The Legacy of Bob Morgan and Paragon Building Corp: A 31-Year Journey in Construction Excellence
There are very few names in the state of North Carolina that resonate with the same level of respect and admiration as Bob Morgan, the President and Founder of Paragon Building Corp. At 70 years old, Morgan has cultivated a legacy that spans over four decades, with Paragon celebrating its 31st anniversary this year. Through a conversation with Bob, one can't help but be captivated by the passion and dedication that have driven his storied career.
The Genesis of Paragon Building Corp
Bob Morgan's journey in construction began in 1977, a path that ultimately led him to establish Paragon Building Corp in 1993. Reflecting on his early days, Bob shared, "I started Paragon because I was working for a large construction company, traveling a lot, and was tired of the long commute and wanted to do work within an hour of home, where I was home every night." The desire to be close to his family was a compelling motivator. "At that time, I had two young boys, and sitting in a motel room calling home at night made me realize how much I needed to be home."
A Vision Rooted in Versatility
From its inception, Paragon Building Corp was built on the foundation of versatility. Bob's initial projects were secured through a long-standing relationship with a neighbor, a facilities engineer at the local GE plant.
"Our first few jobs were at GE. As we got stronger and increased our bonding capacity, we started bidding on larger public and private jobs," Bob recounted.
This adaptability has allowed Paragon to tackle a wide array of projects, from fire stations and parks to hospitals and jails.
"We've done a lot of medical work, not in recent years, but we've done just a huge variety of projects," Bob explained. This diverse portfolio is a testament to Paragon's ability to handle complex and varied construction challenges, setting them apart from many competitors who specialize in niche markets.
Tackling Unique Challenges
One of Paragon's distinguishing features is its willingness to take on difficult and unique projects. Bob's enthusiasm for these challenges is palpable. "We did a job where we rearranged giant rocks in the river to improve a fish ladder," he shared, highlighting the complexity and environmental considerations involved.
"It was a tremendously hard project because we had to work in the water and we had to work around the flow of the river and the animals and everything else." Another noteworthy project was building an otter exhibit at Fort Fisher, a remote and logistically challenging site.
Bob's preference for challenging projects is driven by a love for innovation and problem-solving. "We tend to do hard things. I don't know why. I guess we like a challenge." This mindset has allowed Paragon to build a fearless reputation for handling projects that others might shy away from.
Commitment to Quality and Community
A critical component of Paragon's success is its commitment to quality, a principle that Bob emphasizes is rooted in the experience and dedication of his team. "The most important guy in the whole construction process is the project superintendent. He dictates how things will go, and if he demands quality, he can get quality." This hands-on approach ensures that every project meets Paragon's high standards.
Bob also speaks passionately about the community impact of his projects. He takes particular pride in constructing public amenities like parks and recreational facilities. "I love to build a project that people are happy about," he said.
Looking to the Future
As Bob approaches retirement, the future of Paragon Building Corp is poised for a smooth transition. His son, who is 42, is being groomed to take over the company. Bob reflects on this transition with a sense of fulfillment and optimism. "I've got a son who's 42, who I'm training to take over the company, and that is going to take place gradually over the next three to five years."
While Bob is content with the company's current size, he acknowledges that the future may hold different ambitions for his son. "We have been a lot bigger, and we've been smaller, but I think we're at a good size right now, doing multi-million dollars a year." This balanced approach ensures that Paragon can maintain its high standards without overextending its resources.
A Legacy of Excellence in North Carolina
Bob Morgan's journey from a young construction professional to the founder of a successful and respected company is a testament to his dedication, vision, and resilience. Paragon Building Corp stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment to quality, and a willingness to embrace challenges.
As Bob eloquently put it, "We've survived the test of time. We've never not completed a job. We've got good relations with the bank and inspections departments. We're building professionals."
Paragon's impact is particularly felt in North Carolina, where Bob's work has left a lasting imprint on the state's landscape. From Wilmington to New Hanover County, the projects spearheaded by Paragon have significantly contributed to the community's infrastructure and well-being. Bob's passion for creating spaces that enhance community life is evident in his numerous projects across the state. "I love building parks and public facilities that everyone can enjoy. Those projects are especially rewarding," he shared.
One notable project that showcases Bob's dedication to North Carolina is Veterans Park in Wilmington. "Veterans Park is probably my favorite job of all because we built a full baseball facility with four fields and soccer fields and restrooms and bleachers. I just really love building parks," Bob reminisced. This park has become a vital recreational hub for the community, embodying Paragon's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for North Carolina residents.
In addition to public parks, Paragon has contributed to the state's educational and medical infrastructure. "We've done a lot of work at UNCW, Cape Fear Community College, Brunswick Community College and various medical facilities across the state. These projects are crucial because they support the health and education of our community," Bob explained.
His company's work on fire stations, hospitals, and schools has strengthened the public services available to North Carolinians, making Paragon an integral part of the state's development.
Bob's story is not just about the buildings and projects he has completed; it's about the legacy of excellence he has established and the foundation he has built for future generations. As Paragon Building Corp looks to the future, it carries with it the principles and values that have defined Bob Morgan's illustrious career.
His son, poised to take over the company, will continue to uphold these standards, ensuring that Paragon remains a cornerstone of construction excellence in North Carolina.
In an industry that is constantly evolving, Paragon Building Corp remains a steadfast beacon of quality and innovation, a true testament to the enduring legacy of its founder. The impact of Bob Morgan's work will be felt for generations, not just in the structures he has built, but in the community spirit and dedication to excellence that he has instilled in Paragon Building Corp and the state of North Carolina.
Written by
Skylar Grey
Editor in Chief
Built America Magazine
Navigating Industry Challenges
Despite their success, Paragon Building Corp faces challenges common to the construction industry, particularly the shortage of skilled labor. Bob notes, "Our education system has really missed the trades. A whole generation of it, and we are the people that hold the trade licenses, and the building licenses are rapidly aging, and there's really no one coming up." This shortage has made finding qualified workers increasingly difficult, a problem compounded by the current economic landscape.
Nevertheless, Paragon has managed to maintain a stable and reliable workforce. "We're known for being a good contractor because we pay our people," Bob stated plainly. This reputation for fairness and reliability has helped Paragon retain skilled workers and subcontractors, ensuring the quality of their projects remains uncompromised.