100 years and going strong

CEO Sam Lionberger III on how the general contracting company based in Southwest Roanoke County remains a major player in the regional construction industry - the answer is not that complex he says: “we try to put others in front of ourselves and make sure that we make the best decisions for our clients.” The last few years have been more challenging says Lionberger, now overseeing a company launched in 1923. Starting with a scarcity of subcontractors the company needs to complete its projects: “because of the COVID pandemic a number of firms across all spectrums sort of faded away. Those that survived are covered up with work. Especially in the construction market. The money has sort of become a non-factor. It’s really who has the availability ... and the manpower.”

Lionberger says its more than just a bidding war when trying to hire subs - there just aren't enough of them out there. “Great firms, great talent – but more work than they can handle. The top of the funnel is pretty full right now for most subcontractors. Trying to time a project where they have the capacity to get it done is really difficult right now.” A deficit of skilled workers also has Lionberger applauding efforts like Build Smart Institute in Roanoke, which offers short term courses in a number of construction skills and project management disciplines.

Sam Lionberger III’s heir apparent in about 9-10 years he says is younger brother Greg, who returned to Roanoke last year after 24 years in the Atlanta area, most of that working for a hedge fund, to work for Lionberger Construction. He had dabbled on construction projects during the summer months while in college. Ironically when he returned last year Greg took a project management course from Build Smart Institute in order to get up to speed on the industry. “Sam and I have always been very, very close. The company means the world to me. I’ve always been very proud [of it]. Ultimately, I decided this was the right step, to come back to the company and to come back to the Roanoke Valley.”

Hotel Roanoke and Roanoke City's E-911 dispatch center, Brandon Oaks, the Freedom First headquarters in downtown Roanoke, Springhill Suites hotel, the Carter Cat building –and the remodeled Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke - all are the handiwork of general contractor Lionberger Construction. There are plenty more examples on the company website. Here’s to the next 100 years.