About We Build
Veteran & Family Owned Construction Company - Charlotte, NC
Building Excellence in Charlotte Since 2019
We Build is a veteran and family-owned construction company proudly based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 2019, our company was born from a simple conviction: Charlotte deserved a construction company that combined military discipline with family values and genuine craftsmanship. Our founder, a veteran with decades of construction experience, saw firsthand how the industry often fell short on communication, transparency, and accountability. We Build was created to change that.
From our earliest days, We Build focused on commercial construction projects in the Charlotte metro area. Our first projects were commercial upfits for local businesses that needed reliable, quality-focused contractors who could deliver on time and on budget. Word spread quickly. Clients appreciated our veteran-instilled work ethic, our transparent pricing, and our genuine commitment to doing the job right the first time. As our reputation grew, so did our scope of services.
Today, We Build is a full-service commercial construction company serving clients across Charlotte, South Charlotte, Lake Norman, Fort Mill, SC, and the surrounding region. We offer everything from ground-up commercial building to commercial roof coating . Our team brings over 60 years of combined construction experience, and every project receives the same level of attention, professionalism, and commitment to quality.
We have grown steadily by staying true to our founding principles: do what you say, deliver quality work, communicate honestly, and treat every client like family. We are proud to be a trusted construction partner for businesses throughout the Charlotte region, and we look forward to building that trust with you. View our completed work on our portfolio page.
Why We Build
Our mission at We Build is to provide top-quality construction services backed by an unwavering commitment to outstanding customer service. We strive to maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship, integrity, and efficiency while being dedicated to delivering exceptional projects for our clients and fostering long-term relationships that extend well beyond the final walkthrough.
We believe that every client deserves a contractor who listens carefully, communicates honestly, delivers what they promise, and stands behind their work without exception. This belief drives everything we do - from the first phone call to the final inspection and beyond. We measure our success not by the number of projects we complete, but by the number of clients who trust us with their next project and refer us to their colleagues and neighbors.
Our mission extends beyond individual projects. We are committed to building Charlotte's future responsibly through sustainable construction practices, local hiring, veteran support, and community involvement. Every building we construct, every space we renovate, and every roof we restore contributes to the growth and vitality of the community we call home.
Building Charlotte's Future
Our vision is to be Charlotte's most trusted construction company - known for veteran-owned integrity, sustainable building practices, and spaces that make businesses thrive and families feel at home. We envision a Charlotte built with quality, purpose, and care, where every structure reflects the craftsmanship and commitment of the people who built it.
As Charlotte continues its rapid growth, We Build is committed to building responsibly. Our membership in the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reflects our dedication to sustainable construction practices that benefit our clients, our community, and the environment. We believe the best construction companies do more than build structures - they build communities, create spaces where people thrive, and leave the places they work better than they found them.
Looking ahead, We Build is investing in expanded capabilities including our We Coat commercial roof coating division and our commitment to staying at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable building practices. Our goal is simple: to be the construction company that Charlotte trusts most.
Military Values, Construction Excellence
We Build is proudly veteran-owned and family-operated. Our military background is not just a label - it fundamentally shapes how we operate every day. The discipline, accountability, teamwork, and mission-focus that military service instills translate directly into better construction project outcomes for our clients. When you hire a veteran-owned contractor, you are hiring a team that was trained to plan thoroughly, execute under pressure, and never accept anything less than mission success.
In the military, there is a clear chain of command and every team member knows their role, their responsibilities, and the standards they must meet. We bring that same organizational clarity to construction. Our project managers lead with authority and accountability. Our field crews execute with precision and pride. And our clients always know who is responsible, what is happening, and when their project will be complete. This structured approach eliminates the confusion, finger-pointing, and missed deadlines that plague so many construction projects.
Being family-operated adds another dimension to our work. The owner is personally invested in every project because our family name is on the line. You are not dealing with a faceless corporation or a distant management team. You are working with a family that cares about your project as if it were their own home or business. That personal investment shows in the quality of our work, the responsiveness of our communication, and the pride we take in every finished project.
We also believe in supporting our fellow veterans and military families. We are proud to be working with Purple Heart Homes, bringing the discipline and standards of military service to every project we deliver. When you choose We Build, you are supporting a company that supports those who served.
Meet the People Behind We Build
Our team is the engine that drives everything We Build accomplishes. From experienced project managers and skilled tradespeople to our dedicated design consultants, every member of the We Build team shares a commitment to quality, accountability, and client satisfaction.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings decades of experience in commercial construction, project management, and business operations. Led by our veteran founder, the leadership team sets the standard for quality, integrity, and client service that defines the We Build experience. They are hands-on leaders who spend time on job sites, review project details personally, and maintain direct relationships with clients.
Project Managers
Our project managers are the single point of contact for every client. They coordinate between architects, engineers, trade partners, inspectors, and the client to ensure that every phase of construction flows smoothly. Each project manager brings years of field experience before moving into management, which means they understand construction from the ground up and can anticipate issues before they become problems.
Field Crews & Trade Partners
Our skilled field crews and vetted trade partners execute the hands-on work that turns plans into reality. Every crew member is trained in safety protocols, quality standards, and the We Build approach to construction. Our long-standing relationships with local subcontractors in Charlotte mean consistent quality, reliable scheduling, and competitive pricing across every trade on your project.
60+ Years of Combined Construction Experience
The We Build team brings over 60 years of combined construction experience to every project. This is not theoretical knowledge from textbooks - it is hard-won expertise from decades of building in the field. Our team has designed and constructed office buildings, retail centers, restaurants, medical facilities, industrial warehouses, and commercial roof restoration projects across North Carolina and South Carolina.
This breadth of experience means we understand the unique requirements of different industries and project types. A medical facility has different code requirements than a restaurant. A retail tenant improvement has different timeline pressures than a ground-up commercial build. And a commercial roof coating project requires specialized knowledge that differs entirely from ground-up construction. Our team has the depth and diversity of experience to handle all of it - efficiently, professionally, and to the highest standards.
We have also built deep expertise in Charlotte's specific building environment: local building codes, permitting processes, inspection requirements, soil conditions, weather patterns, and the subcontractor landscape. This local knowledge saves our clients time and money by avoiding common mistakes and navigating the construction process efficiently. See examples of our work on our project portfolio.
Comprehensive Construction Services in Charlotte
We Build delivers a full range of construction services for commercial clients across the Charlotte metro area. Each service is backed by our veteran-owned commitment to quality, transparency, and on-time delivery. Whether you need a ground-up commercial build or a tenant upfit, our experienced team delivers results you can count on.
Commercial Construction
Ground-up commercial builds, office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, medical facilities, and industrial projects throughout Charlotte and the surrounding region.
View Commercial ConstructionCommercial Upfits
Office renovations, tenant improvements, restaurant build-outs, and retail transformations designed to minimize business disruption and maximize ROI.
View Commercial UpfitsRoof Coating & Restoration
Eco-friendly commercial roof coating that saves up to 50% vs. full replacement. IIBEC certified team with proven restoration systems.
View Roof Coating & RestorationGeneral Contracting
Full-service general contracting for commercial projects of all sizes. Licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
View General ContractingWe also offer specialized commercial roof coating through We Coat, green building. View all of our construction services, or read about our latest projects and industry insights on our blog.
The Values That Define We Build
These core values are not aspirational statements on a wall. They are the standards we hold ourselves to on every project, every day. They guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define the experience our clients receive. Each value reflects the veteran discipline and family commitment that set We Build apart from other Charlotte construction companies.
Safety First
Safety is not negotiable. It is the foundation we stand on for every project. Our team follows strict OSHA safety protocols, conducts daily safety briefings, and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe practices. Every worker on our job sites is trained, equipped, and empowered to prioritize safety above all else. We perform regular safety audits, maintain detailed incident logs, and ensure all personal protective equipment meets or exceeds industry standards. For our clients, this commitment to safety means fewer delays, lower liability exposure, and peace of mind knowing their project site is managed responsibly.
Integrity
We do what we say and say what we do. Honesty guides every decision from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough. When we encounter a problem, we tell you immediately and present solutions. Our pricing is transparent, our timelines are realistic, and our word is our bond. We believe that trust is built through consistent action, not promises. That is why we provide detailed written proposals and never surprise our clients with hidden fees or unexpected change orders.
Quality Craftsmanship
Quality shows up in the details a tenant or owner only notices six months in - the door that still closes square, the drain that still runs clean, the paint line that has not cracked. Our supers walk the job daily, our PMs do formal inspections at rough-in, drywall, trim, and final, and every sub gets held to the same standard. If something is not right, it gets redone. That is non-negotiable, and it is why we offer a one-year workmanship warranty on every commercial project.
Teamwork
Great construction is a team effort. Collaboration with our clients, within our crew, and among our subcontractor partners drives exceptional results. We communicate proactively, respect everyone involved, and work toward a shared goal: your successful project. Our project managers serve as the single point of contact, coordinating between architects, engineers, trade partners, and building inspectors so that every phase of construction flows smoothly and efficiently.
Accountability
We take full responsibility for our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our veteran heritage instills a mission-first mentality. When we commit to a scope, a budget, and a timeline, we hold ourselves accountable for delivering. No excuses, only results. If something goes wrong, we own it, fix it, and learn from it. This culture of accountability extends to every member of our team, from project managers to field crew, because we believe that taking ownership is the foundation of great work.
Communication
We believe that poor communication is the number one cause of construction project failures. That is why We Build prioritizes clear, consistent, and proactive communication throughout every project. You receive regular progress updates, immediate notification of any issues, and timely responses to every question. Our project management systems provide real-time visibility into project schedules, budgets, and milestones so you always know exactly where your project stands.
Sustainability
We are USGBC members, but we do not push green building for its own sake. The math has to work for the owner. When it does - high-efficiency HVAC, LED lighting retrofits, reflective roof coatings, low-flow fixtures - we will spec it and explain the payback period in writing. When it does not, we tell you that too. Construction-waste planning is standard on every job: we hit better recycling rates than the local average just by sorting C&D properly, and that often saves the owner on dump fees.
Community
We live in Charlotte. We raise families here. So when we put up a building or restore a roof, it is not abstract - we will drive past it for the next twenty years. That changes how you build. We hire locally when we can, lean toward Carolina suppliers, and stay involved with veteran-support groups around Mecklenburg and York counties. Most of our work comes from referrals, which only happens if every project leaves the city a little better than we found it.
We Build Timeline
From our founding in 2019 to our continued growth today, every milestone reflects our commitment to expanding our capabilities while maintaining the quality and integrity our clients expect.
Founded in Charlotte
We Build is established as a veteran and family-owned construction company in Charlotte, NC, with a focus on commercial construction.
First Commercial Projects
Completed our first commercial upfit projects across the Charlotte metro area, establishing our reputation for quality and on-time delivery.
We Coat Launch
Launched We Coat, our dedicated commercial roof coating and restoration division, offering eco-friendly alternatives to full roof replacement.
SC License Obtained
Obtained South Carolina general contractor license, expanding our service area into Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and York County.
IIBEC Certification
Team achieved IIBEC certification for professional building enclosure consulting, strengthening our commercial roof coating expertise.
USGBC Membership
Joined the U.S. Green Building Council, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable construction practices and green building standards.
Certifications, Licenses & Memberships
We maintain the highest industry standards through active licensing, professional certifications, and membership in leading construction organizations. These credentials are more than badges - they represent verified competence, ongoing education, and financial responsibility. Each certification reflects our commitment to professional excellence and provides our clients with the confidence that their project is in qualified hands.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
As a USGBC member, We Build demonstrates a verified commitment to sustainable building practices, green construction standards, and environmentally responsible project delivery. USGBC membership means our team has access to the latest resources, education, and frameworks for energy-efficient and sustainable construction.
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
Our active North Carolina general contractor license authorizes We Build to perform construction work across the state. This license requires demonstrated experience, financial responsibility, and passing examinations on building codes, business law, and construction practices.
SC General Contractors Licensing Board
Our South Carolina general contractor license extends our service area into Fort Mill, Rock Hill, York County, and throughout the state. Dual-state licensing means clients near the NC/SC border have a single, qualified contractor for projects in either state.
IIBEC - International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants
IIBEC certification demonstrates advanced expertise in building enclosure consulting, particularly for commercial roof coating and restoration projects. This certification ensures our roof coating division, We Coat, applies industry-leading techniques and materials.
CHAMP
Certified in the Charlotte Housing Authority Maintenance Program, demonstrating our commitment to quality maintenance and construction standards for housing authority projects in the Charlotte metro area.
Why Clients Choose We Build
Charlotte has no shortage of construction companies. But clients choose We Build - and keep coming back - because of the unique combination of veteran discipline, family commitment, professional credentials, and genuine client care that defines our approach to every project.
Veteran-Owned Accountability
Military discipline translates directly into construction excellence. Our veteran ownership means you get a contractor who plans meticulously, communicates clearly, adapts when conditions change, and drives toward project completion with unwavering focus. We treat every project like a mission with clearly defined objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
Licensed in NC & SC
We Build holds active general contractor licenses in North Carolina and South Carolina. Multi-state licensing allows us to serve the Charlotte metro and South Carolina border communities. View all our certifications and licenses on our credentials page.
USGBC Member
Our U.S. Green Building Council membership reflects a genuine commitment to sustainable construction. We incorporate energy-efficient systems, specify sustainable materials, and advise clients on green building strategies that reduce environmental impact and lower long-term operating costs.
Transparent Pricing & Timelines
We provide detailed written proposals with clear line items, realistic project schedules, and proactive communication throughout every phase. There are no hidden fees, no surprise change orders, and no vague timelines. You know exactly what your project will cost and when it will be complete.
60+ Years Combined Experience
Our team brings over six decades of combined construction experience spanning commercial building, roof coating and restoration, and project management. This depth of experience means we have encountered virtually every construction challenge and know how to solve it efficiently.
Trusted Local Subcontractor Network
Over years of building in Charlotte, we have assembled a vetted network of trade partners: electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, concrete specialists, and more. These long-standing relationships mean better pricing, reliable scheduling, and consistent quality across every trade on your project.
Family-Owned, Client-Focused
As a family-owned company, the owner is personally invested in every project. You are not a number or an account. You work directly with decision-makers who care about your satisfaction, your budget, and the long-term quality of the work we deliver. Our reputation is our family name, and we protect it on every job.
Investing in the Charlotte Community
We Build is more than a construction company - we are active members of the Charlotte community. Our headquarters at 14330 S Lakes Drive in South Charlotte is home base for a team that lives, works, and raises families in this region. We believe that the strength of a construction company is measured not only by the buildings it creates but by the community it supports.
As a veteran-owned company, supporting veteran causes and organizations is close to our heart. We support local veteran organizations and participate in community events that honor military service members and their families.
We Build partners with local suppliers and subcontractors whenever possible, keeping construction dollars circulating within the Charlotte economy. We invest in training and development for our team members. And we are proud to contribute to Charlotte's built environment through quality construction that enhances neighborhoods, supports local businesses, and creates spaces where people thrive.
Our Community Commitments
Veteran Community Support
Supporting veteran-focused community organizations and honoring military service members and their families.
Local Supplier Partnerships
Prioritizing Charlotte-area suppliers and subcontractors to keep construction investment in our local economy.
Workforce Development
Investing in training and career development for our team, building the next generation of skilled construction professionals.
Sustainable Building Practices
USGBC membership and sustainable construction practices that benefit our community and environment for decades.
Serving the Greater Charlotte Metro Area
From our headquarters in South Charlotte, We Build serves clients across the entire Charlotte metropolitan area and into South Carolina. Our dual-state licensing (NC and SC) allows us to take on projects throughout the region without licensing complications, providing seamless service whether your project is in North Carolina or South Carolina.
Whether your project is in uptown Charlotte, the Ballantyne corporate corridor, lakefront Lake Norman, or growing Fort Mill, our team brings the same commitment to quality and professionalism. We know the local building codes, permitting processes, and subcontractor landscape in every community we serve. This local expertise saves you time and money.
Our Headquarters
14330 S Lakes Drive, Charlotte NC 28273
Communities We Serve
"We Build transformed our vision into reality. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality exceeded our expectations. The team was professional, communicative, and delivered on time and within budget. We highly recommend We Build for any construction project."
Frequently Asked Questions About We Build
Have questions about our company, our services, or what it is like to work with a veteran-owned construction company? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often. For additional questions, contact our team directly.
Who owns We Build and what is the company history?
We Build was founded in 2019 in Charlotte, NC by Joe Sherlock and Joe Nemec - veterans, family-owned, both still personally on every job. The original idea was simple: bring military discipline and accountability into the commercial construction market. We started with smaller commercial upfits and grew into full-service commercial construction, including the We Coat roof coating division. Today the team carries 60+ years of combined commercial construction experience across the Carolinas. The owners are still on the jobsite, not just the sales call.
What are the benefits of hiring a veteran-owned construction company?
Honestly, the answer is "it depends on the company." Plenty of contractors call themselves something they are not. What veteran ownership genuinely brings - when it shows up - is a planning discipline that does not skip pre-construction, a habit of giving you a real schedule instead of an optimistic one, and an accountability standard that traces a problem back to its actual cause rather than to whoever is easiest to blame. For clients with federal or corporate procurement programs that score veteran-owned vendors, hiring us can also help on the scoring side. Outside of that, you should hire whoever you trust will do the work right - regardless of who owns it.
Is We Build licensed and insured?
Yes. NC General Contractor license #85107 (verifiable at nclbgc.org), SC GC license #122817 (verifiable through SC LLR). Both active. Insurance: general liability, workers comp, commercial auto, builder risk on active jobs. We send certificates of insurance proactively at contract signing - landlord, lender, building manager, bonding company - whoever needs one. Dual-state licensing matters when projects cross the state line because a Charlotte/Fort Mill scope can run as one engagement instead of two separate GCs.
What does USGBC membership mean for my project?
Our U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) membership means We Build has access to the latest sustainable building resources, education, and frameworks including LEED standards. For your project, this translates to expert guidance on energy-efficient building systems, sustainable material specifications, waste reduction strategies, and green building practices that lower long-term operating costs. Whether you are building a new commercial facility or renovating an existing space, our USGBC membership ensures we can advise on environmentally responsible options that benefit both your bottom line and the environment.
How much construction experience does the We Build team have?
The We Build team brings over 60 years of combined construction experience spanning commercial building, roof coating and restoration, and project management. Our experience covers a wide range of project types including office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, medical facilities, commercial upfits, and industrial projects. This depth of experience means we have encountered virtually every construction challenge and know how to solve it efficiently while keeping your project on schedule and on budget.
What areas does We Build serve?
We Build serves the entire Charlotte metropolitan area and beyond. Our primary service areas include Charlotte, South Charlotte, Ballantyne, Pineville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Lake Norman, Waxhaw, Marvin, Weddington, Indian Trail, and Fort Mill, SC. Our headquarters is located at 14330 S Lakes Drive, Charlotte NC 28273, and our dual-state licensing (NC and SC) allows us to take on projects throughout both states without licensing complications. We are especially well-established in South Charlotte, Lake Norman, and the Fort Mill corridor.
Does We Build offer free consultations?
Yes. We Build provides free project consultations for all construction projects. During the initial consultation, we visit your site (or review your plans), discuss your goals and budget, and outline next steps. Our proposals are thorough and transparent so you can make informed decisions. There is no pressure, no obligation, and no hidden fees. Contact us at (980) 471-1745 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation.
What types of construction projects does We Build handle?
We Build handles a comprehensive range of commercial construction projects. Our services include ground-up commercial construction, commercial upfits and tenant improvements, restaurant build-outs, medical facility construction, retail spaces, office buildings, industrial projects, and commercial roof coating through our We Coat division.
How is We Build different from other construction companies in Charlotte?
We Build is differentiated by several factors that most Charlotte contractors cannot match. First, our veteran ownership instills a culture of discipline, accountability, and mission-focus that produces better project outcomes. Second, our USGBC membership ensures we can advise on sustainable building practices. Third, our dual-state licensing (NC and SC) provides flexibility for clients near the state border. Fourth, our transparent pricing model means no hidden fees or surprise change orders. And fifth, as a family-owned company, the owner is personally involved in every project, ensuring the quality and care that larger firms often cannot provide.
How long has We Build been serving the Charlotte construction market?
We Build was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2019 and has been delivering commercial construction, upfits, and roof coatings across the region ever since. While the company is relatively young, our leadership team brings over sixty years of combined construction experience spanning commercial builds, industrial projects, and specialty coatings. That depth of field knowledge, combined with fresh energy and veteran-driven accountability, has fueled our growth from a small upfit contractor to a multi-state construction company serving Charlotte, Fort Mill, Lake Norman, and the surrounding Carolinas.
Let's Build Something Great Together
Ready to work with Charlotte's trusted veteran-owned construction company? Whether you need commercial construction or roof coating, contact us today for a free consultation and discover the We Build difference.