mississippi communities,” said Wiley.

When they were 8, their family moved to Mississippi to pursue business opportunities and enjoy a calmer lifestyle. The Richards’ father became a small business owner in 1983, building a construction company that specialized in providing individual wastewater systems for residential homebuilders in rural areas.

After high school, the twins went their separate ways for college – Wiley to Tennessee State University in Nashville and Terrell to then-Memphis State University.  Both earned degrees in business management.

After college, Wiley became a manager in the pharmaceutical distribution industry.  Terrell joined his father in his construction business.  Terrell wasn’t sure he wanted construction to be his career quite yet, but knew where he wanted to live.  “What started as a college decision turned into home,” he said.  “I’ve been part of the Memphis community ever since, and it’s where my father and I launched W&T Contracting Corporation in 1997.”

Wiley joined the family – and the family business – in Memphis in 2002.  “Memphis became home because of our family ties, our business roots and the opportunity to contribute to a community we deeply care about,” he said.  “Through W&T Contracting Corporation we’ve been fortunate to build more than infrastructure – we’ve been able to invest in people, create opportunities and support the growth and future of the Memphis community.”

The choice of Memphis as home to the civil and vertical construction business has been a good one.

W&T Contracting Corporation has grown more than 86 percent since 2014.  Today the company has more than 125 employees in positions from engineers and project managers to equipment operators and Building Information Modeling professionals who use 3D digital models to plan buildings.  W&T has three Memphis locations and a satellite office in Dallas.

“We’ve expanded our capabilities, workforce and project portfolio while remaining committed to creating opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods and improving the built environment,” said Wiley.  “We understand the infrastructure we build today helps shape the future of our city. However, our greatest investment has always been in people and the next generation we help prepare.  We believe we have a responsibility to help build a stronger, more vibrant community through economic opportunity, workforce development and meaningful partnerships.”

In addition to being successful business leaders, the twins have successful marriages.  Terrell has been married to Angela Richards for 29 years, and they have three children and three grandchildren.  Wiley has been married to Terri Knowlton-Richards for 31 years.  They have one daughter and three grandchildren.

The brothers share a commitment to fitness.  “My exercise routine starts my day and enables me to navigate long days,” said Terrell.  “It keeps me disciplined and clears my head before I step onto a job site or into a board meeting.”  Wiley echoes that feeling.  “For me, fitness has always been more than a hobby – it has been a lifelong commitment and a source of balance.  Beyond the physical benefits, the gym provides me with time to reflect, reset and maintain the mindset needed to lead with clarity and purpose.  Taking care of myself is an essential part of being able to take care of my team, my family and the communities W&T serves.”

Wiley is an active member of Plum Bush Lodge.  “I take great pride in the values of service, brotherhood a

nd community it represents.”  He and his wife are members of Hope Presbyterian Church.  “Together we have built a life centered on love, faith, service and family.”  He enjoys international travel and recently visited Europe, Dubai, Thailand and West Africa.  “Each experience has broadened my perspective, deepened my appreciation for different cultures and enriched my understanding of the world,” he said.  His favorite book is 75 Hard: A Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself by Andy Frisella.  “The book translates mental toughness into a practical, daily discipline system rather than presenting it as simply a motivational idea,” he said.  “I strongly believe confidence and resilience are built through repeated execution of difficult tasks and that mindset aligns with my own personal values and approach to life.”

Terrell serves on the boards of Southern Avenue Charter School and the Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development Board.  “Both roles let me invest directly in Memphis’ future — supporting education and helping build a strong, skilled local workforce,” he said.  His favorite vacation

destination is Jamaica, where “the culture, the people and the pace of the island help me recharge.”  His favorite book is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and he just finished reading The Black Family Who Built America, by Cheryl McKissack Daniel.  “As a Black contractor who co-founded a business with my father, her family’s story of building one of the oldest minority-owned construction firms in the country really resonated with me. It’s a reminder that what we’re doing at W&T is part of a larger legacy,” he said.

When asked who has had the most influence on their lives, perhaps not surprisingly both men responded with their father and business co-founder, Willie Richard.  “He taught me success is not measured only by what you build, but by whom you help along the way.  Watching him create W&T Contracting Corporation showed me the importance of hard work, doing things the right way and using your success as a platform to create opportunities for others. One of the best pieces of advice I received from him was ‘Always do what’s right, even when no one is watching.’ That principle has guided me in business, in leadership and in serving our community,” said Wiley.  Terrell added, “He showed me what it means to build something with integrity — not just buildings, but relationships and reputation. The best advice he gave me was simple: ‘Do right by people and the work will take care of itself.’  That’s guided how I’ve run W&T since we launched it together in 1997, and it’s what I try to pass on to my kids and grandkids.”

The brothers say community involvement is at the heart of who they are. “W&T is committed to giving back through partnerships, sponsorships, mentoring and service initiatives that create lasting impact. We support organizations focused on education, healthcare, youth development, workforce opportunities and community improvement.  From mentoring students and supporting local schools to partnering with nonprofits and participating in service projects, we strive to make a difference where we live and work,” said Wiley.

Their investment in the Chairman’s Circle is an extension of that commitment to their community.  “At W&T Contracting, we want to be part of helping this city become what we already know it has – greatness,” said Terrell.  “We joined the Chairman’s Circle because we want to be good community partners and help in any way we can to build Memphis — a city we love and call home.”  Wiley added, “We believe collaboration between businesses, community leaders and organizations is essential to creating opportunities and advancing our city. The Chairman’s Circle aligns with our values of leadership, economic development and investing in the future of Memphis.  For W&T, moving Memphis forward means more than constructing buildings and infrastructure—it means helping build stronger communities, creating pathways for success and leaving a legacy of positive impact for generations to come.”

Their belief in Memphis is strong.  “Memphis has a unique combination of location, workforce, culture and growth potential,” said Wiley.  “We have strategic logistics advantages, a business-friendly cost structure along with plenty of talent.”

“What excites me most about Memphis right now is its momentum,” said Terrell.  “This is a city with a deep, diverse culture and unlimited opportunities to flourish — and we’re seeing it happen. From downtown reinvestment to young talent choosing to build their careers here, Memphis is proving what we’ve always known: it has greatness. I’m excited that W&T gets to be part of that, putting Memphians to work and helping shape the skyline of a city that loved us back the moment we showed it love.”