Voices Within Evans: Chad Marshall

When we opened the Charlotte office in 2021, we started with just one employee in a 3,500 SF space. From the beginning, we saw steady growth driven by manufacturing and the continued strength of the distribution and logistics market in the region. Charlotte has always been a stable market because of its diverse economy and strong financial sector, which provided a solid foundation as we expanded our team and took on larger projects.

The momentum really accelerated as our presence in advanced technology grew, particularly in the data center market. While many of the new team members operate in the field, supporting those projects requires significant office resources, from preconstruction and project admin support to VDC & BIM expertise. At the same time, advanced manufacturing has continued to grow throughout North and South Carolina, making Charlotte an ideal hub to sustain that work.

One of the advantages of markets we focus on is the longevity of the projects. These aren’t 10 or 12-month jobs, they’re often over 24-month projects. That creates a level of stability that allows us to continue investing in our people and resources while maintaining a consistent backlog.

While the warehouse and distribution demand has leveled off compared to previous years its viability as a necessary market segment along with advanced manufacturing and data centers gaining momentum, these markets provide long-term opportunities for the region.

Our portfolio has grown significantly over the past years, particularly in sectors requiring integrated MEP solutions, technical complexity, and power infrastructure  the advanced technology market. As we’ve successfully delivered high-performance facilities across the country, clients recognize Evans as a trusted builder. Manufacturing has always been one of our strengths, and now we’re able to combine that long-standing experience with our growing expertise in advanced technology.

Beyond our project experience, I think what truly differentiates Evans is our culture and the way we approach our clients. We’re a company that’s constantly expanding, but we’ve maintained a family-oriented culture that clients appreciate. We’re focused on doing the right thing, taking ownership when challenges arise, and working collaboratively to solve problems.

We also don’t simply present a number and walk away. Instead, we work alongside our clients to identify opportunities, improve budgets, and find solutions that help move projects forward. That client-first mindset is something I’ve consistently seen at Evans, and it’s a significant reason clients continue choosing to work with us.

One of the biggest advantages has been the support we’ve received from the company’s leadership to invest in our people and our office. As we’ve evolved, we’ve been able to hire experienced professionals and build the resources necessary to meet our clients’ needs throughout the spectrum.

At the same time, Evans empowers its regional offices to operate with a high level of autonomy. Since joining the company, I’ve been encouraged to treat Charlotte like my own business, giving us the ability to act quickly and make decisions that best serve our clients and market. That autonomy allows us to build stronger relationships and tailor our approach to the needs of the local market, while benefiting from the resources, expertise, and support of the broader organization

It starts with strong leadership and building balanced teams. Every project requires people with different strengths and perspectives, and success comes from bringing those skill sets together around a common goal. Technical ability is important, but leadership, trust, and collaboration are what allow teams to consistently perform at a high level.

I don’t believe in micromanaging, I believe in giving people ownership, promoting growth by making decisions, learning from mistakes, and taking responsibility for their work. My purpose is to give our teams the tools, support, and freedom to operate with confidence while knowing they have the support when they need it.

Another important part of our accomplishments is investing in younger professionals. We focus on building teams from the ground up, giving people opportunities to develop skills, and see a clear path forward in their careers. When people feel trusted and empowered, they perform, and that’s ultimately what allows us to continue at the forefront of an increasingly competitive market.