Edison Foard Construction is a diversified general contractor and construction manager based in Charlotte, NC. We have served clients throughout the Southeast for over 80 years; growing the construction industry through our dedication to excellent people and excellent outcomes. Our commitment to the Carolinas, and future growth in the region, remains as steadfast as it did upon our founding.
We opened our doors in 1939, but our ties to construction date back to the late 1800s, when J.D. Foard, the father of our company founder, established the Foard Construction Company. The first projects include the original Dilworth and Elizabeth Elementary Schools, and the YMCA’s original building on South Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte.
One of J.D.’s sons, Edison Glenn Foard, grew up on construction worksites. Edison went on to earn a business degree from UNC Chapel Hill, where he excelled in athletics and academics, scoring the first two touchdowns in the then newly built Keenan Stadium in 1927.
Edison Glenn Foard
Edison played professional baseball with the Washington Senators following graduation. After realizing construction was in his blood, he returned to Charlotte to work at Foard Construction. In 1939, with the help of his wife, Bessie, Edison founded Edison Foard General Contractor. Edison built during the day and developed estimates at night working from the kitchen table. During World War II, when construction budgets were lean, the company persevered by doing repairs and renovations and selling its nail allotments to other firms.
Following World War II, Edison Foard expanded to build warehouses, offices, schools and churches. During the 1980s, we built and up-fitted multiple IBM facilities in the I-77 Trade Park and worked closely with Bank of America on projects. In the 1990s, Edison Foard expanded to include public, educational, and institutional markets. We began work with Charlotte Douglas International Airport in the 1990s and have worked closely with the airport every year since.
Edison’s son-in-law, Penn Cassels, an N.C. State University graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering, joined the company in 1972 and became President in 1980. Penn’s son, Edison Cassels, joined the company in 1994 after graduating from the University of Georgia and Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law. Edison started as a project manager, and in 2009 assumed the responsibilities of President of the company that bears his grandfather’s name.
We’re proud of our long history, but we aren’t resting on our laurels. We know our reputation is only as good as our last project, and we look forward to building the future with you.
2. BUILDING COMMUNITY AND LEGACY
3. SOLUTIONS ORIENTED EXPERTISE
Edison Foard relies on the following five pillars to uphold and guide our success:
We Believe in Our People
People are the foundation of our business. We hire and work with talented and passionate people. We value diversity in our team and believe every team member brings a unique and important perspective. We believe that everyone we work with, from our team members to our subcontractors, suppliers and clients, must be treated with dignity and respect.
We Forge Strong Relationships
Our focus on relationships is both about the relationships we build with clients and the relationships we build among our team members. We work with our clients to prove to them we’re trustworthy and reliable. When taking on a project, we become a team member, not simply a service provider.
We Embrace a Positive Attitude
There are many things you can’t control in life, but one thing you can control is your attitude. We take a positive, can-do approach. We are problem solvers and actively look for efficient and reasonable solutions for our clients.
We are Innovative
We combine the strength of our 80+ years of experience with the latest and most advanced construction methodologies to build our projects and our people. We embrace innovative construction techniques, leading delivery systems, and out-of-the-box thinking to exceed expectations on every project.
We Build Prosperity
We believe in building prosperity for our people, our trade partners and our clients.
Many of our team members have been with the company for more than 20 years. We’re extremely proud of this, particularly as construction is known for being a high-turnover industry. We attribute this longevity to a company culture focused on personal connection, team growth, and advancement for all. As a company we are committed to giving back to our industry through mentorship programs, community service, and deep community involvement.
Edison Cassels
President & Chief Executive Officer
Edison joined the company that bears his grandfather’s name in 1994. Edison earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Georgia and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law. Edison started as a project manager and moved up the ranks to become President and Chief Executive Office in 2009. He provides the vision, strategic planning and oversight for the company.
Mike Hill
Vice President of Preconstruction Services
Mike estimates, researches and puts together a project’s cost estimate and acts as the liaison between subcontractors, vendors and the project manager until the handoff meeting. Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Building Science & Management from Clemson University. He joined Edison Foard in 2002.
David McConnell
David McConnell, Director of Business Development
David develops business opportunities and cultivates new and existing relationships for the company. He has a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications from Wake Forest University. David joined Edison Foard in 2021.
Beth Craig
Human Resources Director
Beth handles all aspects related to employees including hiring, administration and oversight of benefits, developing and maintaining company policies and procedures, overseeing technology and security, and ensuring company compliance with state and federal regulations. She graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with a human resources concentration. Beth joined Edison Foard in 1994.
Richard Cagan
Safety Director
Richard provides safety support for all Edison Foard projects. A former OSHA inspector and NSC Flagger and Forklift and Aerial Lift Instructor, Richard develops health and safety programs and job safety analysis reports, conducts jobsite audits and root cause analyses, provides safety training, and manages hazardous materials. Richard joined Edison Foard in 2016.
Mark Kolb
Executive Vice President of Operations
Mark ensures each project team successfully executes its project plan. He earned a Bachelor of Science in building construction from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Mark joined Edison Foard in 1996.
Edison Foard is committed to enhancing the participation of minority-, women-owned, and small business enterprises (“MWSBEs”) and supporting their continued success. We make a concerted effort to build strong relationships and work closely with partners to engage the MWSBE community. In fact, we exceed MWSBE goals on more than 90% of our projects.
We were awarded the prestigious 2019 Crowns of Enterprise Prime Contractor of the Year Award sponsored by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. This award is presented to a Prime Contractor that demonstrates exemplary leadership while embracing and engaging in diversity efforts.
In addition, we were awarded the “Steel Toe Boot Award” as General Contractor of the Year by the Metrolina Minority Contractor Association in conjunction with N.C. Subcontractor’s Alliance. This award recognizes a company’s exemplary efforts and accomplishments that embrace inclusion and diversity in the construction industry.