Our expansion into the Carolinas started the way most of our markets do: a client asked us to do work out there. What followed were opportunities in the surrounding states, which ultimately gave us the footprint to build out our East Market with North Carolina at its center.
We hired intentionally as the market grew, building a local team of project managers, project coordinators, superintendents, and area supervisors so we could support the region with a real physical presence. Pairing that team with the strong trade partner relationships we've formed across the Carolinas and surrounding states has been a big part of how we've delivered restaurant construction work for clients like McDonald's, Einstein Bros Bagels, and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
The biggest goal for us when we go into new markets is making sure the Stansell culture shows up the same way it does in our home state. That means being intentional with hiring, picky with the trade partners we onboard, and thoughtful with the clients we pursue. Being the new guys in a market brings its own challenges, so trustworthy partners who want mutual success matter a lot.
The store had recently passed from father to son, and sadly, the father passed away just as construction began. He had planted a Japanese orchid on the property that was originally set to be removed during demolition, but the new owner asked that the tree be preserved given its personal significance.
That request created real complications with the stormwater system and overall site layout. Our team coordinated an RFI (a formal request used to resolve design conflicts) with the utility contractor, civil engineer, McDonald's, the owner/operator, and city inspectors. Plan adjustments were approved with the condition that as-built drawings and an engineer's letter be provided ahead of final inspections. The field work authorization was signed off quickly, and the client was grateful for the team's flexibility in honoring what mattered to the family while keeping the project on track.
