North Charleston, South Carolina: A Remarkable Construction Journey
Have you ever experienced a moment in life that completely changed your path? Well, for Derek Robbins, a casual lunch quickly turned into an exciting new chapter with a phone call that sparked the growth of his company, Robbins Construction Group. In a stroke of fate, Derek learned that the general contractor for a new Floor and Decor store in North Charleston had walked off the job, and the retailer needed someone to jump in and save the day. Without hesitation, he dropped his fork and rushed to the site. That one decision became the catalyst for an incredible journey.
A Start Like No Other
Opening its doors in 2018, Robbins Construction Group was just a one-man operation. But Derek, armed with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, decided to take the plunge and start his own business. With no employees at the start, it meant late nights on the phone and taking on projects that were too small for the bigger players in the construction world.
Just months into his journey, Floor and Decor in North Charleston made the call that would shape the company’s future. Fast forward to today, and Robbins Construction Group is not only thriving but also expanding at a remarkable rate. As of now, they have built 17 stores for Floor and Decor, with many more in the pipeline.
Recognizing the Potential
As Derek reflects on these last five years, he shares a sense of disbelief at how quickly it all took off. “It feels like forever and yet just yesterday,” he says with a smile. His company recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, and that’s no small feat in the competitive world of construction!
Creating a solid foundation in the construction industry doesn’t come easy, but Derek and his team have utilized a unique design-build approach, where everything from architecture to engineering to construction is managed in-house. This methodology not only simplifies the process for clients but also leads to lower costs and quicker completion times. Clients are kept in-the-loop with a cloud-based platform that offers access to real-time project details. It’s all about making the construction experience enjoyable rather than dreaded.
Bringing Joy Back to Construction
“People dread having to build a building or renovate,” Derek explains, likening the experience to buying a used car. “We try to take that pain out of the process. We are very communicative; we’re an open book.” It’s this kind of transparency and client-focus that has propelled Robbins Construction Group from a startup to a commercial construction powerhouse with 30 employees now on board and a brand-new 9,000-square-foot headquarters.
But there’s more to their journey than just Floor and Decor. Robbins Construction has a growing portfolio that includes automotive dealerships, industrial buildings, and even the city of North Charleston’s ambitious Park Circle redevelopment project, which is known for showcasing the world’s largest inclusive playground. Talk about making a difference!
Looking Ahead
The company is not content to stop here. With plans for mixed-use apartment and hotel projects on the horizon, plus an expanding reach into places like Arizona and Texas, Robbins Construction Group is poised for continued success. “We’re growing,” Derek says with enthusiasm. “We’re not afraid to travel!”
As they forge ahead into the future, it’s clear that Robbins Construction Group is building not just structures, but wonderful experiences, and they’re doing it all with a smile. North Charleston has found a true gem in their midst, and if their journey so far is any indication, the sky’s the limit for what they will achieve next!
