Gary Creed, CEO, EDIFICE Construction
In an interview with Invest:. Gary Creed, CEO of EDIFICE Construction, shared insights into the company’s robust management of an extensive portfolio, including strategic construction projects and growth opportunities. As Edifice navigates an overheated market, it continues to innovate with technologies, while integrating sustainable practices and promoting diversity within the industry
What have been some of the most significant milestones for EDIFICE in the past year?
This past year was more about maintaining our steady, upward trajectory. Though there weren’t specific milestones like record-breaking or major expansions in personnel, much of our focus was on managing our existing backlog and preparing for future demands.
In Charleston, SC, we’ve made significant strides in onboarding some very talented personnel and winning notable projects, with projects like The Navy Yard, City of Charleston Operations Center, and Roper Saint Francis Hospital. In Charlotte and Greenville, SC we continue to increase our market share in all our core markets. We are particularly proud of the recent completion of an adaptive re-use project, Savona Mill. This century-old building located in the FreeMore West area, took an existing 200,000-square-foot old mill and turned it into some very cool office space. This project posed some unique construction challenges but turned out beautifully.
Our involvement with the Summit Church in Raleigh stands out. They are experiencing significant growth, and we’ve helped develop their facilities, which are both expansive and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, our municipal projects are thriving, from new educational facilities for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System to various public service buildings like recreation centers, police stations, and fire stations, all of which are crucial to the community’s infrastructure.
Where do you see the most opportunity for growth in the region’s economic landscape?
Charlotte, Greenville, Charleston, and Raleigh continue to see a significant increase in population which is driving the need for all types of support services. Schools, rec centers, police/fire stations, churches, and manufacturing and distribution are all being supported by this growth. Although traditional corporate office projects are virtually nonexistent, a noteworthy exception is the LoSo corporate office buildings on South Blvd near Scaleybark. These buildings not only recently came online but have also leased most of their space, which speaks to their success. We are also witnessing growth in corporate office interiors due to various reconfigurations, whether expanding, downsizing, or shifting to hybrid work models. In addition, our medical practice-related construction has increased in market share, especially as medical facilities refocus on their infrastructure post-pandemic.
What strategies is EDIFICE implementing to address workforce and labor skill gaps in construction?
It’s a multifaceted approach. As we operate primarily as construction managers and general contractors, we don’t hire skilled labor directly but depend on our subcontractors to attract and retain craftspeople. Regarding our direct hires, such as project managers, superintendents, and other executives, we strive to create an environment that positions us as an employer of choice. This reputation helps us attract top-quality professionals. Our company is well-regarded in the market, which facilitates positive word-of-mouth among peers. Appreciation and compensation are crucial to our strategy. Referring to on-site labor, we maintain excellent relationships with our subcontractors, making us a preferred contractor. This status helps ensure we receive skilled craftsmen for our projects. We support our subcontractors by ensuring timely payments, appreciation, and fair treatment, which allows them to sustain their workforce effectively.
How are market conditions affecting EDIFICE?
In my career, I’ve experienced multiple recessions, but the recent booming economic conditions have been unusual with the market running overheated. As a contractor, we’re typically last in, last out when it comes to economic swings. Currently, we’re still working off a nearly billion-dollar backlog, which will carry us into 2025. Our challenge now is making sales for 2025 and beyond. While some market sectors, like infrastructure due to population growth in states like North Carolina and South Carolina, are holding up well, we’ve seen a significant drop in the private sector, particularly in office buildings and e-commerce construction.
What technologies or innovations are you incorporating into EDIFICE’s operations?
A few years ago, we appointed a virtual design and construction director to oversee our technology use, particularly in construction. We’ve increased our use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), laser scanning, and drones — not just for marketing, but for documentation and management uses during construction. These tools enhance collaboration with design teams and document construction progress. We’ve also formed an AI committee to explore potential applications, focusing on technologies that offer a clear return on investment. We’re still early in our AI integration, but we’re making strides with BIM and other technologies.
What strategies is EDIFICE implementing to promote green building practices?
We have been integrating environmentally friendly practices into our buildings for a long while now, such as LEED or Green Globe certifications, and aiming now for net-zero applications. Our approach involves not only our construction processes but also extensive collaboration with designers on smart building features, like efficient lighting, climate control systems, and the use of low-VOC, local materials. It has become standard operating procedure for us, enhancing these practices rather than introducing new ones.
What initiatives are in place to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within EDIFICE?
We focus on inclusivity and have been recognized as the best contractor in Charlotte multiple times by the Minority Contractors Association. We strive to diversify our own workforce and create opportunities for smaller contractors, including women and minorities, fostering partnerships and supporting the growth of these companies
What is your outlook for EDIFICE over the next two to three years?
Over the past five years, we’ve doubled in size and expanded from one to three offices. Our focus remains on improving rather than just expanding. We foresee potential growth of about 10-20% in the next few years some fueled by the growth of the Carolinas. We prioritize hiring and retaining top talent, which dictates our growth. Our number one goal is to ensure that anyone interacting with our company has an exceptional experience, which is central to our core values.
