SouthCon Building Group, LLC, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is a full-service general contracting company that delivers commercial, industrial and institutional projects throughout the Carolinas and Georgia. But perhaps the most important part of SouthCon’s business is reflected in their company philosophy: “Put relationships ahead of short-term gain and take care of family.”
SouthCon feels that their local community is their extended family. All employees are encouraged to suggest organizations for inclusion in the company’s community service program, but with no pressure to participate. The marketing manager makes the volunteer arrangements and posts the commitment, and everyone just shows up, often with family members or friends in tow to help.
Employees are also active in their respective religious communities, and several of them are board members of philanthropic organizations. As individuals, SouthCon employees support and are active in eight collegiate alumni organizations.
“I am proud to be a member of an organization that strives, through community service, to better the lives of those less fortunate,” says Mark Long, chief estimator.
The example for that involvement comes from the top down. SouthCon President and CEO Chris Spach is a member of East Carolina University’s Department of Construction Management Advisory Board, as well as an active member and resting deacon at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church (MPPC). He is also an MPPC Hope House team member and MPPC Missions team member. Plus, he is a 2002 Charleston Chamber of Commerce Leadership Charleston graduate, a 2015-2017 East Carolina University Education Foundation member and a LEED Accredited Professional.
SouthCon’s community service opportunities include blood drives for the American Red Cross and school supply drives for local public schools. Over the past three years, they’ve contributed more than $31,000 to countless charitable organizations, touching lives of young children through educational donations and recreational opportunities; supporting medical research tied to Alzheimer’s and heart disease; and ensuring that victims of natural disasters get the resources they need to get back on their feet.
Moving forward, the company plans to step up their efforts and become more “hands-on” in their community outreach. They’re looking forward to partnering with local food pantries, national charity walks, local park beautification projects and environmental cleanup campaigns, just to name a few. They strive to be an example for other local small businesses in 2020.
