Kristy Sharp
Kristy Pevahouse Sharp has built a dynamic and well-rounded career through experience across multiple industries, each contributing to her extensive skill set and leadership expertise. She began her professional journey in billing at a small company in Hartselle, Alabama, before broadening her experience into human resources, facilities and asset management, and accounting. These diverse roles laid the groundwork for her continued growth and eventual success at Jackson Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling.
Kristy joined the organization as Operations Manager and was promoted to General Manager approximately a year ago. She firmly believes that challenges create opportunities for growth and credits much of her success to learning how to delegate effectively, develop others, and recognize individual potential.
As General Manager, Kristy oversees four distinct departments—plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and septic—each with its own dynamics and personalities. She begins each day early by connecting with staff, reviewing operational reports, and monitoring performance to ensure the business runs smoothly, all while remaining deeply focused on employee support and morale.
Kristy’s leadership philosophy centers on leading by example, maintaining open communication, and investing in the growth of her team—principles she believes are essential to both organizational success and personal development. Her commitment to leadership growth is further demonstrated through her participation in programs such as Maxwell Leadership, which introduced her to practices like Minute with Maxwell to inspire and motivate daily growth.
Throughout her career, Kristy has remained dedicated to continuous learning, mentorship, and community involvement. She is actively engaged with the Decatur Chamber and Hartselle Kiwanis, supports local initiatives, and serves as a leader with American Heritage Girls, a faith-based youth organization. Her leadership has been recognized through honors including the 2023 Excellence in Leadership award, along with multiple internal leadership awards from previous employers.
Kristy’s approach blends operational excellence with a people-first mindset, ensuring both her team members and the organization grow and thrive together.
• DISC Analysis Certification
• Unique 200 Leadership
• Notary Public
• Apprentice Plumber and Gas Fitter
• CPR Certified
• Calhoun Community College
• Excellent in Leadership Award 2023
• Decatur Chamber
• American Heritage Girls
• Hartselle Kawanis
• Decatur Chamber Total Resource Campaign
• American Heritage Girls Leadership
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit much of my success to my parents. My mother is my hero—she’s a hairstylist here in Decatur, and watching her communication skills and outreach has been inspiring. The way she connects with people, the number of lives she touches, and her genuine heart for giving back have had a profound influence on me. That passion for helping others is something I learned directly from her.
From my dad, I learned the value of a strong work ethic. At nearly every job he’s held, he’s been promoted within a few months simply because of how hard he works and the pride he takes in what he does. Both of my parents have been powerful role models, and I attribute a great deal of my success to the example they set.
I also have to credit Keith Jackson for his leadership and mentorship. He was not only my boss but a true mentor who introduced me to the Maxwell Leadership teachings. I start each morning with Minute with Maxwell as a way to invest in myself, and attending leadership events and reading Maxwell’s books have truly changed my life. These experiences pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me how to pour into others, empowering them with opportunities to grow as well.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received came from my mentor, Keith Jackson, and through the Maxwell Leadership programs he introduced me to. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that growth comes from challenges. For years, I heard the phrase, “If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.” While that mindset may work early on, I’ve learned that as you grow in leadership, success isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about trusting your team and recognizing their potential.
True leadership comes from delegation. You can’t reach the next level without empowering others and investing in their development. Shifting my mindset from being the one who does everything to someone who develops others has been transformational for my career and instrumental in my growth as a leader.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be not to be closed-minded to new opportunities. Most people have a clear picture of where they think they’re headed and what they want to do, but sometimes it’s an unexpected detour or “side quest” that actually gets you there. I’ve worked in many different places over the years, and while that may not sound ideal on paper, each role added to my overall growth.
I gained valuable experience in areas like billing, human resources, facilities and asset management, and accounting—and over time, all of that knowledge came together and led me to my current role as General Manager. Staying open to new paths allowed me to build a well-rounded skill set. Those unexpected experiences often teach you exactly what you need to prepare for your next step.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges has been navigating communication barriers across different personalities. This is something I’ve had to work on intentionally, which led me to complete a DISC analysis as part of implementing the EOS system. The DISC assessment helped me better understand my own communication style and how to adapt my approach when working with others. Even today, this remains one of the most challenging aspects of leadership—learning individual personalities and coaching each person in a way that truly resonates with them.
We oversee four distinct departments—plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and septic—and each group operates with a very different dynamic. As a leader, I’ve learned that effective coaching and motivation must vary not only by department but also by individual. Some team members respond best to hands-on training, while others thrive on energy and encouragement. It can change from day to day, and every group has its own culture and communication style.
While this continues to be a challenge, it has also been a significant opportunity for growth. It has strengthened my leadership skills, pushed me to become more adaptable, and helped me develop more effective ways to support and develop high-performing teams.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, empathy, and respect. I strive to lead with a people-centered approach, ensuring that my team feels supported and empowered to grow. I also value hard work and accountability, believing that dedication and follow-through are essential to achieving both personal and organizational success. These principles guide how I manage operations, develop my team, and interact with the broader community.