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The People Who Build EM Contingency Group

  • elizbarnes
  • Dec 13, 2025
  • 4 min read

At EM Contingency Group, our work is only as strong as the people doing it. Equipment, plans, and schedules matter—but they don’t pour concrete, pull wire, or keep projects on track. People do.

We are intentional about recognizing the individuals who make this company work, because loyalty, pride, and accountability start with respect.

Adam Smith – Concrete Specialist & Crew Foreman

Adam Smith is one of those employees every construction company hopes to have and few ever find.

A concrete specialist and crew foreman, Adam currently leads the crew constructing one of the area’s only concrete SCIP homes—a highly specialized building method that requires precision, experience, and discipline. EM Contingency Group built its first SCIP home last year, and this project marks our second. Adam’s leadership and workmanship have been central to making these projects successful.

Adam is known on site for his work ethic. He shows up early, stays focused, and takes pride in doing things the right way rather than the fast way. Beyond the jobsite, Adam is also a single father of three, balancing the responsibility of providing for his family with the demands of leading a crew.

That level of commitment shows in his work every day.


EM Contingency Group owner, Mario Barnes, onsite for the second SCIP home build.
EM Contingency Group owner, Mario Barnes, onsite for the second SCIP home build.

Megan Holt – Office Operations & Project Support

Construction doesn’t run on job sites alone—it runs on coordination, communication, and organization. Megan Holt plays a critical role in keeping EM Contingency Group operating smoothly behind the scenes.

Megan works in the office in a role that blends assistant project management and administrative support. She helps keep material orders organized and on track, monitors project progress, and compiles updates so customers receive clear, accurate information throughout the build process.

She is also a licensed realtor, which gives her a strong understanding of timelines, client expectations, and the downstream impact construction decisions can have. That perspective adds real value to our operations.

Megan is married and has three children, and she brings the same level of care and reliability to her work that she brings to her family life—steady, detail-oriented, and dependable.


John Kennedy – Apprentice & Future Full-Time Team Member

John Kennedy represents the future of EM Contingency Group.

Currently still in school, John comes to work after classes each day for training and hands-on experience. Despite his age, he stands out for his focus, work ethic, and willingness to learn. He doesn’t shy away from hard work, and he takes direction seriously—two traits that cannot be taught.

John will be graduating high school early and transitioning to a full-time role with EM Contingency Group, where he will continue developing his skills across multiple trades. Investing in young people like John is part of how we ensure long-term stability and craftsmanship within the company.


Harley Taylor – In-House Electrician & National Guard Member

Harley Taylor is EM Contingency Group’s in-house electrician and one of the most dependable people on our team.

Harley is a single father and an active member of the National Guard, currently deployed in the field. Even with those responsibilities, his professionalism stands out. He communicates clearly, plans ahead, and never leaves a question unanswered.

When he is on site, Harley is consistent, reliable, and brings a positive attitude to every job. He does not miss work, takes pride in his craft, and understands the importance of coordination with other trades. That dependability is invaluable in construction, where one missed detail can impact an entire schedule.


A Company Built on People, Not Just Projects

EM Contingency Group is proud of the team behind the work. These employees represent what we value most:

  • Work ethic

  • Accountability

  • Communication

  • Craftsmanship

  • Respect for family and responsibility

We believe loyalty is built by recognizing effort, trusting people with responsibility, and creating an environment where hard work is noticed and appreciated.

As we continue to grow, that philosophy will not change. Our employees are not just part of EM Contingency Group—they are the foundation it’s built on.


Ownership & Leadership

EM Contingency Group is owned and operated by Mario and Elizabeth Barnes, whose approach to construction is rooted in structure, accountability, and long-term thinking.

Mario brings decades of hands-on construction experience and project leadership across commercial and residential work. He focuses on planning, execution, and risk management—ensuring projects are built correctly, efficiently, and with clear expectations from start to finish.

Elizabeth supports operations with a strong background in engineering, systems, and project coordination. She plays a key role in organization, documentation, and process oversight, helping keep projects aligned internally and communication clear externally.

Together, they believe a construction company is only as strong as its people. Their leadership philosophy is simple: hire good people, give them responsibility, support them properly, and hold everyone—including ownership—to the same standard.

That mindset is reflected daily in how EM Contingency Group operates and in the team that represents it on every project.

EM Contingency Group is a commercial and residential builder in AL and MS
EM Contingency Group is a commercial and residential builder in AL and MS

 
 
 

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