Core Values Keep Family Business Anchored during Pandemic
In May of 2020, Caldwell Constructors celebrated 15 years of business. The world was experiencing what we thought would be the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and business owners across the nation were struggling to stay in business, much less attain success.
Uncertain times would remain on the horizon for the foreseeable future, but at Caldwell Constructors, Gary Caldwell and his team remained committed to focusing on the things that they have always prioritized, with or without a global pandemic: Integrity, Honesty, Respect, Service, and Communication. These core values have shaped the company’s success over the last 15 years and are expected to continue doing so moving forward.
In 2005, after 29 years of working for a variety of construction companies across the Upstate of South Carolina, Gary Caldwell founded Caldwell Constructors. With his extensive experience in commercial, institutional, ecumenical, and industrial market segments, as well as management experience in both estimating and operations, Gary was able to build a strong foundation for his new company within the vibrant local atmosphere of Greenville, SC.
Caldwell’s initial clients were individuals and firms with whom Gary had maintained relationships throughout the years. Through the recommendations of those key community members, Caldwell Constructors quickly developed a substantial client base. The company prioritized intentional steady growth, selecting projects and scope that its team could manage effectively while ensuring the consistent production of exceptional results for each client.
Going on 16 years in business, Caldwell Constructors has continued to survive and thrive despite the economic recession of 2008 and the ongoing health crisis we find ourselves in today.
So, what has been the key to Caldwell Constructors’ success? What sets them apart from similar companies? Family.
Gary’s son, David Caldwell, is VP of Operations and provides oversight for all active construction projects, manages employee relations and customer experience.
His nephew, Brett Caldwell is VP of Pre-Construction and is responsible for the pursuit of new work, managing the front end of project delivery from initial concept through design, permitting, detailed planning and estimating.
His daughter, Amanda O’Sullivan, serves as Controller handling corporate finances and managing accounting functions and human resources on a day-to-day basis.
Those on the Caldwell Constructors team who are not directly related to Gary are still members of their tight-knit, loyal community – an extended family of sorts.
“Our team truly is the backbone of Caldwell Constructors. Over the years, they have adapted to the evolving construction industry, met challenges with enthusiasm, and created a reputation of excellence in our community,” said President Gary Caldwell.
Most of the Caldwell Constructors team has been with Gary for 8-plus years – many of them witnessing first-hand the exponential growth of the business regardless of political, social, or economic climate.
What’s Next?
When looking at the industry as a whole, the last 15 years have certainly brought their fair share of volatility – from the real estate boom of the mid-to-late 2000s, to the “Great Recession” in 2009, to the resurgence of substantial growth along the I-85 corridor in 2013, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. All of this has resulted in fairly dramatic construction material and supplier deflation or inflation. Thankfully, given all this variability, Caldwell Constructors is in an optimal physical location, headquartered in Greenville, SC. Thanks to the increase in manufacturing throughout the state of South Carolina, the rise of the inland port, and the increasingly popular downtown areas in the Upstate, the future of Caldwell Constructors looks bright.
During an extended period of social distancing, Caldwell Constructors’ emphasis on community and connection is just as important today as it was at the beginning of this journey nearly 16 years ago. This emphasis on family values is essential to long-term success, in Greenville and beyond. Caldwell Constructors looks forward to growing into the most sought-after contractor in the Upstate by providing exceptional service through unwavering integrity, creative problem solving, and a tireless work ethic, all while continuing to treat their clients like part of the family.
