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By Jeanna Baxter White

Word Master Media Group

Despite rising interest rates and elevated building costs, the demand for industrial sites in Davie County remains high, and Carl Carney has found a niche creating spec buildings for companies seeking a smaller space.

As the president and CEO of Davie Construction for the past 29 years, Carney understands how difficult it can be for smaller or start-up companies to find an available space.

That’s why 12 years ago, he tackled a new challenge, creating spec buildings to help new companies picture themselves doing business in Davie County. His investment in the 40-acre BCM Industrial Park and its spec buildings is his way of helping other business owners see the area’s potential.

“We just completed our third flex-space building in Davie and are excited to be able to give more small businesses the opportunity to thrive in our wonderful county,” said Carney.

The 10,500 square-foot facility at 202 Dalton Road is available for lease. It features 20-foot walls and a loading dock with a 14-ft roll-up door. Office space and bathrooms can be added. Carney is also willing to subdivide.

He became involved in the property, located on US 64, three miles east of downtown Mocksville, 20 years ago.

“Twenty acres is undeveloped, six acres are highway business, and 14 acres are zoned for L2 light industry. We wanted to create opportunities for companies that need smaller buildings, specifically those seeking ‘flex-space’ facilities that often have office space in front and warehouse space in the rear. These types of buildings are perfect for small manufacturing operations, warehouses, or offices under 12,000 square feet,” he said.

The L2 developed portion of the property is divided into 11 lots, with the first 9,000 square-foot spec facility built on Lot 3 (111 Dalton Business Court).

The first spec building, completed in 2006,  is subdivided into two spaces. Richardson’s Rod & Custom builds custom muscle cars and hot rods in its section. Infinity Elite Athletics found a completely different use for their side of the building with a gym designed for cheerleading and tumbling.

Carney completed a second 12,000 square-foot spec facility in July 2020 (188 Dalton Road). Garage Doors of the Triad manufactures garage doors in 4,000 square feet of the building. Davie Construction is utilizing the other 8,000 square feet to manufacture kiosks for the State Employees Credit Union.

  He recently sold two acres next to the Crossroads Mart on US 64 to Dollar General. There are two retail lots on US 64 still available for sale, lease, or build-to-suit. Each of those lots will support a 10,000-square-foot retail space.

As an enticement to companies wanting to build their own facility, Carney will prepare a pad-ready site with access to water, and sewers.

“We can have 10,000 square feet available for a potential tenant in less than four months from the time a lease is signed. There are five lots left, and my goal is for each one to bring a new business to Davie County, with their employees spending money here and contributing to the quality of life that we all enjoy. Imagine all those new folks becoming involved in our community.”

Carney is considering building a 25,000 square foot spec facility that could be subdivided on the largest remaining lot. That building would have great visibility from US 64, he said.

Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission, appreciates Carney’s support.

“Encouraging the private sector to develop spec industrial space has given our county an advantage in attracting new companies and jobs,” Bralley said. “Having buildings ready allows companies to move rapidly and has been part of Davie’s ability to expand our economy. We have been very successful with spec buildings over 100,000 square feet with pre-graded pads. Adding inventory below that number, which is also in an opportunity zone, will be beneficial to Davie’s continued growth.”

New companies couldn’t find a better advocate of enthusiastic community involvement than Carney. As Davie County Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year in 2016, then-president Carolyn McManamy, said: “We love seeing Davie Construction signs around town. They signify growth, success, and a commitment to building our community.”

The company celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018 by spearheading a service project every month. Among those were fundraising to purchase an electronic sign for The Dragonfly House Child Advocacy Center, a head-shaving event benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fight childhood cancers, donations for Ignite Davie education fundraiser, and donations to Toys for Tots and the Davie County Heroes Fund supporting veterans. The company sponsored the Davie County Senior Games that year and collected for the Clemmons Food Pantry.

A corporate culture of giving back is among the reasons Davie Construction Co. is considered an “Employer of Choice.”

To provide more career choices to the area’s youth, members of the management team are working with Davie County High School and Davidson-Davie Community College to develop internship and apprenticeship programs. The company has one intern from the high school. It serves on the high school’s business advisory board, participates in Manufacturing Day for middle school students, and this year was involved with a career day for elementary school students. Employees have also started building Little Free Library boxes that they plan to place around the community and at the multi-family housing complexes that they build.

“To those whom much is given, much is expected,” said Carney. “Davie County has given us so much; we are always seeking ways to support our community. Attracting new businesses through spec building is a proven strategy to achieve that objective.”

For more information about BCM Industrial Park or Davie Construction, contact Carney at ccarney@davieconstruction.com or 336-940-6600 ext. 1004.