Southway Builders https://southwaybuilders.com/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:50:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://southwaybuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/southway-icon-150x150.png Southway Builders https://southwaybuilders.com/ 32 32 Revitalizing Uptown Charlotte: Brooklyn Village Redevelopment Phase I Aims to Prioritize Affordable Housing https://southwaybuilders.com/revitalizing-uptown-charlotte-brooklyn-village-redevelopment-phase-i-aims-to-prioritize-affordable-housing/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:50:14 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7761 Southway is honored to support BK Partners (a partnership between Peebles Corporation and Conformity Corporation), Inlivian, Legacy Real Estate Development, and Give Impact LLC in their efforts to address the critical need for affordable housing in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first phase of the transformative Brooklyn Village redevelopment project is a major step in revitalizing... READ MORE

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Southway is honored to support BK Partners (a partnership between Peebles Corporation and Conformity Corporation), Inlivian, Legacy Real Estate Development, and Give Impact LLC in their efforts to address the critical need for affordable housing in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The first phase of the transformative Brooklyn Village redevelopment project is a major step in revitalizing a historic part of Uptown Charlotte. It aligns with Southway’s mission to build and transform people, communities, and buildings—serving others to help them achieve their maximum potential. If approved, this phase would deliver 250 affordable housing units across two buildings, along with retail space and parking. In response to community needs, the proposal includes a 99-year affordability covenant—the longest in North Carolina—along with support services for domestic abuse survivors and capital support for local organizations.

Read more in the Charlotte Business Journal: Major change proposed for Brooklyn Village redevelopment project

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QDI in Action: Southway and Pax Development https://southwaybuilders.com/qdi-in-action-with-pax-development/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:45:10 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7734 How Southway’s Core Values of Quality, Dependability, and Integrity Shape Partnerships and Projects   Interview with Scott Link President, Pax Development January 2025   At Southway Builders, our mission is to “build and transform people, communities, and buildings, all on a foundation of quality, dependability, and integrity.” To shine a light on how these values... READ MORE

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How Southway’s Core Values of Quality, Dependability, and Integrity Shape Partnerships and Projects

 

Interview with Scott Link

President, Pax Development

January 2025

 

At Southway Builders, our mission is to “build and transform people, communities, and buildings, all on a foundation of quality, dependability, and integrity.” To shine a light on how these values come to life in real-world projects, we interviewed Scott Link, President of Pax Development, about his experience partnering with Southway Builders.

Scott brings a wealth of experience from his time at Pax Development. Through his role in managing and overseeing development projects, he has had the opportunity to work closely with the Southway team on several key initiatives, including Merritt Station II, Rock Spring Station, Bensons Corner, Hamilton Station, Hopewell Station, Greenside Apartments, and Tremont Apartments. In this interview, Scott shares his thoughts on the qualities that set Southway Builders apart in the construction industry, from their commitment to quality and dependability to the trust they’ve built with clients and partners.

 

When was the first time you worked with Southway Builders?

 

The first project I worked on with Southway was actually the building where our office is located here in Forest Hill. I joined Jeff Paxson at Pax Edwards in January 2018, which has since become Pax Development. We were closing on the Rock Spring Station project and hadn’t started construction yet. That’s when I first got to know the Southway team. From there, we’ve had several successful projects together, and they’ve all been positive experiences. One standout was Merritt Station II, which I’d say was probably the cleanest and most well-run project I’ve worked on in my 15 years in the industry.

 

Merritt Station II (Baltimore, MD)

 

What made Merritt Station II such a well-run project?

 

It came down to the team. Jason Haslam, one of the partners here, and I were reflecting at the end of Merritt Station II about how smooth the whole process was. The punch list was minimal, and the final inspections went without a hitch. We were able to trust that the team on site was executing the plan as promised, and they did an excellent job managing issues, like delays with acquiring electrical gear from the manufacturer, which could’ve caused major setbacks. Instead, they kept us informed and worked diligently to keep the project on track, minimizing the delay to about 30-45 days instead of what could have been six months.

 

How does Southway’s commitment to quality stand out in the industry?

 

Southway truly stands by the quality of their work and I trust that they will be fair with us and make right anything that should be their responsibility, even after warranty periods expire. That kind of reliability is rare.

A great example of adding value and not costs can be seen in our kitchen countertops at Merritt Station II.  Most of our developments in affordable housing end up with laminate countertops, but at Merritt Station II, Southway went above and beyond. They were able to negotiate a deal for granite countertops and great cabinets. In fact, we ended up with a $10,000 credit once we were under construction because Southway negotiated a combination of granite countertops and cabinets at a price lower than what we had originally anticipated. This was a higher-quality product than what we had planned for, and they brought it to us as a suggestion.  This is a perfect example of how they go above and beyond to deliver value.

 

Merritt Station II (Baltimore, MD)

 

What about dependability? Can you speak to Southway’s approach here?

 

Absolutely. One key area is the relationship I have with Justin Wenger, who heads up estimating and preconstruction. When I’m considering a new project, I can call Justin, to talk through ballpark construction pricing, and know I’m getting accurate and timely information. That kind of dependability is crucial when you’re deciding whether to move forward with a project. With Southway, I know I can trust them to give me the information I need to make informed decisions. Southway is my first call when I’m looking at a new deal or a potential project.

 

Who are some of the standout project managers you’ve worked with at Southway?

 

The team at Merritt Station II really stood out to me. Scott Baldwin, Chris Franz, Ted Martin, and George Arendt were all heavily involved. The depth of experience at Southway really shows when you have high-level leadership involved throughout the project.

 

If someone was considering Southway for a project, what advice would you give them?

 

I’d say expect a hands-on approach. Southway is great at understanding the full scope of a project and offering creative solutions, especially when it comes to managing costs. Justin and the pre-development team are always upfront about costs and potential changes down the line. Other contractors might not be as forthright, but Southway sets realistic expectations from the start, which helps avoid surprises down the road. You can count on them to deliver.

 

In partnering with Southway Builders, Scott Link has seen firsthand how their values of quality, dependability, and integrity shine through in every project. Whether it’s ensuring a job is done right, managing expectations, or navigating challenges, Southway has consistently proven to be a reliable and trusted partner in the development industry. As Scott says, “Whenever I’m exploring a new project, sometimes even just in the idea phase – Southway is my first call.”

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Partner Spotlight: Moseley Architects https://southwaybuilders.com/partner-spotlight-moseley-architects/ Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:27:32 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7667 Interview with Tom Liebel Vice President, Multifamily Housing Sector, Moseley Architects November 2024   We are excited to feature Moseley Architects in our Partner Spotlight Series. Moseley and Southway have collaborated on over 20 multifamily and commercial projects together, including new construction, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and occupied renovations. Some notable projects include: J. Van... READ MORE

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Interview with Tom Liebel

Vice President, Multifamily Housing Sector, Moseley Architects

November 2024

 

We are excited to feature Moseley Architects in our Partner Spotlight Series. Moseley and Southway have collaborated on over 20 multifamily and commercial projects together, including new construction, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and occupied renovations. Some notable projects include: J. Van Story Branch, Canton Overlook, Rosemont Townhomes, and our current projects, Trinity Court in Chapel Hill, NC, Foxwell Apartments in Baltimore, MD, and Henrico Police South Station in Virginia. Below are highlights from our interview with Tom Liebel, Vice President at Moseley Architects. Tom leads the firm’s multifamily housing studio and shares his perspective on the company’s culture, their long-standing partnership with Southway Builders, and the exciting projects they’re currently working on.

 

About Moseley

 

Moseley Architects has been at the forefront of designing impactful, community-focused spaces since their founding in 1969. They have grown from one office to 12 locations reaching across the East Coast, from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC. Moseley is unique in their approach to collaboration, with architects, engineers, interior designers, and other professionals collaborating within a unified, multi-disciplinary studio setting. This results in integrated designs tailored to their clients’ needs and priorities.

 

Moseley and Southway Partnership Beginnings

 

Tom has been with Moseley Architects for 18 years, and his partnership with Southway Builders dates back more than two decades. His first connection with Southway was through John Diehl, whom he met long before Southway and Moseley began working together. Over the years, their collaboration has grown into a successful and seamless partnership, particularly on affordable housing and mixed-use projects.

 

According to Tom, working with Southway has been a rewarding experience for several key reasons. “They are honest, ethical, and highly collaborative,” he says. “Both of our teams work together exceptionally well, and we share a commitment to workforce development. Southway’s efforts to introduce people to the construction industry and provide access to quality jobs is something we greatly admire.”

 

Trinity Court Model

Trinity Court – Chapel Hill, NC

 

One standout example of their successful collaboration is the Trinity Court project in Chapel Hill, NC. Moseley and Southway are currently working together on this challenging yet rewarding project, which involves the redevelopment of a 1970s-era multifamily housing complex. The original buildings had significant structural issues, and the site posed unique challenges due to its location on a steep hill next to a creek. Despite these obstacles, the re-envisioned Trinity Court increases the density of the project from 40 to 54 environmentally-friendly units by removing the former structures and constructing two new buildings that add valuable living space while preserving the area’s natural beauty.

 

Future Growth at Moseley Architects

 

Moseley Architects Multifamily Housing Studio is experiencing significant growth, especially in the Carolinas, where they have multiple offices supporting the work of six distinct sectors, including K-12 and higher education, civic, justice, senior living, multifamily housing, and mixed-use projects. While their work spans a wide variety of project types, affordable housing remains a core focus for the firm, accounting for roughly 75% of their multifamily portfolio. “It is our responsibility to create spaces that inspire hope and dignity for residents,” says Tom, “helping to improve their quality of life.”

 

Tom notes that many people may recognize Moseley for their work in other sectors, but the firm’s expertise in multifamily housing has become increasingly important as they address the growing need for affordable and workforce housing. The firm’s commitment to affordable housing is seen not only in the design of the spaces, but in their dedication to improving the communities they serve.

 

What makes Moseley different?

 

According to Tom, “what sets us apart is our ability to blend deep local knowledge with a collaborative approach that extends across multiple studios.” Whether designing affordable housing or community-focused spaces, Moseley Architects has the know-how and the relationships to deliver high-quality, impactful designs.

 

Canton Overlook

 

What would you tell someone considering working with Southway Builders?

 

“If you’re thinking about working with Southway, meet with their leadership,” he advises. “You’ll be convinced. Everyone at Southway is not only competent, but genuinely decent people. They are a pleasure to work with and I can’t think of a better builder to team up with.”

 

We’re grateful to Moseley Architects and Tom Liebel for their continued partnership and the positive impact they’re making in the communities they serve. With a shared vision and commitment to excellence, Moseley and Southway continue to set the standard for quality, affordable housing, and community-driven projects.

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Partner Spotlight: Community Housing Partners https://southwaybuilders.com/partner-spotlight-community-housing-partners/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:34:38 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7660 Interview with Andy Davenport Vice President of Real Estate Development November 2024   Community Housing Partners (CHP) is dedicated to creating quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. CHP has worked with private and public partners to develop and preserve award-winning homes and neighborhoods. They are a... READ MORE

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Interview with Andy Davenport
Vice President of Real Estate Development
November 2024

 

Community Housing Partners (CHP) is dedicated to creating quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. CHP has worked with private and public partners to develop and preserve award-winning homes and neighborhoods. They are a chartered member of NeighborWorks America and a member of Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises (FAHE), Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF), and the Housing Partnership Network (HPN). Since 1975, CHP has invested more than $894 million in communities through real estate development.

 

CHP’s mission: To create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable.

 

Notable Projects With Southway & CHP: J. Van Story Branch Apartments, Baltimore, MD;  Primrose Place Apartments Baltimore, MD; Trinity Court, Chapel Hill, NC.

 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of Community Housing Partners?

 

I’ve been in the affordable housing industry since 2000, starting with working for the City of Philadelphia, and then from there worked for for-profit developers from about 2007 until I came to CHP. This was a unique opportunity to run a team of really excellent developers, doing good work both in preserving the 6,000 units that CHP owns, all affordable, as well as doing new construction projects from the Carolinas through the Mid-Atlantic. From the first time I met CHP, they impressed me with their corporate culture and the way they approach each other and their partners.

 

What are CHP’s goals relating to growth over the next few years?

 

We are seeing tremendous opportunities for growth in North Carolina and Maryland. In addition to the Trinity Court Project, we were recently awarded a 39-unit project in Davidson, North Carolina. We would love to expand our footprint throughout North Carolina, and we have specific expertise in developing rural areas. We have projects in the Asheville area and would also like to expand our work in the Raleigh-Durham area.

 

What do you look for in a construction partner? 

 

First and foremost, we’re looking for an organization that understands the regulatory rules and environment in which we work. We need a partner that understands the tax credit program and the state and federal agency rules around construction. And, we look for firms that can navigate multiple regulatory compliance issues.

 

Additionally, we like firms that have a robust development process. Issues from construction arise when contractors, architects and engineers aren’t on the same page from the beginning to the end. We appreciate firms that do a really strong pre-development process. We also look for transparency and a culture of fair dealing.

 

What made Southway an ideal partner for CHP?

 

Southway has a very positive corporate culture. I’ve seen the way their leadership works and it’s clearly not a culture of fear, but one of respect. We also value their straightforwardness and honesty. They are open-minded and creative, where other contractors can refuse to make changes. For example, at Trinity Court we are supplying our own HVAC equipment through our energy solutions team and procurement department. Southway has always been open to working with us to pursue new energy-efficiency savings.

 

In 2019, Southway worked with us on the J. Van Story Branch project in Baltimore, Maryland. This was a 350-unit, predominantly elderly and disabled rehab, with the residents being moved internally. So we had hospitality suites in the building, we had to core out a new elevator shaft in the 20-story structure to expand service, and several months into construction, the pandemic hit. CHP and Southway navigated all of those challenges on this extremely complex and difficult development, all to successful results.

 

What is the most interesting part about the Trinity Court project?

 

We’re partnering with the Town of Chapel Hill directly, which has been great. The site is located on the side of a hill, so that has been challenging from a site standpoint. But we really like that we are redeveloping in a dense area. The site is a little excluded, so we have opportunities to expand onto Umstead park and do something really cool there as well.

 

Trinity Court will serve both low-income and working individuals and families, allowing them to have a rent payment that allows them to also save for their children’s education and their own personal career advancement.

 

Southway Builders is proud to work with Community Housing Partners on such impactful projects for our community. Their commitment to being a strong and effective partner to communities and individuals confronting social, environmental, and economic injustices is truly inspiring. Together we hope to not only build homes, but also to serve others to help them achieve their maximum potential.

 

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5 QUESTIONS WITH: PAT IRWIN, SUPERINTENDENT https://southwaybuilders.com/5-questions-with-pat-irwin-superintendent/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:42:04 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7648 In this interview, we spoke with Pat Irwin, Superintendent at Southway Builders, to learn more about his background, career journey, and gain insights into the recent expansion into North Carolina.   Where did your construction career start?   I started out doing carpentry work with my brother-in-law at a young age, and then as a... READ MORE

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In this interview, we spoke with Pat Irwin, Superintendent at Southway Builders, to learn more about his background, career journey, and gain insights into the recent expansion into North Carolina.

 

Where did your construction career start?

 

I started out doing carpentry work with my brother-in-law at a young age, and then as a teenager I worked for an electrical company. When that wasn’t quite challenging enough, I started working for a mechanical contractor for a number of years and during that time period I really learned the trade. 

 

How long have you been with Southway and what has your experience been like so far?

 

March will be 15 years with Southway, but I’ve been in the industry for over 40 years. I relocated to North Carolina to help grow the team here and start the first project with our Southeast division. We are growing rapidly in North Carolina and looking to expand our team further. We have a great group of people down here and everyone I’ve met has been really nice. Southway always tries to do the right thing and we are focused on delivering quality, being dependable and doing so with integrity. 

 

What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?

 

I’m typically on the site from 6:30 AM until 5:30 PM. Right now I’m overseeing about 4 contractors and 30-40 guys here on-site every day. Working in Chapel Hill almost feels like we are on the side of a mountain, so we have had challenges with the slope. It is different from what I’ve experienced working in Maryland. My favorite part of my job is that it’s outside and I get to work with great people. Even when it’s a struggle, I still love what I do. 

 

What excites you about the Southeast expansion?

 

The people are great here. I haven’t met one person that wasn’t nice. We are growing really fast and looking specifically for superintendents right now. We will probably double our team in the coming months. Another thing I’m excited about being in North Carolina are all the opportunities for historic renovations. 

 

What do you like to do outside of work?

 

My wife and I love spending time outside in nature and going camping with our two dogs. We go to Pennsylvania a lot for short weekend camping trips. We also really enjoy trying new restaurants and exploring around Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Our favorites so far have been the Wooden Nickel and Al’s Burger Shack. 

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Southway Builders Honored with Baltimore Business Journal’s 2024 Corporate Philanthropy Award https://southwaybuilders.com/southway-builders-honored-with-baltimore-business-journals-2024-corporate-philanthropy-award/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:00:21 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7632 Since our founding in 1991, an integral part of our business has been giving back to the community and helping others achieve their maximum potential.    President Willy Moore shares, “I love to build. I got lucky realizing what I was put on this earth to do. It would be a shallow existence for me... READ MORE

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Since our founding in 1991, an integral part of our business has been giving back to the community and helping others achieve their maximum potential. 

 

President Willy Moore shares, “I love to build. I got lucky realizing what I was put on this earth to do. It would be a shallow existence for me if I couldn’t celebrate my success without helping others achieve their own successes.”

 

Southway Builders does this through supporting nonprofit organizations that advocate for education, assisting those experiencing homelessness, and building workforce skills. In 2018, the Southway Builders Charitable Trust was established to guide our charitable giving efforts. In 2023, the Charitable Trust supported 55 different organizations, including Roca Baltimore, Helping Up Mission, Humanim, and Health Care for the Homeless.  And, this year’s annual golf tournament raised funds to support Thread. All of these efforts and the individual efforts of our team members are an important part of our greater mission of transforming people, communities, and buildings. 

 

“I have an enormous amount of pride that our company has been able to be in a position to write checks for the good of the community,” said Willy Moore.

 

In addition to financial donations, our Culture Builders Committee coordinates volunteer opportunities for our employees, such as serving meals at soup kitchens or filling school backpacks with meals. Group volunteer opportunities also include supporting workforce development programs through organizations like Second Chance, Vehicles for Change, and The Loading Dock.  Southway team members also volunteer with and serve on multiple nonprofit boards.

 

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of a lot of a lot of people,” says Willy Moore. It’s important for me to play a role in helping others. None of us can succeed without the help of others.”

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5 Questions With: Tyler Myers, Assistant Project Manager https://southwaybuilders.com/5-questions-with-tyler-myers-assistant-project-manager/ Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:36:28 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7578 In this interview, we sit down with Tyler Myers to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on Southway’s exciting expansion into North Carolina, where he is the Assistant Project Manager for our Trinity Court project. Myers has recently joined Southway Builders, and with local roots in Apex, he quickly settled into... READ MORE

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In this interview, we sit down with Tyler Myers to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on Southway’s exciting expansion into North Carolina, where he is the Assistant Project Manager for our Trinity Court project. Myers has recently joined Southway Builders, and with local roots in Apex, he quickly settled into the company’s collaborative and inclusive culture and is excited to be a part of the Trinity Court project.

 

Where did your construction and Southway career start?

 

My construction career started in Arkansas. I grew up in a family business that focused on painting and commercial drywall. Growing up around construction, I knew it was a career path I’d enjoy and would be interested in. I was working with a commercial construction company in Chapel Hill when Southway Builders approached me through mutual connections and LinkedIn. After the first call, I knew their culture differed from traditional GCs and contractors. They offered me the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from residential construction to commercial renovation, which I was excited about. I’m grateful to have found a home at Southway Builders.

 

How long have you been with Southway and what has your experience been like so far?

 

I’ve been with Southway for about a month now and I would say the best thing so far has been the culture and the people. It’s truly a collaborative environment, and everyone really believes in Southway’s core values, which are always a focus in our daily conversations and decision-making processes. That’s what made the biggest impact on me in my first 30 days — seeing the on-site team in a huddle and discussing the importance of quality and integrity. I’m excited to be a part of a company that not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. Every day we’re pushing those values and using them to make our projects the best they can be. It’s a great place to learn and grow and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do just that.

 

What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?

 

My typical day is a lot of multitasking, from being out in the field and getting things done, to being in the office and helping out with meetings. Right now we’re in the early stages of our Trinity Court project in Chapel Hill, so it’s all hands on deck. I’m working on a variety of tasks, including submittals, meeting minutes, and getting some pictures out in the field. I’m also walking sites with inspectors, helping to make sure that everything is up to par. 

 

What excites you most about the Southeast expansion?

 

The Trinity Court project is very exciting for me because it’s an affordable housing community and we’re able to make a difference for someone in need. I grew up in a similar situation, so I know how much impact a project like this can have. It feels good to come to work every day and know that I’m working on something that’s making a positive difference in people’s lives. It’s especially exciting to see the plans for Trinity Court’s future and know we have a good product. We’re working with a fantastic owner, so it’s clear that Trinity is going to be great for the community, and knowing that I can be a part of that is very fulfilling.

 

What do you like to do outside of work?

 

I live locally in Apex, and enjoy spending time with my family, especially when it comes to sports. My wife and I have three children – two boys and a girl – and we enjoy watching and participating in sports activities. I’m a big fan of Arkansas Razorback sports and love following baseball, basketball, and football. When I’m not watching sports, I like to help coach or play sports with my kids, like flag football. We try to stay active as a family, and sports are a big part of that.

 

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5 Questions with: Dedriyon Cook, Assistant Superintendant https://southwaybuilders.com/5-questions-with-dedriyon-cook-assistant-superintendant/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:05:53 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7575 In this interview, we sit down with Southway’s Assistant Superintendant, Dedriyon Cook, to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on the company’s exciting expansion into North Carolina. Dedriyon recently joined Southway Builders and is excited to be a part of this passionate and hardworking team. How did your construction and Southway... READ MORE

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In this interview, we sit down with Southway’s Assistant Superintendant, Dedriyon Cook, to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on the company’s exciting expansion into North Carolina. Dedriyon recently joined Southway Builders and is excited to be a part of this passionate and hardworking team.

How did your construction and Southway career start?

 

My construction career really started when I was just a kid, building stuff with Legos and taking things apart so I could put them back together. When I got to high school I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, building houses and putting up walls. I took a carpentry class that I really enjoyed and then when I met a Project Manager who came to talk to my class about construction management I was intrigued. While I attended N.C. A&T in Greensboro, I had a residential construction internship, but when I shadowed a commercial builder I realized that’s where I wanted to be. My first job out of college was working for a general contractor in Cary, where I got my feet wet in the industry. I was connected to the company through a recruiter on LinkedIn and I knew a former co-worker who worked at Southway and had nothing but good things to say about the company culture.

 

How long have you been with Southway and what has your experience been like so far?

 

I started working for Southway in July and it’s been a great experience so far. Their focus on relationships has created an enjoyable working environment. Most of my coworkers are around my same age and it’s been a really refreshing change from previous jobs. There’s a lot of energy and excitement, and I also feel like there are more opportunities for young professionals like me to grow and develop in my career here at Southway. Overall, I’ve enjoyed my experience here and look forward to continuing to work with such motivated and talented colleagues.

 

What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?

 

A typical day in my current role at Southway starts out at 6:00 AM. I start my day by arriving 15 minutes early to get everything set up for the day and walk the jobsite to check the status of everything since the night before. After that, I review the daily logs, close out any observations, and add new ones to ensure we’re keeping a close eye on safety and quality. Throughout the day, I attend meetings with other project managers and contractors to discuss any issues or changes that need to be made. I also follow up on any outstanding tasks or problems that have been brought to my attention. The rest of my day is spent on the job site, talking to the team, and making sure that everything is running smoothly and safely. I also answer questions and deal with any surprises that come up.

 

What excites you most about the Southeast expansion?

 

I’m really excited about Southway’s expansion into the North Carolina market because it presents an incredible opportunity for me to be a part of something new and help set the standard in that region. This expansion is a chance for me to grow and advance in my career with the potential to move into a higher leadership role like Superintendent. With Southway prioritizing its presence in this market, I feel that I can be at the forefront of this growth and make a meaningful impact. The Southeast expansion marks the beginning of a new chapter for Southway, and I am honored to be a part of it.

 

What do you like to do outside of work?

 

I like to stay active, so I go to the gym and I’m always trying new things, like recently I tried archery. I’m a big sports guy, especially football. I’m a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, but unfortunately I’ve learned to live with the pain and disappointment that comes with being a Cowboys fan. I love trying new foods and especially enjoy Mexican cuisine, although nothing beats grandma’s food!

 

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5 Questions with: Dan Smith, Senior Project Manager https://southwaybuilders.com/5-questions-with-dan-smith-senior-project-manager/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:20:34 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7574 In this interview, we sit down with Southway’s Senior Project Manager, Dan Smith, to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on the company’s exciting expansion into North Carolina.   Question 1: What made you want to work at Southway?   I had just started my job search when Southway reached out... READ MORE

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In this interview, we sit down with Southway’s Senior Project Manager, Dan Smith, to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on the company’s exciting expansion into North Carolina.

 

Question 1: What made you want to work at Southway?

 

I had just started my job search when Southway reached out to me. They were looking for a leader in North Carolina and I have 20+ years of experience in this area. I had a great experience interviewing with Lia Brace, and then another great interview with George Arendt and Matt Novak. I was given the opportunity to fly up to Baltimore to meet Matt Bolyard and we hit it off from the start. I got to see firsthand the quality of Southway’s work and at that point I knew I wanted to work for them. As soon as I heard about the company’s mission statement of Quality, Dependability, and Integrity, I knew that it aligned with my own personal values. I was immediately drawn to their culture and community involvement. Overall, I feel a great connection to the company’s values, culture, and direction.

 

Question 2: What’s your favorite part about working in construction?

 

It’s the people. I love getting to meet all sorts of people on a daily basis. We are getting people from all over the U.S. coming here, so it’s definitely a melting pot in a sense of what America has to offer. I started out in construction working in the field and I love how everyone I met shared common ground no matter the position we were in. It’s really important to me that I know everyone on a first-name basis and that they know I’m a person they can trust.

 

 

Question 3: What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?

 

In my current role as a Senior Project Manager at Southway, my typical day involves a range of responsibilities. On one hand, I’m working to support and integrate the Southway brand within the Raleigh community. This involves making connections and building relationships, which can be challenging but is an important part of the role. In addition, I’m also involved in pre-construction activities for various projects in Raleigh and Baltimore, where I’m drawing on my expertise to ensure the success of our  projects.

 

Question 4: What excites you most about the Southeast expansion?

 

I really love the growth and potential that the Southeast expansion offers. I’ve seen the Raleigh area grow over the past 20 years and it’s exciting to be a part of that.. The area’s growth is particularly promising, especially with the expansion of 540. I love that this area has a unique, small-city feel and I really enjoy being a part of that. What also excites me are the people behind the scenes. Getting to know people from all positions, whether it’s laborers, superintendents, or foreman, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected through a shared goal. 

 

Question 5: What do you like to do outside of work?

 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. We have four boys, ranging in age from 10 to 19. My wife is a full-time homemaker and we’re actively involved in our children’s activities. I coach various sports teams and am the Athletic Director for my 14-year-old son’s Lacrosse program. In addition, our family is actively involved at St. Ann’s church in Clayton, NC and leads a team organizing an international food festival. Our family is very  involved with a Scottish Pipe band in the area. All four of my boys play the bagpipes to some degree, and my wife is the drummer in the band performing at the Scottish Games.

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5 Questions with: Dan Anderson https://southwaybuilders.com/5-questions-with-dan-anderson/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:33:55 +0000 https://southwaybuilders.com/?p=7569 In this interview, we sit down with Assistant Project Manager, Dan Anderson, to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on the company’s exciting expansion into North Carolina.   Where did your construction and Southway career start?   My construction career started when I was just a kid. Growing up, my parents... READ MORE

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In this interview, we sit down with Assistant Project Manager, Dan Anderson, to learn more about his background, career journey, and his thoughts on the company’s exciting expansion into North Carolina.

 

Where did your construction and Southway career start?

 

My construction career started when I was just a kid. Growing up, my parents owned a fire sprinkler subcontractor business, so I was always around job site plans and weird business strategy discussions at the dinner table. When I graduated college with a degree in exercise science and applied to physical therapy programs, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me. It just didn’t feel like the future I wanted.

Then one day, I called my mom and told her I didn’t want to go to grad school. I had this idea to try construction instead. I started at in the industry in an entry-level position at another company, and it wasn’t long before I realized that construction made perfect sense to me. I could apply the same kind of curiosity and learning I had towards the human body to construction. I saw that buildings were like bodies, with different systems working together. 

 

How long have you been with Southway and what has your experience been like so far?

 

My experience at Southway has been awesome and incredibly rewarding so far. I started here in March 2020, just in time for the start of the Covid pandemic. Before joining Southway, I left my previous job because I didn’t agree with their business practices. I decided to call Willy Moore, our President, and was fortunate to get a call back from him. He was able to set me up with an interview right away. My first job title at Southway was Project Engineer Level One. Since then, I have been promoted twice – originally to Level Two and then to Level Three, which was later restructured and renamed to Assistant Project Manager. As an Assistant PM, I am nearing the final stage of becoming a Project Manager. My responsibilities have increased significantly since my initial role. Overall, I’ve been pleased with my experience at Southway and am grateful for the opportunities and support they have provided me.

 

What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?

 

During a typical day in my current role, I begin by interacting with clients and potential contractors to market our services. After that, I focus on coordinating with various construction crews to ensure that projects stay on schedule and on budget. I also spend time collecting billing reports and preparing documentation for the project’s owners. I’m often tasked with managing change orders, billings, and attending project meetings. In addition, as the point of contact for the town, I handle any issues that arise with the local government and ensure that all necessary regulations are followed. I enjoy many aspects of my job and I take pride in my ability to find creative solutions to problems.

 

What excites you most about the Southeast expansion?

 

The Southeast expansion is an exciting opportunity, both personally and for the company, as it presents a new chapter for my career, offering significant growth and the potential for greater rewards. Coming from Baltimore, a more structured and cookie-cutter environment, the move to the Southeast offers a chance to be a part of something bigger and have more influence in shaping the company culture. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with a more hands-on approach and collaborate with new people, building new relationships and partnerships in this dynamic region.

 

What do you like to do outside of work?

 

Whenever I have free time outside of work, I tend to seek quiet moments to relax and recharge. While at work, I often find myself engaged in business development (BD) activities, constantly going out to meet people and sell our services. However, when I’m not working, I prefer the outdoors and quiet. In the summer, I enjoy going to the beach with my girlfriend and simply relaxing on the sand. During the winter months, I like to head to the mountains for some snowboarding. I also play golf occasionally, and I have a mixed-breed short-haired pointer and chocolate lab whom I love spending time with.

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