Myself and my colleague Matt Vawdrey have just got back from an incredible trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, where we had the opportunity to meet with key clients and candidates across the heavy civil and construction materials sectors — including standout visits to Crowder and Sunrock.
With the Southeastern U.S. infrastructure market projected to grow by over $250 billion in the next decade — driven by federal investment, urban expansion, and aging transportation systems — this region is one of the most active and opportunity-rich markets in the country. The Carolinas in particular continue to play a critical role, with major DOT projects, commercial expansions, and energy infrastructure fueling demand for highly skilled professionals across every level of the industry.
Crowder Construction, with over 75 years of legacy across heavy civil, environmental, and industrial construction, continues to deliver on some of the region’s most complex infrastructure projects — and it was energizing to meet both operational leaders and rising talent on active job sites.
At Sunrock Corp, a vertically integrated materials supplier with more than 70 years in the game, we got a behind-the-scenes look at their aggregate and asphalt production operations. With demand for high-performance, sustainable materials on the rise, it’s clear they’re positioning themselves as a key partner for growth across the Carolinas.
What stood out most wasn’t just the size or scale of the work — but the people behind it. From early-morning site tours to late-afternoon coffees and conversations, we were reminded that recruitment is never just about roles — it’s about relationships.
It’s about understanding the nuances of each company’s culture, the technical demands of their projects, and their long-term vision — whether they’re building roads, bridges, treatment plants, or producing the materials that make it all possible.
We left North Carolina with:
• Multiple new searches already underway
• Expanded our candidate network by 20% across field operations and project management roles
• Gained critical insight into upcoming regional developments that will shape hiring trends for the next 12–24 months
We’ve come back recharged, realigned, and even more determined to connect the right people with the right projects — not just once, but for the long term. Big thanks again to everyone who welcomed us, challenged us, and shared their plans with us.
We’ll be back soon.
CMC Partners
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