Chairman & CEO

With a construction industry career spanning nearly 40 years, Bill Caldwell has held various executive operations and sales management positions in both the general contracting and mechanical subcontracting fields. Caldwell assumed the role of President of Waldrop, Inc. in December 2009 following five years as Waldrop’s Vice President of Operations. Soon after joining the firm, Caldwell spearheaded a strategic initiative to expand Waldrop’s services, market sectors and geographic footprint. In less than five years, Waldrop’s annual business grew by threefold — significantly increasing the equity of the firm and respective shareholder value, In addition, Waldrop’s employee base doubled and a formal employee training program was established. Under Caldwell’s leadership, Waldrop became the first mechanical contractor in South Carolina to implement a registered apprenticeship program for its employees. The company also celebrated an impressive safety milestone, achieving 1.7 million safe man-hours without a lost-time accident.

Before joining Waldrop’s executive management team in 2004, Caldwell served as Vice President of Operations for an established Columbia (SC)-based specialty contracting firm. Caldwell expanded the company’s geographic presence and led the firm to unprecedented levels of profit growth. At the heart of Caldwell’s career history is nearly 25 years with Fluor Daniel where he started as a project accountant immediately following graduation from the University of South Carolina’s business school. Caldwell soon grew into increasingly responsible positions in project management, eventually becoming an Executive Director. In this role, Caldwell led the company’s effort to diversify and move into the global hospitality and commercial sectors.

Caldwell is active in a variety of civic roles, and speaks to industry and collegiate groups about the construction industry. He is an active proponent of workforce development, focusing on bridging the gap between the construction industry and the educational community.

B.S., Business Administration (Accounting), University of South Carolina (1974)

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Inc. of the Carolinas
– Chairman of the Board (2011 term)| Vice Chairman of the Board (2010 term)
– Board member since 2008
– Past Chairman, Upstate (SC) Council (2008 and 2009 terms)

Mechanical Contractors Association of South Carolina (MCASC)
– Past board member (Statewide organization)
– Past Chairman, Piedmont Chapter

Palmetto Health Baptist Easley Foundation, former board member
First United Methodists Church, Easley (SC) — various leadership roles
Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce — Government Affairs Committee