The Caine Co.

The Caine Co. stands as a testament to enduring values and community commitment, having served Upstate South Carolina for 93 years. Founded in 1933 by Robert M. “Bubber” Caine, the company has grown from a single real estate office into a comprehensive provider of residential, commercial and insurance services with 289 employees.

CEO Stephen Edgerton leads the organization from its headquarters at 111 Williams Street in Greenville, where the company relocated in 1973. The Caine Co.’s evolution reflects both innovation and tradition, beginning with pioneering developments that shaped the region’s landscape.

The company’s early milestones include opening Tuten Mart in 1937, one of the Upstate’s first strip centers, and developing Lewis Plaza and apartments in 1949. A decade later, Caine built Calhoun Towers, which stood as Greenville’s tallest building at the time. The 1960s brought another first with McAlister Square, South Carolina’s first enclosed mall.

Strategic growth continued through the decades. In 1994, the company expanded into Spartanburg through acquisition, followed by a partnership with Coldwell Banker in 1997. Most recently, the 2024 merger with KDS Caine united residential and commercial services under one roof.

The founder’s philosophy continues to guide operations today. “Always put people first, give of yourselves and support the community that has been so generous to us all,” Caine said, establishing principles that remain central to the company’s identity.

This people-first approach manifests through Caine Cares, the company’s community service platform supporting nonprofits across health, arts, animal welfare and wellbeing. The initiative reflects the organization’s belief that community engagement represents privilege rather than obligation.

The company’s workplace culture emphasizes family values and collaboration, fostering employee loyalty and attracting top talent. This environment supports comprehensive training, coaching and marketing support for agents, while non-competing brokers encourage mentorship and knowledge sharing.

The Caine Company’s integrated approach extends to its in-house insurance agency, which offers independent coverage ensuring clients receive optimal value and service. This comprehensive model, combined with commercial real estate expertise spanning multiple markets, positions the company to meet diverse client needs.

Through economic changes and industry evolution, the company has maintained its focus on relationships over transactions. By investing in both people and technology while preserving core values, The Caine Co. continues building on Bubber Caine’s vision of creating communities and lasting relationships throughout the Upstate region.