Some legacies aren’t defined by titles, they’re defined by the quiet impact a person makes on everything they touch, the people they uplift, and the presence they carry behind the scenes. That’s the kind of legacy Deb Porter is leaving as she steps into retirement after more than 20 years with Crossland, she is officially out of office.
The Beginning: From Green to Grounded
Her journey started thanks to a simple recommendation from a friend, Pam Adams, and an interview with Bev Davis, followed by a second with the Chief himself, Ivan Crossland, Jr. “I had zero construction knowledge,” she laughs. “Ivan knew I was green and had a lot to learn, so I started with the basics, entering invoices and figuring out what a variance even was!”
Before Crossland, she built an impressive and diverse background working for doctors, real estate firms, and attorneys across Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma. When she joined the Crossland team in 2005, she brought with her a strong work ethic, a sense of humor, and a heart for people.
Growing with the Company
In the early 2000s, Crossland had just three offices in Columbus, Rogers, and Tulsa, and only eight LLCs (which she could name off the top of her head). “No GPS. No e-signatures. It was always an adventure,” she recalls. “Especially trying to track down Ivan in NWA to get paperwork signed!”
As the company grew, so did her role. She thrived in the variety and fast pace. Whether helping launch real estate initiatives, jumping into new challenges, or navigating the ins and outs of LEED certification, she embraced it all. “Ivan leads by example. He gave me opportunities, encouraged me when I failed, and celebrated when I succeeded,” she said.
One of those successes? Passing the LEED certification exam, on the third try. “It had been a long time since I took any kind of class, but he kept encouraging me, and when I finally passed, the whole pod celebrated.”
Not All Days Were Typical
Deb fondly remembers stocking ponds with fish, covering the ceiling of Estimating with helium balloons, dressing up for the annual Halloween contest and, most famously, getting fake arrested during Crossland’s “March Sadness” candy ban.
It all started when Ivan declared a no-candy rule for the month, and Deb “broke” it by hiding some in her desk. That’s when the Columbus Police Department played along with a fake arrest (with a little planning from Marta Brown). Deb was handcuffed and walked through the building as a warning to others and then hauled off to the city jail. She stood before a judge and was “sentenced” to clean porta potties.
It was all in good fun, except our Insurance Director at the time didn’t know it was a joke and thought she’d actually been arrested.
“Needless to say, he was not amused,” Deb laughs. “But I still say it was one of my finest moments.”
The Heart of Crossland
From being a part of the Christmas party committee to organizing retreats and company picnics, she played a key role in keeping Crossland’s culture alive. “Those events are what set us apart. They bring us together, keep us grounded, and remind us that we’re still a family, even as we continue to grow.”
When asked what she’ll miss most, she doesn’t hesitate: “The people.” She gives special shoutouts to Betty Brady, Melanie Deckard, and Marta Brown, mentors and friends who guided her in those early days. “You share the highs and lows with your work family. That creates bonds that last a lifetime.”
Words to Live (and Work) By
She never believed in saying, “That’s not my job.” Her guiding principle: Do the next needed thing. It’s a mindset that carried her through a long and meaningful career, and one she hopes others will carry forward.
Her parting wisdom for the person stepping into her shoes? “Don’t be afraid to try. You’ll make mistakes. Just keep learning and keep going.”
What’s Next
Retirement isn’t slowing her down, it’s just a new pace. She’s looking forward to traveling, making memories with grandkids, trying new hobbies, and enjoying slow mornings with coffee. And, of course, spontaneous lunches with old work pals and a few jalapeño margaritas along the way. “A slower pace doesn’t mean a lazy life,” she says.
As she steps into this next chapter, we’re grateful for every moment, every laugh, and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. Congratulations, Deb, you’ve definitely made your mark here, and we will miss you dearly.
