Caddell Construction Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Caddell Construction celebrates 40 years in business today, commemorating when John Caddell filed the company’s Articles of Incorporation on January 27, 1983.

Caddell will mark the occasion with a small “birthday party” for employees at the corporate headquarters this afternoon. A more formal celebration took place at the companywide Christmas party last month. A year-long celebration will include looking back at “hall of fame” projects that helped ensure success, ongoing attention to corporate culture and a special “4 for 40” giving initiative where the company will present four local charities with $40,000 each to “construct what matters” for the local community in Montgomery.

Caddell Construction started in John and Joyce Caddell’s home following an unplanned and heartbreaking parting of ways with the company he’d helped build, Blount International, Ltd., where he had served as president and CEO for years.

Building a construction company into a major international competitor is a singular achievement accomplished by very few people in the world. John Caddell did it twice. In just a few short months, he and his wife, Joyce, hired a talented pool of staff, chased new work and won their first big contract. By 1985, every inch of the Caddell’s home was bursting at the seams with activity and organized chaos. Their growing staff worked out of bedrooms, the dining room and every other room. Their yard was full of temporary trailers with hard-working men and women pouring blood, sweat and tears into each endeavor.

The fledgling company had grown as big as the hairstyles that marked the decade. The Small Business Administration declared Caddell a “large business” in 1984, as the team continued to win project after project. And after careful deliberation, the decision was made to build a “real” office at Lagoon Park in northern Montgomery, Alabama to house the worldwide headquarters for Caddell Construction.

Chairman & CEO Eddie Stewart fondly recalls his days as a young estimator working in the Caddell home. “We had phone cords crisscrossed all over the house and blueprints laid out all over the bedrooms and on the dining room table. The energy and excitement for what we were trying to accomplish was palpable. We all felt it,” he said.

If “accomplishing” the building of an international business based out of Montgomery, Alabama was the goal, they certainly achieved it. By 1994, Caddell Construction acquired the remaining construction operations of Blount, and volume of new work exceeded $100 million. Just five years later, Caddell would earn its first $100 million contract. Throughout the 1990s, steady growth was fueled by success and hard work.

In 1998, the U.S. Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya were simultaneously bombed by terrorists. More than 200 people died, and more than 5,000 injured. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) immediately began to assess vulnerabilities at their current diplomatic compounds and rapidly developed a plan to design and construct new, safe, secure facilities all over the world.

An aggressive building program began, and Caddell was in position to strike while the iron was hot. Very few contractors can meet the strict requirements to even bid on secure work necessary for diplomatic facility projects. But Caddell’s previous DOS successes in Hong Kong and Istanbul were recent and relevant. On this their 40th anniversary, the Embassy portfolio sits at 39 projects valued at $7.4 billion. Just last year, Caddell won its largest contracts so far. On September 29th, the company was awarded the New U.S. Embassy project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a contract value of $673,853,330. The very next day, came another record breaker: the New U.S Embassy project in Juba, South Sudan, with a contract value of $590,468,330.

In 2018, a multi-year transition from family-owned Caddell Construction, Inc. to employee-owned Caddell Construction, LLC was completed. John Caddell wanted the company he built to belong to the employees who helped him build it. Two years later, the company had again outgrown its space and moved the corporate headquarters from Lagoon Park to downtown Montgomery.

Over 40 years, the company has earned a reputation for taking on complex construction challenges in some of the most remote places on earth, including building a power and desalination plant on Ascension Island and a secure Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan in the middle of a warzone. More recently, they’ve developed niche expertise in constructing for automation and are considered industry leaders in that market.

In 2017, Caddell expanded its presence into the commercial market, adding to traditional pursuits of Federal contracting and international diplomatic construction. To support the growth, the company has opened three additional corporate offices since then, including Bentonville, AR, Woodstock, GA and Jacksonville, FL. According to President/COO Mac Caddell, these diversification efforts have been very successful. “New work awarded for 2022 exceeded $2.6 billion. That’s without a doubt a new record for Caddell! In fact, it more than doubled our previous record for new work won in a single year,” he said. “Best of all, each of our three business units won at least four new projects, a true testament to the success of our diversification efforts.”

Few companies can match the depth and diversity of Caddell’s portfolio. “The work we’ve done over 40 years is mind-boggling,” said Eddie Stewart. “When I think about the sacrifices John and Joyce made to get this company up and going…and the continued sacrifice all along the way, I just can’t process that level of passion, talent and commitment. It is truly inspiring.”

Equally inspiring is “The Caddell Way” of constructing what matters. According to Mac Caddell, the tenets outlined in the company’s culture statement are a reflection of the DNA of the company, first embodied by his grandfather and now a living legacy to the way he did business. They are both descriptive of how the business is run and prescriptive for how each employee should carry out his or her individual role in the ongoing success story. “It’s more than a set of words on a page. ‘The Caddell Way’ culture is paramount to our success and at the forefront of all we do,” he said.

Displayed prominently at every jobsite and corporate office, brought up in nearly every meeting, and lived out in daily life all over the world, “The Caddell Way” inspires employees and recruits alike. It reads: “I am accountable for my actions, respectful and compassionate to others, unmatched in my work ethic, and a positive ambassador for Caddell. I am an important member of the Caddell team, committed to working toward Caddell’s mission by focusing on collective success, and embracing a culture of continuous improvement.”

Caddell Construction Announces Promotions Among Key Leaders

MONTGOMERY, Ala., January 12, 2023 – Caddell Construction has announced the promotion of three key leaders. Mike Ranieri has been promoted to executive officer. Isaac Sneeringer has been promoted to vice president – international. And Landon Hoppe has been promoted to vice president, field operations and support – international.

 

According to President and COO Mac Caddell, the promotions are part of the evolution of the company’s business structure and are also part of their intentional preparation for the eventual retirement of veteran leaders. “As we continue to experience steady growth in all business units, we are taking the necessary steps to put the appropriate leadership structure in place to maximize that growth for years to come,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about continuing to provide the collective success our employees work tirelessly for and the level of excellence our clients deserve.”

Mike Ranieri is a seasoned construction industry professional with nearly 50 years of experience in a wide range of roles. He has served in key positions for accounting, contracts administration and international business administration for projects worldwide. Most recently, he served as vice president, finance – international. In his new role as executive officer for the company, he will provide expertise and Caddell knowledge as part of the strategic planning committee to safeguard effective execution of the business strategy, and that the company culture and mission remain at the forefront. Additionally, he will help the Executive Committee continue to ensure that all business units improve their operational efficiency, improve their operating procedures and improve their functionality—and as a result, their profitability.

 

 

 


Isaac Sneeringer has more than 20 years of construction industry experience with proven onsite and executive construction management experience on some of the most challenging projects in the world. His capabilities highlight success in managing complex international construction teams involving diverse cultures, personnel, subcontractors, design professionals and clients. Isaac has successfully managed every phase of an international project, from conceptual development, to oversight of the organization, scheduling, and implementation of all activities from mobilization through closeout.

 

 

 


Landon Hoppe has extensive experience on complex projects in some of the most remote areas of the world. His attention to detail and dedication to problem solving have helped forge positive relationships with staff, subcontractors and clients alike. He began his successful international career as a Cleared American Worker performing trade work during college. Since joining Caddell, he rose through the ranks as a project engineer, project controls engineer, project manager, and senior technical coordinator before assuming the vice president role.

 

 

 

 

“Each of these men is undeniably deserving of praise and promotion. They have consistently gone above and beyond to foster collective success for the teams they lead at Caddell and for the clients, trade partners and stakeholders we work with on a daily basis. I am confident that under their leadership, the company will continue our steady growth pattern for years to come,” said Mac Caddell.

Caddell Construction Announces New Vice President

Caddell Construction has announced the promotion of Craig Lazzarini to vice president, estimating and procurement – international.

According to Rod Ceasar, senior vice president – international, Lazzarini was the ideal choice for the newly created position, as he is “an integral part of the company’s future” and “has all of the traits that are important to the successful operation of Caddell.”

Lazzarini, who joined the company in 2000, will provide strategic oversight to the pursuit and acquisition of new work for the firm’s international project portfolio. “Craig combines a high level of energy and enthusiasm for the construction process with solid professional experience and a proven ability to plan, organize, and direct very complex projects,” said President/COO Mac Caddell. “He has exhibited particular finesse in leading diverse project alliances and molding widely varying project stakeholders into focused teams with shared goals and objectives,” he added.

Lazzarini joined Caddell in 2000 after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Building Construction from Auburn University. Prior to his new role, he served as manager, estimating and procurement – international, where he was responsible to lead and oversee the international estimating department in all phases of estimating, procurement and budgeting. He previously served as project manager for multiple international diplomatic projects, as well as numerous U.S.-based governmental jobs.

Caddell Construction Announces Key Executive Promotions

MONTGOMERY, Ala., February 7, 2022 – Caddell Construction has announced three key promotions among senior leadership. Ricky Byrd has been promoted to senior vice president, commercial. Angela Crosby has been promoted to senior vice president of compliance and ethics. And Jaime Andress has been promoted to vice president and chief human resources officer.

According to President and Chief Operating Officer Mac Caddell, the new positions are a reflection of individual achievement and excellence, as well as an indicator of the company’s past and future growth. “We want to recognize and reward success, as well as create room for individuals to develop under their leadership,” he said. “As we continue our pattern of steady growth, this is just one more way we’re constructing what matters for our employees, as well as our clients and strategic partners.”

 


In April 2017, as part of the company’s plan to diversify, Byrd joined Caddell to launch the new Commercial business unit and open the first corporate branch office in Bentonville, AR. In just five short years, Commercial has won 20+ contracts worth more than $750 million with more on the way. Caddell opened two more branch offices in Atlanta, GA and Jacksonville, FL to support this growing business unit. Again, Mr. Caddell attributes the success to Byrd’s leadership and strategic vision. “The steady growth of the Commercial business unit is a testament to Ricky’s relationship-building with clients and his ability to lead effective project teams,” he said. “We celebrate his success and promote him to senior vice president as part of the global growth strategy for talent at Caddell.”

 

 


Crosby joined Caddell in 2011, initially tasked with developing a more robust ethics and compliance program. She quickly took on additional duties of increasing levels of responsibility, including risk management initiatives and training for employees. Her success in that role led to a promotion to Vice President in 2018. Mr. Caddell said her “Integrity Matters” message to employees has resonated across the board. “Under her leadership, our people have been exposed to a clear and consistent reminder of the importance of making the right choice each and every time,” he said. “Additionally, she has provided invaluable insight as a member of our Executive Committee and has been a vital resource to our Board of Directors’ Ethics Committee. She is a trusted advisor and wise leader who has helped us grow as individuals and as a company.” As senior vice president, Crosby will continue to provide oversight and bear responsibility for the company’s Human Resources and Ethics and Compliance departments.

 

 


Andress joined Caddell in 2018 as the training & development manager. Soon after realizing her ability to take on more responsibilities, she was promoted to HR director. Mr. Caddell said her promotion is a direct result of the hard work and passion she has brought to that role. “Jaime has done a tremendous job in helping us navigate these unprecedented times, including the move to our new corporate headquarters, the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the ongoing war for talent,” he said. “Jaime is a positive ambassador for Caddell in all of her dealings. She understands the role human resources plays in our industry, and especially within Caddell. This promotion recognizes not only Jaime’s achievements, but also the important role human resources plays in attracting, developing, and retaining our most important asset, our people,” he said.

Caddell Construction Names New President / Chief Operating Officer

Montgomery-based Caddell Construction has named Mac Caddell as their new president and chief operating officer. The promotion comes as the growing company is on track to achieve the biggest year in its 38-year history.

Eddie Stewart, who has served as president and chief executive officer since 2012, will remain as chairman / chief executive officer. He said the move was a “natural step” in the company’s steady growth and one that was especially gratifying to him. “I have watched the growth and maturity of so many leaders at Caddell,” he said, “and none has been more special than Mac. I truly believe he has a vision for the future of this company that will serve us well for many years to come.”

Mac joined the company as a teenager cutting grass and working in the warehouse during summer breaks from school. He learned the value of hard work and humble service firsthand through the sweat equity he poured into the business his grandfather had started in their family home years earlier. After college, he worked long hours in the field gaining experience in all aspects of construction management.

Since then, the company has transitioned from a small family affair to an employee-owned international success story. Mac’s 25-year career has steadily developed alongside the maturing business. He has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility, both in the field and at the home office. He has directly participated in all project phases—from business development efforts and estimating, to direct hands-on planning and management of preconstruction and construction.

Mac has a B.S. degree in Operations Management from Auburn University and serves on numerous national committees and task forces industry wide. He was an inaugural recipient of Alabama Associated General Contractors’ (AGC) “40 Under 40 in Construction” Award, as well as an honoree among ENR Southeast’s “40 Under 40.” He currently serves on the Alabama AGC state board and will become president of the Montgomery section in 2022. Mac will also begin serving on the AGC national board in 2022.

In his new role, Mac will have single point responsibility for all aspects of the daily operations and finances of Caddell Construction. He will continue to lead in the strategic planning and implementation efforts that have seen the company grow exponentially in recent years.

Caddell Construction Opens New Corporate Office in Jacksonville

Montgomery-based Caddell Construction officially opened its fourth corporate office in Jacksonville, FL today. A small reception was held onsite with employees, clients and strategic partners in attendance.

The new location was a strategic move for the company, according to Executive Vice President Mac Caddell. “This certainly raises our edge in terms of acquiring new work, but the real draw is not about projects for us. The real difference at Caddell has always been our people,” he said. “Jacksonville is just a great hub for talent in our industry. Our presence here gives us yet another place to find and foster relationships with talented construction professionals.” According to Caddell, attracting, retaining and developing talent is the company’s number-one strategic objective.

According to the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the city has been voted three times as the “Number one city for expansion and relocation in America” by Expansion Management Magazine and was declared by TIME Magazine to be the #2 most up-and-coming city in America. City officials say, “The Jacksonville area continues to experience positive growth as more people discover its perfect balance between business opportunities and lifestyle.”

Caddell Senior Market Leader/Director of Construction Jason Carnes has been tapped to lead the new office. A long-time Jacksonville resident, he has seen firsthand the level of talent available in the region. “Northeast Florida has great schools like the University of North Florida and University of Florida to help fill the pipeline of new professionals just starting out, as well as a number of seasoned professionals who enjoy the beach and the outdoor lifestyle this area has to offer,” he said. “Plus, Jacksonville’s easy-access airport makes travel to our sites easy and convenient. It’s really the best of all worlds.”

According to Caddell, the new office will serve as another resource for the company’s rapidly growing Commercial Division. With the addition of multiple Fortune 500 clients and a solid standing in the booming logistics construction market, Caddell has continued to experience solid performance. In fact, the new space is just the latest example of the company’s steady growth pattern that shows no sign of slowing. 2020 was Caddell’s biggest revenue year ever, and they are on track to top it for 2021.

“We expect nothing but great things from our team in Jacksonville. We’re confident we have the right people in place, and we can’t wait to see how many other talented professionals will join them here in the future,” Caddell said at the Grand Opening reception.

Caddell Myth Busters

In October, Caddell joins our peers in celebrating Careers in Construction Month (#CICM), and we’re excited to focus on the exceptional career opportunities in our industry and at our company. A career in construction can be a lucrative venture, offering a solid paycheck for highly in-demand skills. We take it one step further by offering meaningful work building projects that support national security, education, healthcare, research, energy, and international diplomacy.

Just a few years ago, a LinkedIn Contributor wrote, “Job security is a complete myth, as is long-term employment. They (companies) just make sweeping cuts when they need to. The average employee tenure is under five years and for millennials it’s under three years.” (Clark, 2014)

If job security is a myth, then we are the MythBusters. The average tenure of Caddell employees is over a decade, and we pride ourselves in reporting over 12 dozen employees with 10, 15 and 20+ years of service. But tenure metrics are just data—objective measurements of how many people choose to make a career and a life at Caddell. It doesn’t explain why our people choose stay with us… So why do they?

Each employee might individually have a different answer to this question, though you’d find commonalities and shared experiences that span the generational, gender, ethnicity and otherwise diverse cultural backgrounds represented in our workforce. As our company grew, our leadership team wrote down what it meant to be a Caddell team member, defining The Caddell Way. When we’re looking to hire new people, our recruiters act as talent surveyors, and The Caddell Way is the plumb line.

We’re accountable for our actions, meaning we own our mistakes, apologize, and learn from them. We’re respectful and compassionate toward one another; this means we care about one another and become involved in each other’s lives outside of work—weddings, funerals, babies and surgeries…we’re there. We’re unmatched in our work ethic, and this shows when a project team and office support staff get it done by pulling together to complete a difficult project. We’re positive ambassadors who speak with excitement about our company when we run into friends at the grocery store. We’re committed to collective success, and know when you do well, we all do well, and we win as a team. We embrace a culture of continuous improvement, constantly learning to shift, pivot, flex, grow, and adapt to the changing industry environment in order remain in business for 38 years.

The construction industry can be cyclical and uncertain, but we believe we’ve found the balance of risk, reward, and purpose. Caddell has been able to offer a special kind of stability and leadership to guide through challenges, making payroll when times are lean, and remaining humble during times of plenty (and we’ve ‘enjoyed’ both). Caddell people are trustworthy—it’s less worrisome to ride the roller coaster when you know you can rely on the person buckled in next to you. Caddell people are resilient, and are glad to share their knowledge. We invest in our people and train for the skills needed to be successful.

Caddell’s mission statement is “Constructing what matters for the long-term success of our employees, clients and strategic partners.” Our company is continuously looking to the future while keeping this mission squarely in focus. We’re constantly progressing forward, punching out one project and mobilizing two more. While we offer a long-term career path, this doesn’t mean our people coast or embrace complacency. In this industry, reputation is still built on dirty boots, low bids, and AGC BuildAmerica awards. So, if any of this is resonating, you might be a fit for Caddell, and us a fit for you.

Consider a career in construction, and consider constructing what matters for your life and career at Caddell.

Ryan Stanford, PHR, SHRM-CP

HR Manager & Corporate EEO Officer

Citation: Clark, D. (2014, September 18). Forbes. Retrieved from www.forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorieclark/2014/09/18/job-security-is-dead-and-heres-why-thats-awesome/?sh=241f743a484e

 


 

Caddell-Nan JV Awarded Fourth Contract on Island of Guam

Caddell Construction, along with joint venture partner Nan, Inc., has been awarded another contract on the island of Guam. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific division recently announced the contract for the design and construction of a $36.5 million base warehouse on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz.

The 53,335 SF warehouse will provide storage and administrative space to support several agencies. “This project provides a general support warehouse required for storage and administrative space to support the distribution management office, base supply, food services, and general services administrative daily operations,” said NAVFAC Pacific Design Manager Grant Nakata in a published press release.

The project scope includes associated parking and a special paved area where heavy vehicles can be safely parked, called a “vehicle hardstand.” The structure of the building will be reinforced cast-in-place concrete appropriate for Guam’s earthquake and environmental conditions, as well as all necessary security requirements.

This marks the fourth project that Caddell-Nan JV has been awarded on Guam. Construction began in 2018 for a new medical outpatient facility at Apra Harbor, and work is underway on three barracks facilities that were awarded last year.

Caddell Construction Awarded Contract at Ft. Jackson, SC

MONTGOMERY, Ala., March 22, 2021 – Caddell Construction has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District for the Phase II construction of a battalion training complex at Ft. Jackson, SC. The base award, in the amount of $42,614,000, includes construction of a Basic Combat Trainee Complex with associated company training pits and other site development, as well as options for additional work.

The project consists of two Basic Trainee combined barracks with Company Operations Facilities (COF), each approximately 60,000 SF in size. The standard-design Trainee Barracks Complex will house 1200 soldiers during their important, mission-critical Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson.

The project has a base bid duration of 540 calendar days. Sustainable principles, including life cycle cost-effective practices, will be integrated into the design, development and construction of the complex.

This is Caddell’s second project at Ft. Jackson, as they currently have a site HVAC piping system replacement project soon to break ground.

Caddell Construction Announces New Vice President Position

MONTGOMERY, Ala., March 19, 2021 – Today Caddell Construction announces the promotion of Nathan Raycroft to a new role in the growing company: vice president, Guam operations.  

In recent years, Caddell has greatly increased its project load on the island of Guam, in support of the U.S. Military’s preparations to move servicemen there from Okinawa, Japan. Guam is a U.S. island territory in Micronesia, the southernmost and largest island in the Mariana Island chain, and is located in the western Pacific Ocean.

Most of the company’s work on the island is being performed as part of a long-standing and successful joint venture with Nan, Inc. In fact, the Caddell-Nan Joint Venture (CNJV) currently has more than $369 million of work in progress on Guam.

“To keep our focus on intentional changes and to put us in the best possible position on current contracts and future pursuits, we felt we needed a strong leader to head up our operations there,” said Executive Vice President Mac Caddell. “I can’t think of anybody better suited for the task than Nathan Raycroft,” he said.

Mr. Raycroft is a senior construction professional with 24 years of experience in mechanical, structural and general construction administration and management. He has been with Caddell since 2019, where his most recent role was construction executive. His environmental management acumen and careful attention to quality and safety best practices make him the ideal leader for the specialized requirements of constructing on an island in the western Pacific.

According to Mr. Caddell, CNJV’s position on Guam will be strong through at least 2025. “Mr. Raycroft will work closely with our teams and strategic partners to make sure we are managing each opportunity for long-term success,” he said. “This is a large task, and Nathan is ready for the challenge. We are confident that Nathan’s dedication to The Caddell Way will lead us to continued success in Guam and beyond.”

Together with their joint venture partner, Caddell currently has more than $369 million of work in progress on Guam.
Photo courtesy of Caddell Construction.