Part of the Story

What sets Barnhill apart is our unwavering commitment to the people: employees, customers, partners, and the communities in which we live and work. They’re the foundation of everything we do.

WHO WE ARE

Being recognized as one of the Southeast’s leading contractors is not something we take lightly. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the grit and determination from our family of employees, and are humbly grateful.

More than 70% of our business also comes from repeat clients and we are proud to have developed strong relationships throughout the construction industry. We understand the importance of building and maintaining trust.
  • #2

    Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) Largest Contractors in the Triangle

  • #2

    Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) Largest Contractors in NC

  • #33

    Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) Largest Privately Held Entities

  • #41

    Business NC Largest Private Companies in the State

  • #167

    Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 400 Contractors

Barnhill’s success is built on the values, principles and vision of the man – Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. – whose name we proudly bear

We owe a great deal of gratitude to the Barnhill leaders that have preceded us. They made the sacrifices needed to ensure the continuation of this company over these many years. They put in the hard work and forward thinking to establish the culture and plan for the future. They chose the more difficult path; a path to create a company that is lasting and meaningful, investing in people, innovative ideas, and continually evolving over time to maintain a competitive edge for the long haul.” – Rob Barnhill

Our values-based culture is embedded in all Barnhill work. Since our company’s inception, these core values have been an integral part of who we are, guiding every action and decision we make. We take pride in partnering with people who prioritize and share our commitment to these founding principles.

  • Commitment
  • Integrity
  • Learning & Development
  • Family
  • Diversity

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

We are a family of builders, creating solutions that enable our partners to succeed, our communities to thrive and our employees to grow.

vision

Barnhill will be the best place to work and build a meaningful career as our company continues to develop a highly engaged, high performing workforce while maintaining our core values.

Values

We embrace the following values: commitment, family, integrity, learning and development, and diversity.

Family Owned & Operated

Today, Rob Barnhill serves as our third-generation leader, and CEO. He continues both his grandfather and father’s vision of the business, rooted in the power of our people. Bob Barnhill continues to serve as Chairman of the Board and they pave the way with a clear vision for the future, maintaining the humble qualities that have shaped us.

  • Bob Barnhill
    Bob Barnhill
  • Rob Barnhill
    CEO

Community Investment

Our boots have left their mark across the communities of the Carolinas. Whether we’re building schools or paving roads, our efforts are essential for the growth and prosperity of these areas. We take this responsibility to heart. We also believe that active involvement and giving back are vital to community development, and we’re dedicated to supporting these communities in every way we can.

Culture

Dedicated, Earnest, Humble and Secure. Family to the core. The culture of Barnhill is what keeps so many employees around for decades. It’s this supportive, have-your-back environment that fosters that deep sense of belonging. We’re united by a common goal: to fulfill our mission, strive towards our vision, and consistently embody our values. Construction is challenging, but the reward comes in seeing a finished Barnhill-built project and sharing that accomplishment with the family we’ve built along the way.

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Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. and RW Long found Barnhill & Long Construction using surplus army equipment and machinery purchased from the government after WWII.

Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. purchases RW Long’s interest in the company and the company is renamed to Barnhill Contracting Company. Barnhill is awarded its first major project, a farm-to-market road from Ahoskie to Murfreesboro, NC.

Barnhill is awarded its first interstate highway contract in Virginia.

Barnhill purchases its first asphalt plant and places it in Tarboro, NC. The company expands services to include private grading and paving operations in the Edgecombe County area.

Barnhill establishes a Profit-Sharing Program for employees. The company has continued to contribute to the plan each year.

Barnhill purchases Cumberland Paving Company, acquiring five asphalt plants and operates it as a wholly owned subsidiary.

Due to the slowing highway construction market, Barnhill moves into coal mining operations and forms Energy Producers, Inc. in Cowen, WV. The company purchases United Coal Company in Lost Creek, WV.

Barnhill ceases operations on their surface mines in WV and moves back into the road building business. The company forms a Building Division and is awarded its first contract to construct the Tarboro High School gymnasium. That same year, the Heavy Highway Division is awarded a contract to build the Raleigh Beltline, the largest contract awarded by the NCDOT at that time.

Barnhill acquires Oscar Miller in Raleigh, NC, which includes an asphalt plant in Raleigh and launches the Raleigh Division.

Robert E. Barnhill, Jr. is named President of the company. Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. becomes Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The company is reorganized into a division concept and Cumberland Paving Company becomes the Southeast Division.

Barnhill purchases the assets of Outer Banks Contractors and forms the Northeast Division with offices in Kitty Hawk and Elizabeth City, NC.

Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. dies at the age of 79. To honor his legacy, the Barnhill family founds the Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Robert E. Barnhill, Jr. becomes Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

The NC Legislature passes Senate Bill 914, allowing the Construction Manager at Risk delivery method. Barnhill’s Building Division is awarded the state’s first CM at Risk job, the ACT project at Edgecombe Community College.

Barnhill is named Best General Contractor by the Carolinas AGC.

Barnhill purchases the assets of Mac Construction in Shallotte, NC. This purchase adds an asphalt plant in Shallotte and the company forms the Brunswick Division

Barnhill purchases the assets of APAC and forms the Coastal Division, which also includes the Brunswick acquisition from the previous year.

Bob Barnhill moves to Chief Executive Officer and Rob Barnhill becomes President of the company.

Barnhill purchases the assets of Barnes Paving Company, adding an asphalt plant and office in Lumberton, NC, and further expanding the Southeast Division.

Barnhill relocates corporate headquarters from Tarboro to Rocky Mount, NC.

Barnhill establishes mission, vision and values on paper and creates Values-Based Leadership initiative.

Barnhill’s Building Division changes their name to Barnhill Building Group and forms the Commercial Services and Capital Projects divisions.

Barnhill Contracting Company and Barnhill Building Group become two separate entities underneath the Barnhill umbrella.

Barnhill revitalizes its brand with an inaugural Brand & Style Guide, enhancing and solidifying an identity that stands the test of time.

Skip Partington was named President of Barnhill Contracting Company and Marty Moser of Barnhill Building Group. These promotions position Rob Barnhill to continue serving as CEO, overseeing both organizations and focusing on vision at the ownership level.