PROTECTING THE PAST
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE
Sarasota Art Museum
How one of Sarasota’s oldest construction firms continues to shape the Gulf Coast through craftsmanship, care, and community.
Deep Roots, Strong Foundations “I’m always trying to find out what’s new and upcoming in the community to see how Willis Smith can offer our help and support,” says President and CEO John LaCivita. “We have a long history here in Sarasota and we feel we have a lot to bring to the table. I was born and raised in Sarasota, so I take a lot of pride in it.” Since 1972, Willis Smith Construction has helped shape the community and cultural fabric of Sarasota. What began with founder Willis A. Smith’s commitment to integrity and hard work has grown into a construction management firm trusted across the region for its precision, relationships, and results. For LaCivita, who has been with the company for 28 years leading it from a small but respected builder into one of the largest construction management firms in the region, with over $250 million in annual revenue, a $900 million bonding capacity, and a team of 90+ employees, that evolution is personal. “When I joined, we were doing more industrial metal buildings. We were a Pre-engineered Metal Building dealer for Butler Manufacturing, during that time we installed over a million square feet of metal roofs just in our region. Industrial back then was a pretty healthy industry,” LaCivita explains. “As that evolved and changed, we got more involved in the arts community and that’s when Ringling College of Art and Design took us under their wing. They were a small college at the time and we essentially grew with them. I think part of the reason we are who we are today is because we embraced our Sarasota Arts world, from the 32-year history at Ringling College of Art & Design, the 2007-2008 Sarasota Opera House renovation, our 25-years at the FSU/Ringling Museum, even the 1999-2000 major renovation to Venice Little Theatre at the time.” W I L L I S SMI TH CON STR UCT ION B R AND STORY FEAT UR E | SRQ MAG A ZINE | S E P T E M B E R 2025
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