Guest Commentary: Workforce Recruiting for Plumbing/HVAC Contracting Sector
GroundBreak Carolinas is always looking for industry experts to weigh-in on important topics such as workforce development, safety and the economy. Mendi Arnold is director of human resources for Cullum, based in Charleston. Arnold explains how Cullum is working to change the perception of the construction industry as it promotes careers in the trades to young people and…
A M King Crowns Winner in Collegiate Design-Build Competition
It was an international quandary at the Associated Schools of Construction’s (ASC) Region 2 Design-Build Competition last week. Ultimately, the five-member team from the University of Florida solved the knotty puzzle posed by sponsor A M King, a leading integrated Design-Build firm based in the Carolinas. ASC is made up of eight regions: seven regions…
Sherita Evans to Lead NAWIC-Columbia: Meet the 2021-2022 Board of Directors
Columbia, South Carolina — The National Association of Women in Construction’s Columbia, S.C. Chapter #113 recently installed its 2021/2022 board of directors. These 11 women, who volunteer a significant amount of time and resources, provide leadership and vision that allows the Chapter to grow and succeed. Susan Clary, CIT, of Hybrid Engineering presided over the ceremony proclaiming that…
Living with a Frankenstein Economy in 2021’s Final Months and Beyond
With 2021’s fourth quarter upon us, it’s increasingly clear that what I call a Frankenstein economy is upon us. No, I don’t mean we are dealing with an out-of-control monster that could turn on us and wipe us out, but I do mean that we have an economy sutured together in Washington and other national…
Pat Rodgers: Lifetime GroundBreaker Award Recipient
GroundBreak Carolinas is honored to spotlight Pat Rodgers, President & CEO of Rodgers Builders, a leading family-owned construction services firm headquartered in Charlotte. She is being recognized for her leadership and achievements in the construction industry and local community with our 2021 Lifetime GroundBreaker Award. Pat’s energy, business acumen and leadership have enhanced a wide variety of organizations far beyond…
Meet Dr. William J. Davis, Dept. Head, Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Citadel
Dr. William J. Davis is Department Head and professor for The Citadel’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, which includes two majors for cadets: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering. The department also offers a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and four Graduate Certificates: Built Environment and…
2021 GroundBreaker: Nichole Kopenhaver, McCrory Construction
GroundBreak Carolinas is honored to spotlight Nichole Kopenhaver, a member of the exclusive group of 2021 GroundBreakers — five individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for the construction community in the Carolinas. Kopenhaver is Assistant Project Manager with McCrory Construction, South Carolina’s oldest general contractor, and Immediate Past President of…
A Dispatch from Grand Teton National Park
I recently did a four-day solo hike in the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. I have an enduring theory that people show up as a better version of themselves when they are hiking in the wilderness. I am not sure if it is the thin air, solitude, breathtaking beauty, or freedom from…
A New Era for Marketing
It’s important for firms in all stages of growth to invest in marketing and continue to plan for the future. There’s a stark difference between the way AEC firms looked at marketing during the midpoint of 2020 (confusion, cessation of usual activities, budget cuts) and the way they are approaching marketing spending this year. Business…
A Blueprint for the Construction Labor Shortage
Just as homebuyers are discovering that they must make an offer quickly or risk losing a home to another family, construction companies across the country are finding the same in recruiting experienced, qualified candidates to their firm. Along with a shortage in materials, there is a shortage of experienced workers for nearly every tier of…
