Franklin “Jack” Blythe began his career in the construction industry at a young age, working for his father and uncle in the family company. Following his graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1938, he officially joined the Blythe Brothers company. In 1955, Jack become the company’s Chief Executive Officer and led Blythe Brothers to become one of the most successful contractors in the Southeast.

Jack wasn’t only concerned with the success of his company. He was also concerned with the success of his people. His belief of a family-owned company was, “if you worked for the company, you were part of the family.” And, as part of that belief he helped many of his employees branch out and form their own companies in all types of businesses.

Jacks’ tremendous legacy is also shown through his sons, Jack and Frank and the lessons that he taught them. His son Jack said this about his father, “We were introduced to the construction industry at an early age, playing on sand piles at the asphalt plant. But when we turned 16, he put us out in the ditch to lay pipe and perform grade work. We worked every summer from the time we were in high school through college.”  

“He really set the example for us. He taught us the value of hard work.  Dad was not only our father, he was our mentor.”

During his summer vacations from high school, Norman Wilhelm was “working on the roads.” He graduated from Purdue University in 1950 with a degree in civil engineering and went to work for the Ohio State Highway Commission. In February of 1953, he joined J.A. Jones, where he served as a project manager and engineer on a variety of large projects. In 1964, he took over concrete operations for Rea Construction, becoming a Vice President in May of that year. In 1980, Norm became President & Chairman.

Norm understood the important role that Carolinas AGC played in the construction industry. He was an active advocate for Carolinas AGC, serving on a variety of committees, rising to the position of President of the Board of Directors in 1980.  In addition to his passion for construction, Norman had a passion for sailing. This was a passion that he developed as a young man, crewing for others in various class boats on Lake Erie.  Upon his retirement, he and his wife fulfilled that passion, sailing throughout the Caribbean and Europe.

After serving our country as members of the military in World War II, brothers O.P. and W.T. Crowder began their career in the construction business. In 1947, their first job was a sidewalk project that paid them $125. In July 2017, the company that they began celebrated its 70th anniversary.

That kind of success and longevity does not come easy. It takes incredible leadership, patience and integrity. O.P. and W.T. embodied these traits. And, as a result, Crowder Constructors has established itself as one of the most well-respected contractors in the Southeast.  

The Crowders took a lot of pride in their work. They cared about being quality contractors. But what stands out about O.P & W.T, even more than their company’s tremendous success, is how they treated people and how much they cared about others. This was evident by the dozens of letters and recommendations that Carolinas AGC received on their behalf for this award.

Carolinas AGC’s Berry Jenkins talked about his experience, “I had the privilege of working with both of them as a young, inexperienced, project engineer with the NC DOT. Despite my inexperience, they always treated me fairly. I was very fortunate to have this opportunity because they helped me to form an opinion about how to work with contractors; one that I still use to this day. That it could be a partnership. That you could disagree, but it could be done in a professional and friendly manner.”

Richard Ashmore began his career in the construction industry in 1959, joining his father and uncle in the paving and grading business, shortly after graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1967, he became president of Ashmore Brothers, and helped to transform it into one of the leading heavy-highway contractors in the upstate of South Carolina.

However, Richard’s passion for construction was not limited to only Ashmore Brothers, but extended to the entire construction industry. He served as president of Carolinas AGC and served several terms on the National AGC Executive Board and Board of Directors. In 2002, he was inducted into the South Carolina Home Builders Hall of Fame.

Richard Ashmore was more than just the leader of a successful construction company. He served ten years in the U.S. Army reserves and advanced to rank of Captain in the 391st Combat Engineers Battalion.

He was a member of Taylors First Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School, served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and sang tenor in the choir. In 2000, He was named Volunteer of the Year by the Greenville YMCA. And in 1989, he was elected to Greenville County Council where he served until 1997.

Carolinas AGC Chair Marty McKee perhaps said it best, “He was a man who cared greatly for his industry, his community, and people.  When we talk about standing on the shoulders of giants, Richard Ashmore is one of the giants I always think of.”

Bill has been a supporter of Carolinas AGC for more than four decades. He has served as Chair of the Carolinas AGC Board of Directors as well as in countless other leadership positions and committees, including the CAGC Foundation Board of Trustees, Membership Committee, and the CGA Holdings Board. He has also served on the Board of Directors for AGC of America and is a National AGC Life Member.

Without question, one of Bill’s greatest contributions to the Carolinas construction industry has been his service and leadership of our legislative efforts. Bill’s leadership and participation with CAGC’s NC Legislative Committee and NC PAC are unparalleled. Anyone who has been to a Carolinas AGC Annual Convention has heard Bill’s passionate pleas for contributions to CAGC’s PACs. That passion comes from his love for the industry and his belief in Carolinas AGC. We are thankful to have him a part of our association.

Chuck Wilson’s company, C.T. Wilson, was founded by his father in 1952. In 1969, Chuck joined his father, after serving in the United States Navy and completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at NC State. In the 65 years, since its founding, Chuck has helped transform C.T. Wilson to one of the most well-respected general contractors in North Carolina.

Chuck is dedicated to ensuring that his company remains the best at providing Safety, Quality, and Value to his customers.  His belief that it takes a team to make a project successful, has made him a leader that others want to work for.  His long list of employees, owners, subcontractors, and suppliers will tell you the same.

Chuck has taken the lessons and wisdom he has learned throughout his many years in construction and used them to better the entire industry. He served on the Carolinas AGC Board of Directors for many years, as well as Board Chair in 2001. He has also served on the National Board of Directors for AGC of America.  

Chuck understands the importance of educating the incoming workforce for the overall betterment of the industry. As the construction industry has evolved, he has been a mentor and example for students, industry professionals, and emerging companies. He is an effective leader who has made a positive impact on his company, the community, and the construction industry.

In 2015, Wayne Brothers celebrated its 30th anniversary. That success is no accident. It is a result of hard work and tireless determination, traits that Keith Wayne learned from his parents.

Keith’s official introduction into the construction industry came in 1979, working for Tucker Construction. His work ethic and his capability to learn quickly allowed him to earn more responsibility within the company rapidly. By 1981, he was traveling to job sites all over North and South Carolina, overseeing the company’s machinery. In 1985, when Tucker Construction fell on hard times financially, Keith created a business plan and raised $6,000 to start a concrete subcontracting firm – Wayne Brothers Incorporated was formed.

What began with two leased back hoes and a dump truck has transformed into one of the premier specialty contractors in the nation.

Keith best summed up his passion for construction and giving back when he said, “I love this business, and the people I’ve met and worked with. I hope at some point to take the lessons they have taught me and leave something behind that is as solid as the great buildings for which we have poured foundations.”

Keith has dedicated his life to his company and his employees. When the recession devastated our industry a few years ago, he did everything he could to retain as many employees as possible.

Sam Hunter’s rise to Chairman & CEO of a nationally respected construction company is a story made of hard work, determination and service. Born in Staunton, Virginia, Sam earned his bachelors and masters degrees in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University.

Following college, Sam enlisted in the Navy Civil Engineers Corp, and served as a Lieutenant in Vietnam, leading Navy SeaBees and Vietnamese civilians in construction and maintenance work. Following his service, Sam began his career with T.A. Loving Company. Beginning as a Superintendent, he worked his way to become project manager and vice-president, before being named T.A Loving’s President & CEO in 1990.

Sam is also an ardent advocate for our industry, having served as President of both Carolinas AGC and AGC of America. Additionally, Sam has served in dozens of other leadership positions for those organizations. He has served in leadership positions for the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the East Carolina School of Construction Management.

David Philyaw, T.A. Loving’s Senior Vice President, said this of Sam, “The construction industry in the Carolinas and the United States has no greater advocate than Sam Hunter.”

Construction is not the only driving force in Sam’s life. He is equally committed to his community, his people, and his family. He has chaired the Wayne Memorial Hospital Board, the Wayne Community College Foundation, the Wayne County American Cancer Foundation, and Wayne Country Day School. He has served on Executive Boards of the Boy Scouts of America, the Military Affairs Committee, the North Carolina State Community College and the Wayne County United Way.

A member of First Presbyterian Church, Sam has traveled extensively on mission trips, performing construction and renovation work at hospitals in Kenya and Zambia. Most importantly, Sam has been married to his high school sweetheart, Ann, for over 58 years.

Scott Fant has been in the highway construction business and part of Sloan Construction for over 40 years. He began his career working on military jobs throughout the Southeast and overseas. For the last 30 years, Scott has been a fixture in the South Carolina highway industry.

Scott’s commitment to Carolinas AGC is difficult to match. He has been a passionate advocate for decades. His service and participation on boards and committees is extensive; including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors in 2013. Even after his term as Board Chair, Scott has remained one of our most active leaders, serving as chair for the CAGC Joint Committee, Chair of the Joint Supplier Subcommittee, Chair of the SC Legislative Committee and Chair of the South Carolina PAC.

But that is just the beginning of Scott’s work for Carolinas AGC and the construction industry. Most people don’t see or hear about the calls he makes to elected officials on behalf of this industry. Not only the officials that represent the area where he lives or where his offices are located, but to any legislator that he feels need to hear our message.

The number of elected officials Scott Fant knows is quite impressive. CAGC lobbyist Leslie Clark said she finally had to accept the fact that Scott knows more politicians in South Carolina than she does, when she had to ask Scott for one of their cell phone numbers. Scott is the epitome of “well-connected” and that has served this industry well over the years.

The construction industry is better today because of many CAGC members and Scott Fant is at the top of the list.