2019 SC 25 Fastest Growing Companies: No. 18 THS Constructors
INDUSTRY Design/build construction services
LOCATION Greenville
FOUNDED 2005
If someone were to make a movie about your company, what would the story you'd want to tell?
Our history: THS Constructors is a second-generation company created in an unconventional way, formed by T. Howard Suitt. In 1968, Mr. Suitt founded Suitt Construction in Greenville, and grew it to be an approximately $350 million company with seven offices across the Southeast.
In the 1990s, BE&K acquired Suitt Construction and Mr. Suitt remained on as chairman. During that time, many Suitt Graduates continued to grow their careers in the industry and began to form or lead construction companies throughout the country.
In 2005, Mr. Suitt un-retired and began the second generation with THS Constructors, which has grown to a $60 million-plus company, led by Suitt Graduates from the past.
The indelible history of Suitt Construction lives on in the legacy and success of THS Constructors.
What books would you recommend reading?
Three years ago, as a company, we read "Traction" by Gino Wickman. We were on the front end of significant growth, and we wanted to align our values as a company. "Traction" became a very integral part in our office and company dynamic. We hold monthly and quarterly Traction Meetings, where we review goals, success, growth, issues and many other pieces of our business. We hold individuals accountable for specific items, and we continue to ensure that all tasks are completed.
Is being involved in your community important and why?
Community engagement is important to us at THS. As a company with deep roots in South Carolina, we feel it is our duty to be involved and give back in any way we can. We work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, The Em' for Emily (mesothelioma research) and Meals on Wheels to name a few. Many of our employees volunteer or work with local charities on weekends and holidays. Community service is a significant part of our core values and we will continue to grow our work throughout the state.
What marketing tips would you offer other companies?
Our advice to other companies would be to make sure you know your audience, whether it's for social media, where the time of the viewer should be considered or an advertising campaign where your story is as important as anything else.
Also look for earned media opportunities. Sometimes this segment can have a larger impact than anything paid or owned. We have worked hard to position ourselves as experts in the industry by marketing our project managers, executives and others as resources for publications. Through quotes, interviews and other items, THS has become viewed as a "go-to" resource for our expertise in the industry.