Bobby Alexander founded Pyramid Contracting in Irmo in 2003 with a handful of dedicated employees, setting out to build “not just buildings, but lasting relationships and trust.” The Winthrop University graduate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with concentrations in finance and marketing, has grown the company into an SBA Certified 8(a) unlimited general contractor with five service locations across the Southeast.

Pyramid Contracting specializes in new commercial construction across diverse sectors including automotive facilities, office buildings, pre-engineered metal building systems, retail spaces, restaurants, historic renovations, government facilities, industrial projects and manufacturing warehouses. The firm has achieved more than 600,000 work hours on job sites without work-time incidents, maintaining an EMR of 0.74. Pyramid is also a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

Alexander’s commitment to excellence shows through the design-build process, which employs cost-effective construction methods to meet client needs while saving time and ensuring efficiency. This proven approach has made Pyramid Contracting an owner’s choice for construction projects for more than 22 years.

John Banks has built a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in commercial and institutional construction across the Southeast region. Following his graduation from Presbyterian College in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Banks entered the construction industry with Bonitz Contracting.

Over 13 years at Bonitz, Banks specialized in modular interiors and became manager of sales and marketing. He provided essential on-site support to project managers while overseeing interior upfits with high-quality materials and innovative building systems, including the cutting-edge DIRTT modular products. Banks played a pivotal role in building and leading sales and design teams, successfully expanding the company’s coverage across South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C. and Maryland.

In 2015, Banks joined The Boardman Group as a partner. In this role, he oversees various aspects of project execution and sales for the company’s commercial and institutional construction projects. His expertise in construction, sales and marketing continues to drive the firm’s success in the Southeast market.

Ben Barfield leads Brasfield & Gorrie’s Greenville division as Vice President and Division Manager for the construction company with 4,500 employees. Barfield earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Science from Auburn University.

His construction career began in high school, working hands-on in the field where he learned the value of hard work, teamwork and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from physical effort. These early lessons continue to shape his leadership approach today.

In early 2025, Barfield oversaw the relocation of Brasfield & Gorrie’s Greenville office to The Field House overlooking Fluor Field, doubling the square footage to accommodate the team’s continued growth.

Barfield’s extensive community involvement includes service on the Greenville Chamber Board of Advisors and Clemson University Corporate Partners Board. He is also actively engaged with NAIOP, Associated General Contractors, Our House, Upstate Alliance, Hope Church, C12, American Heart Association, Urban Land Institute and March of Dimes. He participated in the 2017 Leadership Greenville Class 44.

“Success means building people first — helping others grow, achieve, and lead well,” Barfield said.

Jordan Behringer leads BEHKO Group, a 20-person construction firm undergoing a comprehensive brand transformation. The rebrand reflects the company’s evolution from a traditional design-build firm to an integrated, innovation-driven partner.

Behringer holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in civil-structural engineering, both from Clemson University. His construction career began at 15 as a laborer, sweeping floors and hauling materials. He advanced to become an electrician and eventually managed electrical contracting projects while completing his college education.

At BEHKO, Behringer has built a culture centered on accountability and follow-through. “Do what you said you were going to do,” he said, describing the foundation of trust in the construction business. The firm defines success as consistency: delivering excellence on every project and earning client trust that generates repeat business.

Behringer brings a creative approach to industrial construction, focusing on branding, vision-building and problem-solving. He emphasizes that success in Charleston’s fast-paced construction environment requires more than technical skill — it demands strong culture, clear communication and effective collaboration.

Chris Bowen brings more than three decades of construction expertise to his role at Hogan Construction Group, LLC, where he helps guide a 105-person team. A graduate of The Citadel with a degree in civil engineering, Bowen’s career trajectory began at age 14 working for a marine services company near Lake Keowee, where he gained hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical work and project management.

Bowen serves on the Anderson University Board of Visitors and the Oconee Economic Alliance Executive Board, demonstrating his commitment to regional development. He was recognized on the 2024 Construction Power List.

“Success means building meaningful relationships and finding ways to lift up the people around me,” Bowen said. “If I can help others grow, learn, and feel valued—and we all become a little better together—then I feel like I’m succeeding.”

Beyond construction, Bowen nurtures an appreciation for art and architecture, often incorporating museum visits and architectural tours into family travel. His leadership philosophy emphasizes treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of position or role.

Matt Brewer brings more than 20 years of construction expertise to his role as president and CEO of Choate Construction Co. Previously serving as division manager of Choate Charleston, Brewer has been with the company since 2004, providing leadership in personnel management and business strategy.

Under his leadership, Choate has constructed more than 17.5 million square feet of space seeking third-party sustainability certification. The company established its Sustainability department over 20 years ago and is consistently recognized in ENR’s Top Green Contractors list.

“As demand for more adaptive, resilient and high-performance buildings rises, we continue looking for new, innovative solutions to enhance structures and better both the environment and our clients’ bottom line,” Brewer said.

As a 100% employee-owned company, Choate offers programs including LaunchPoint, a rotational program for new hires and recent graduates, and a Leadership Development Program supporting career advancement.

Brewer served in the Marine Corps, continuing his family’s military service tradition spanning generations, including ancestors who served in the American Revolutionary War.

Allen Bridgers began developing his work ethic early, cutting grass for neighbors at age 11 and managing multiple yards throughout his school years. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Wofford College, where he served as Student Body President, Bridgers joined Nestlé USA at age 21, working in a Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine plant in Gaffney.

As President of McCrory Construction, Bridgers leads a 115-person team that has significantly expanded its regional footprint across the Southeast. Under his leadership, the company has sharpened its focus on design-build industrial and commercial projects while maintaining deep relationships with long-standing clients.

“For me, success is about legacy,” Bridgers said. “It’s about living and leading in a way that has a lasting impact on my family, my team and the people that we serve.”

An Eagle Scout, Bridgers serves on the boards of Ezekiel Ministries and Carolina Children’s Home. He previously chaired T1D and the Leadership Columbia Alumni Association.

David Caldwell leads Caldwell Constructors, a construction firm with 47 employees. A Clemson University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management and a minor in Business, Caldwell began his career path as a line cook at 16, where he learned the value of hard work, teamwork and financial responsibility.

Caldwell’s approach to construction was shaped by advice from his grandfather, who told him, “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” This philosophy has helped Caldwell build lasting client relationships, with many returning to the company and referring others — a measure he considers the strongest indicator of success.

He currently serves as chair of Clement’s Kindness Advisory Board, an organization particularly meaningful to him after being diagnosed with cancer at age seven. He previously served on committees for Habitat for Humanity, Poinsett Club and First Presbyterian Church.

Caldwell identifies the aging workforce and shortage of skilled tradesmen as the biggest challenge facing the construction industry today.

Gary Caldwell earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science Management with a minor in business from Clemson University in 1976. He began his career as a project manager and estimator at Brittain Constructors before advancing through leadership roles at Threatt-Michael Construction, where he served as vice president of estimating. Caldwell later joined Beers-York Construction Co., rising to senior vice president, and served as vice president at Trehel Corporation. In 2005, he founded Caldwell Constructors, which employs 46 people in Upstate.

Beyond his professional achievements, Caldwell has supported Habitat for Humanity, served as chair of the YMCA Verdae Branch Board and contributed to the Greenville Chamber of Commerce through mentoring and workforce development initiatives. He remains active with the Downtown Rotary Club, Poinsett Club and Clemson Advancement Foundation for Design + Building.

“Above all, be honest in everything you do,” Caldwell said when asked about the best advice he has received.

Caldwell defines success as progress toward a worthy goal and identifies workforce development and effective communication as the construction industry’s biggest challenges.