Across commercial and community spaces, Metcon delivers quality construction with a client first mindset 

As a Native American operation, Metcon brings high-quality construction services to clients across North Carolina.  The company’s long legacy of excellence started 25 years ago, as Vice President of Business Development, Angela Carter, begins: “Metcon is a Native American-owned business, which was founded in 2000 in Pembroke, North Carolina by current President and CEO, Aaron Thomas. As North Carolina’s largest minority-owned construction contractor, we have grown from humble beginnings and now operate across North Carolina and South Carolina.   

“We are a trusted and capable provider of construction services. Today, we have three building divisions including: Pembroke, which is our headquarters, Raleigh, and Charlotte. Our infrastructure division focuses on wastewater treatment facilities, water & underground utilities. Our name ‘Metcon’ was conceived in 1999 as we started as a subcontractor specializing in panelized metal studs and trusses and became a General Contractor in 2000.  The early NC Bond program for the UNC system catapulted us to becoming a leader in Higher Education Construction.   

The company’s unique heritage is central to its sustainability mission, as Angela discusses: “True to our Native American heritage is our commitment to sustainable building. Our firm has built more buildings that generate their own energy through solar power, geothermal heating, and energy positive cooling than any other builder in our region. To date, we have completed 11 energy positive projects and have won many awards.   

“Today, our firm has grown not only into the largest minority owned Contractor in NC, but a proven firm providing a full range of construction management at risk and design-build services for our clients across the Carolinas.”  

With astonishing range and unparalleled quality, Metcon’s project portfolio and approach sets it apart from the competition. As Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Thomas, details: “Our portfolio of projects showcases our experience in a variety of markets, including commercial units, utilities and operations centers, educational, mixed- use housing, judicial, airport, hospitality, sports and entertainment, infrastructure, and healthcare facilities across the Carolinas. Our approach to construction management allows our clients to control the most important things that affect their projects, most importantly, their time and money. Pre-construction and planning begin with the end in mind, working transparently with the stakeholders and design team early in the process to protect their budget and identify risk factors, while also considering phasing options, evaluating materials and finishes for best value, and working out lifecycle costs on equipment ahead of time.    

“We also provide cost modeling services for building, provision, and constructability reviews. To ensure clarity throughout, we use building information modeling programs alongside virtual design, construction reviews, and site analysis.”  

Expertise and experience 

Being minority owned brings a certain responsibility creating equal opportunities for all. As Angela reveals: “We have a unique lens when it comes to minority participation. Our approach is threefold. It begins first with our own talented workforce. Over 60 percent of our workforce are minorities and veterans that possess the experience and expertise needed in complex construction. We have doubled our workforce over the course of three years to match our needs, and we currently have 164 employees within the business.   

“Secondly, we focus on outreach and relationships in the minority contracting community. This allows us to ensure that many opportunities are available for them to pursue. Finally, it is our commitment to grow the next generation of minority contractors through education and workshops, bringing best-in-class operations and practices to the forefront through our academy. Our internal training department is known as RISE, meaning Roadways Impacting Success for Everyone. This way, they can take this knowledge to any construction management project in North Carolina and be successful.  

“We are proud of our Native American heritage, but just as proud to be a proven firm that is now selected based on our qualifications and not because we are the lowest cost provider. With our focus on Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) and Design-Build projects, we are given the opportunity to showcase our expertise and experience and be recognized for such. While a lot of our work is primarily for state and local government clients, we have been shifting to more private and negotiated opportunities.”  

Industry accolades 

Throughout the years Metcon has been recognized for their excellence in construction by Engineering News and Record for “Best of the Best in Education Projects” in 2018, 2016, & 2013. Metcon also received the Association of Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas [ABCC] Eagle Award for Sandy Grove Middle School 2014; Grantham & Spring Creek Middle Schools 2016, UNC Pembroke Thomas School of Business 2018; and ABCC Merit Award for James A Leach Aquatic & Recreation Center 2022.  In addition, they have been named National Minority Contractor of the Year in 2011 and 2013 and recognized numerous times through the NC for their advocacy for Minority Contractors on public and state funded projects.   

Between industry accolades and organic growth, the future is bright for Metcon. As Aaron concludes: “We have grown significantly over the last eight years. We completed 2024 with $330m in revenue — and 2025 is shaping up to be an even better year. Our priorities are not only about being bigger, but a stronger and smarter organization. Continuing to execute projects with excellence, investing in our people with training and innovation, and continuing to improve our tools and technology to bring our clients’ vision to life.   

“Our long-term goal is to sustain a strong moderate growth plan for our organization. The future holds many exciting new projects, and the latest trends and technological advances that will continue to allow us to incorporate the best tools to exceed our clients’ expectations. Our goal is to have a focused plan that can operate in any economic outlook, by expanding into project types and markets that will continue to hold strong over the next five years, based on the growth of our state.”  

www.metconus.com