How Robbins Construction Group leverages cutting-edge technology to craft exceptional commercial projects
Equipped with more than 30 years of commercial construction and design-build expertise, Derek Robbins, President and Chief Executive Officer, established Robbins Construction Group (Robbins) to seamlessly bring its clients’ visions to life. With continuous support from the early stages all the way through to the final certificate of occupancy, the company ensures the highest quality project execution that is on schedule and on budget.
“Robbins is a dynamic commercial general contractor with projects spanning the Southeast of the US. Launched with zero projects and a vision to make a positive impact on the construction industry, the company has achieved remarkable growth within its first five years in business. Indeed, Robbins has now grown into a $100 million company, supported by a dedicated team of 30 employees,” Derek opens.
“We hold licenses in 29 states and are qualified to operate in an additional seven, allowing us to effectively serve a diverse client base across the country. However, our primary focus remains on the Southeast region, where we have established a strong presence and built lasting relationships with our clients. This regional concentration enables us to deliver tailored solutions and maintain the high standards of service that define our company. Our rapid expansion is underscored by the opening of an additional office in Greensboro, North Carolina, which strengthens our presence in the region and enhances our ability to serve clients. By focusing on delivering exceptional quality, forging strong partnerships, and fostering a client-centric approach, we strive to maintain our position as a leader in the commercial construction space,” he adds.
Advanced technology
Derek goes on to detail the range of schemes Robbins typically undertakes. “Our portfolio across the Southeast region encompasses a wide array of project types, a testament to our versatility and expertise. We specialize in industrial facilities, such as warehouses and manufacturing plants, as well as big-box retail spaces designed for high functionality. Additionally, our work extends to office buildings, medical facilities, multi-family residential developments, and automotive projects like dealerships and service centers. We have also completed multi-unit storage facilities and civic structures, including government and community buildings. Through this diverse experience, we are able to adapt to the unique demands of clients and industries throughout the Southeast,” he continues.
To best carry out this wide range of projects, Robbins has made strategic investments in advanced technology and equipment. “Poised to enhance our operations and efficiency, these investments include project management software platforms to streamline communication, scheduling, and document sharing across all teams, thus ensuring projects are executed smoothly and on time. Furthermore, we have adopted Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to improve design accuracy, minimize construction errors, and provide clients with detailed visualizations of their projects before construction begins.
“We have also invested in job site camera systems so that owners and project personnel can remotely monitor and observe construction progress as needed. The cameras not only provide real-time updates and transparency for improved communication and collaboration, but also allow us to compile a full visual timeline of the project by capturing every stage from inception to completion. This is particularly invaluable for quality assurance and documentation purposes. To improve safety and get more precise data to inform our planning processes, we are also integrating advanced tools such as drones for site surveys and inspections. Beyond benefiting our operations, these innovations reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality results for clients all while staying ahead of industry trends,” Derek enlightens.
Industry recognition
With 2024 marking Robbins’ fifth anniversary, Derek reflects on the factors that have contributed towards the business’ tremendous growth in such a short amount of time. “We are incredibly grateful for the growth we have experienced, which was made possible through the support of brokers, industry associates, subcontractors, and friends who have shared kind words, helped us make industry connections, and provided referrals. All of these people have played an instrumental role in our success. In our first five years of operation, we have received many prestigious accolades recognizing our expansion, a significant and unprecedented achievement for our company. In fact, we were honored as The Post and Courier’s Choice Winner for Best Commercial Construction Company for four consecutive years, from 2020 to 2023. Similarly, we were named one of the Best Places to Work in 2023 and 2024. Our rapid growth placed us among South Carolina’s Fastest Growing Companies, ranking seventh in 2022, 5th in 2023, and third in 2024. Moreover, we received the Gold Award from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) for our work on the Park Circle redevelopment project. All these achievements demonstrate the dedication of our team and the vital partnerships that empowered us to get to where we are today,” he reveals.
In response to this substantial growth, Robbins is looking to expand its thriving Special Projects division to secure new clients and continue catering for all project sizes and forms. “Our Special Projects division’s increasing capacity and expertise has enabled it to grow significantly. As a result, we have expanded its team to three skilled professionals and have begun diversifying into exciting new markets. Recently, the division secured an important contract to provide maintenance services for military housing, a milestone that showcases its ability to adapt to specialized and mission-critical projects. Expanding the Special Projects division will not only strengthen our capabilities in niche markets but also underscore our dedication to meeting our clients’ diverse needs. By investing in this division, we are preparing ourselves to take on more complex projects and provide tailored solutions that align with our long-term growth strategy,” he says.
Within just five years, Robbins has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Southeast, thanks to its commitment to quality, exceptional project execution and innovative technology.