James C. “Jim” Maxwell, who led innovation in the foundation industry while growing his family recruiting business, died July 25 after about five years with ALS, also known as Lou’s disease Gehrig. He was 76 years old.
Maxwell was president of Chelmsford, Mass. Hub. Hub Foundation Co. Inc. His father founded the battery pile contractor in 1966, and took over in 1981. During his time running the company, Maxwell grew it to 10 full-time employees. 120 today.
A key part of this growth was the early adoption of Hub drilling. After visiting Italy to learn about the rigs and see them in action, Maxwell ordered a SoilMec R-10, which was the first European rig sold in the United States
“It was a whole new thing,” says Tony Barila, who met Maxwell while working for another Foundation contractor but later joined the Hub. “He did well.”
Hub continued to expand its capabilities under Maxwell, adding micropiles, ties and slurry walls to its offerings. Hub tested its high-capacity micropile design to more than 1,600 tons, a capacity usually reserved for drilled shafts.
The contractor has completed more than 1,500 contracts, contributing to high-profile projects including the Boston Logan International Airport Light Pier and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Line Extension.
Maxwell’s teammates and competitors remember his positive attitude and kindness. Barila says Maxwell would donate company resources for research projects. He recalls a time when another contractor who had a large center for a project was struggling with the work. Maxwell offered to let them use whatever they needed from Hub’s garden.
“I couldn’t believe how generous it was, even to our biggest competitors,” says Barila.
One such competitor was John Roma, who says Maxwell helped him several times with machinery and sometimes with extra people as well.
“We were ‘competitive enemies’ for so long that we turned around to become good friends,” Roma says.
Maxwell’s depth in the industry led him to volunteer with the Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors (ADSC), teaching at its Anchored Ground Retention School and serving as a trustee of its Industry Advancement Fund, which grants scholarships to engineering students interested in the deep foundations sector. He was also active with the Foundation and Navy Contractors of New England.
For his contributions to the industry, Maxwell was honored with the Living Legend Award from the Northeast Chapter of ADSC, and earlier this year the moles awarded him for outstanding achievement in construction.
“He had more wisdom and knowledge than a lot of people in the business, and I always respected him for that,” Roma says.
Hub is in the hands of Maxwell’s Children, the third generation to run the company. His daughter, Alizza Weiss, is the president of the company. His son, Jeff Maxwell, is treasurer. And another son, Greg Maxwell, is vice president.
“One thing I remember him saying was that he told his kids, ‘The family business can be your greatest strength or your greatest weakness,'” Roma says.
In a speech at the annual Moles Awards dinner in February, which Maxwell’s son Jeff delivered on his behalf, he explained how he did it.
“Overcome this responsibility with communication and trust,” Maxwell wrote. “Understand your strengths and weaknesses and give yourself room to grow.”
And while ALS crippled Maxwell’s muscles, he added, it didn’t slow his mind.
“I find joy in life by reminiscing about my past adventures in this industry,” he wrote.
