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Harper General Contractors: Celebrating 75 Years of Building Trust and Excellence

by GroundBreak Carolinas Staff on

2025 marks Harper General Contractors’ 75th Anniversary, celebrating decades of integrity, innovation, and community impact. Since its founding in 1950, Harper has upheld its mission of ‘building up our communities, clients, and each other by building trust into everything we do.’

Harper was established in Greenville, S.C. by the Harper family as a small building supply company and has grown from an Upstate-based general contractor into one of the Southeast’s leading firms. Over the past 75 years, Harper teammates have focused on strengthening communities through projects that enhance the quality of life for those who live there. While the industry has evolved, Harper’s unwavering commitment to trust, safety, and quality remains the foundation of its success.

“Our mission has always been about more than construction—it’s about creating a positive and lasting impact,” shared Doug Harper, Chairman. “I am so proud of the trust we’ve built with our clients, partners, and communities, and we’re excited to continue that legacy into the future.”

Harper’s legacy is defined by its deep-rooted passion for making a difference. Over the decades, the company has achieved significant milestones, including:

  • Investing in Communities Through Action and Forward Thinking: From many gifts-in-kind to community projects, Harper has built stronger, more vibrant communities, ensuring its impact is felt far beyond the job site. Their initiatives to enhance safety, integrate cutting-edge construction technology, and prioritize environmental stewardship have led to numerous awards and positioned them as a leader in the region.
  • Expanding Roots to Serve More Communities: By growing its Greenville, SC headquarters and opening five regional offices in Asheville, Charleston, Charlotte, Conway, and Spartanburg, Harper has expanded its ability to connect with and support the areas where their teams live, work, and play.
  • Innovating for Local and Regional Needs: With the creation of the Environmental Systems Division (ESD) and HarperXS Division for small projects, Harper has tailored its services to meet the unique needs of its clients and communities, while continuing to lead in commercial and industrial construction.

“This milestone is a testament to the incredible dedication of our team, the loyalty of our clients, and the strength of the communities we serve. Every client that we have has played a part in the success of our business,” said David Wise, CEO & President. “As we reflect on the past 75 years, we’re inspired to continue building what matters most.”

Chairman Doug Harper (forefront) and CEO/President David Wise. Photo credit: Reel Video & Stills.

Bryan Royal, Executive Vice President, added, “In addition to our great clients, one of the driving forces behind our success is our people and the relationships that we have built. We have been very disciplined about recruiting and hiring the right people.”

Looking ahead, Harper is committed to embracing leading-edge technology and continuing to cultivate a young, vibrant workforce to drive innovation and growth. With the same strategies that brought them 75 years of success — strong financial stewardship, reinvestment into their employees, and a focus on adopting transformative tools — Harper is poised to build on its legacy while shaping a dynamic and sustainable future.

Follow along as Harper celebrates their 75th Anniversary! Check out the dedicated web page at https://harpergc.com/75th-anniversary/ and be sure to engage with them on social media — instagram.com/harper_gc and linkedin.com/company/harper-general-contractors.

Main photo (at top of page): Libby Williams Photography

About Harper General Contractors: Harper General Contractors is an award-winning and trusted leader in the construction industry, specializing in commercial, education, environmental, healthcare, industrial, and municipal construction. With a reputation built on trust, safety, and quality, Harper delivers innovative solutions that empower clients and enhance communities. Harper is a Southeast-based general contractor headquartered in Greenville, SC. Learn more at harpergc.com.