10/23/2024
Struggling with Employee Retention in Construction? Johnny Uldrick Has the Answer.
In the world of construction, employee turnover is almost a given. Most builders constantly face the challenge of finding good workers, only to lose them within a few years. But Johnny Uldrick? His story is different.
Johnny grew up in the quiet town of Donalds, South Carolina. From a young age, he followed his father everywhere, especially when it came to building homes. By the time he could climb into his father’s truck, he was already learning the tools of the trade—skills that would one day shape his future. His father not only taught him how to build houses from the foundation up, but also instilled in him the importance of doing a job right and the deep satisfaction that comes with a job well done.
After graduating from Lander in 1975, Johnny joined his father’s business. When his father retired in 1992, Johnny took over, carrying forward the legacy of Uldrick Builders. Over the years, his reputation spread. He became known not just for his excellent craftsmanship but also for his integrity and his commitment to doing right by his customers. To Johnny, building homes was more than just work—it was a craft and a calling.
It wasn’t long before Johnny became a leading figure in his community and within the South Carolina Home Builders Association (HBA). He served as President of the Lakelands Greenwood HBA three times and is currently on the state board. His achievements didn’t go unnoticed—he’s been named Builder of the Year three times, and he’s widely respected for his decades of hard work.
But it wasn’t Johnny’s accolades that surprised me most when I first met him at the HBA state convention last fall. Sure, his awards and leadership roles were impressive, but it was the way he talked about his employees that truly stood out. When he mentioned Jerry Latimer, who had been working with him for over 40 years, I thought I’d misheard. Forty years? In construction?
As if that wasn’t enough, Johnny went on to tell me about four other employees who had been with him for more than 20 years. I was amazed. Every builder I knew struggled to keep employees for even half that time, but Johnny had managed to create a team that felt like family.
When I asked him how he’d done it, Johnny’s answer was simple: “I treat them like humans, not just an item. They know I value them, appreciate them, and care about their hearts. I reward hard work, and I make sure they have benefits that matter—healthcare, life insurance, an IRA.”
It wasn’t just about the perks, though. Johnny had built something bigger. He’d fostered a culture that felt like family. His employees weren’t just colleagues—they were part of something deeper. There was a genuine sense of belonging, a shared respect and care for one another that went far beyond the job site. It was a place where people looked out for each other, celebrated each other’s successes, and supported one another through challenges. This family-like culture was the foundation of Uldrick Builders’ success.
Johnny’s team wasn’t just a group of people showing up for a paycheck; they were a close-knit family. Many of them spent time together outside of work, not because they had to but because they genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. This bond, this connection, made Uldrick Builders more than just a workplace—it was a community.
Johnny’s planning didn’t stop with his current team, either. Looking ahead, he’d already developed a succession plan, ensuring that Uldrick Builders would continue its legacy for years to come. Longtime employees Jacob Cochran and Steve Lyle, project managers who had earned Johnny’s trust and respect, were ready to step into ownership when the time came.
As Johnny looks toward retirement, he can rest easy knowing that Uldrick Builders isn’t just a company—it’s a family that will carry on his values, work ethic, and dedication to quality for many years to come.
Johnny Uldrick’s story is one of vision, heart, and leadership. While others in the construction industry grapple with constant turnover, Johnny has built a legacy of loyalty, trust, and care. He didn’t just build houses—he built a family. And that’s a legacy that will last.
Written by: Hailey Evans ([email protected])
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