Creative Builders Inc.: A Model of Community Commitment
In Greenville, South Carolina, a unique construction company is making waves not just for its impressive portfolio of projects but also for its unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. Creative Builders Inc. (CBI), the reigning recipient of the Philanthropic Spirit Award, has a vision that extends well beyond the walls they build.
Building More than Just Structures
For over 50 years, CBI has left its mark on the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. While you might expect a contracting firm to focus solely on financial, medical, and commercial projects, CBI’s president, William H. McCauley III, believes that true development involves much more than just constructing buildings.
To McCauley, building means creating lasting relationships and developing the skills of employees. “Every company has the revenue side, the financial responsibility side, and the operational side,” McCauley explains. “What most companies really fail to work on is the development of its people.” This philosophy has made CBI one of South Carolina’s Top Workplaces every year since 2017—a testament to how they value their team.
A Legacy of Giving Back
William McCauley III took the helm of CBI after graduating from Clemson University. He considers himself fortunate to lead a company that has made philanthropy part of its core mission. CBI has a portfolio that includes over 60 affordable multifamily and senior living developments. Among these projects are the Gateway at the Green workforce housing initiative and the Renaissance Place senior living community, showcasing their commitment to creating access to housing for everyone.
“Every time we can support a local organization or cause, we see it as an opportunity to give back,” McCauley emphasizes. One of the most significant ongoing projects is the $4.5 million renovation of the Neighborhood Cancer Connection, located near Prisma Health’s Greenville Memorial Hospital. McCauley, who serves on the board for the connection, is elated. “Everybody’s really excited about the new facilities. They’ll be providing services to cancer patients in our community who don’t have the financial means to get them somewhere else,” he says.
Supporting Those Who Served
Another cause close to McCauley’s heart is the SEAL Future Foundation, which is dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life with services in wellness, education, and career support. “They perform at such a high level,” McCauley points out, “and then to integrate back into society is really difficult for them.” CBI’s efforts don’t stop there; they are frequent contributors to the Community Foundation of Greenville and Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.
This spirit of giving also extends to organizations like Touched by ALS, which received a generous donation from CBI in memory of McCauley’s father, who lost his battle with the disease in 2012. It’s a poignant reminder of the impact that personal experiences have on corporate responsibility.
A Broader Perspective on Success
As McCauley reflects on the journey of Creative Builders, he feels immense pride in the company’s focus on a bigger picture. “It does make me extremely proud that we’re a company that’s focused on a bigger picture and not just the bottom line,” he states. “It’s a blessing to be in a place where we can pass the blessings forward.”
So, the next time you see a new construction site in the area, remember that it might just be a place where relationships are being built alongside the buildings themselves. CBI is not just hammering nails or pouring concrete; they’re laying the foundation for a better community, one project at a time.
