Edifice was founded in 1978. When Laster bought the company in 1987, it had three employees. Focusing on the entertainment and religious sectors in other states, he grew the company quickly. By 1997, the company had 80 employees and $100 million in revenue.

It was the fastest growing privately owned business in the Piedmont that year and was featured in Inc. Magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing privately held companies in the country. Today, Edifice is the second largest privately held general contractor in Charlotte, and one of the top five overall.

Laster's focus will be on long-range planning. "As Edifice has gotten larger and more complex to manage, John has stepped in and filled voids in the management," Laster tells GlobeSt.com. "John now has full authority. He is in charge of the day-to-day activities of the business, and he will report only to the board of directors."

When Schultze was hired, Edifice had a small presence in Charlotte. Laster credits him with increasing that local presence. In addition to projects for local clients, Edifice renovated the old Coca-Cola building on West Morehead Street to use as its headquarters and to lease to other companies. The renovation helped spark the revitalization of that business corridor.

Laster also credits Schultze's efforts at diversification for helping grow the company. The company is now active in the multifamily, adaptive reuse, medical, industrial, office, retail, public, and senior housing/assisted living markets.

Instant Insights /

City's #2 Construction Firm Gets Its First CEO--The Owner

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