Since its modest beginnings in 1950, Greenville-based Harper General Contractors has grown into one of the Southeast’s most consequential construction companies, and the list of projects over those 75 years includes more than a few Upstate icons and cherished community landmarks.
It stems from a company culture that prioritizes placemaking and community building, according to Doug Harper, chairman of the board and the third generation of the family to hold a leadership role with the company.
Building connections
If there’s a through line from the company’s beginning selling building supplies from a small building in Williamston to becoming the largest general contractor based in South Carolina, it’s customer service and building strong relationships with clients.
Doug Harper grew up learning those values in a company founded by his grandfather, John Harper Sr., who was born in 1898 and grew up on a farm near Williamston. Doug joined the firm in 1974 as it continued to grow under the leadership of his father, John Harper Jr., who helmed the company through 1985 when it moved to Greenville…