2025 “GroundBreakers” Honored for Positively Impacting the Carolinas Construction Industry

GroundBreak Carolinas has announced the results of our 2025 GroundBreaker Awards, an annual awards program – now in its seventh year – that recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for the construction community in the Carolinas.

Selected from a well-rounded group of nominees from North Carolina and South Carolina, the 2025 Class of GroundBreakers represents both states.

“We are proud to recognize the winners of the 2025 GroundBreaker Awards —Keith Poettker, Will Huss, and Dr. Bruce Yandle — true leaders who exemplify the very best of the construction industry in the Carolinas,” said Lauren Gallagher, Publisher of GroundBreak Carolinas. “Their dedication and selfless commitment to advancing our industry are what set them apart.”

Keith Poettker, Chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction, based in Charlotte, NC. This year, Poettker is celebrating 45 years in business as a multi-generational, family-owned construction firm supporting a diverse portfolio of projects in markets throughout the Southeast.

Will Huss, Chief Executive Officer of Trehel, basedin Greenville, SC. Trehel has provided construction management, general contracting, and design-build services in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia for more than 43 years, and in 2024 expanded into luxury residential construction.

Dr. Bruce Yandle, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus, Clemson University, a long-time resident of Clemson, SC. Dr. Yandle has been singled out with GroundBreak’s special distinction, The Builder’s Laureate, for his generous thought leadership over the years. A favorite GroundBreak contributor, Dr, Yandle regularly shares his economic insights, customized for the Carolinas and our readership.

PAST WINNERS | GROUNDBREAKERS

Ben Barfield, Brasfield & Gorrie

Didi Caldwell, Global Location Strategies

Demi Knight Clark, She Built This City

Joel Davis, J Davis Construction

Deepal Eliatamby, PE, Alliance Consulting Engineers

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, U.S. Congress

Angela Gardner & Christi Powell, Women Talk Construction

John Hildreth, PhD, Western Carolina University

Adam Hoots, Lean Construction Shepherd

Brian King, A M King

Nichole Kopenhaver, McCrory Construction