Who We Are

Karen J. Hutton started HUTTON in 1998. Her father David Hutton’s fearless work ethic and her mother Jean-Marie’s humility have influenced Karen’s values and fueled her determination. Her contagious energy and competitive spirit have been key to building her companies, which was no easy task for a woman in what remains male-dominated industries.

Karen earned a business degree from the University of Alabama where she played on the women’s basketball team. After college Karen held positions as a leasing agent for Mall and Strip Center developers, then In 1998 Karen launched Hutton Construction, Real Estate and Development Company.

Huttons relationship with Dollar General got her foot in the door to compete for DG’s first ever preferred development program for its Texas roll out. One year and no approvals, but believing in the DG team and the importance of focusing and continue the drive, Huttons team continued to turn in opportunities. During the second year, Dollar General approved sites in 5 states and Hutton completed 178 developments in 3 years. Records were set at the time.