Jonathan McCullough - Founder
ML Builders LLC was founded by Jonathan McCullough. Jonathan has over 20 years experience in construction having completed numerous projects in commercial, public (federal, state, local), healthcare, aviation, industrial, and residential markets. Jonathan is a United States Marine Corp Veteran serving in the 1391 Combat Support. During his time in the Marine Corp, Jonathan was recognized for being an outstanding leader with the Expert Marksman, Emeritus Promotions, and Outstanding Performance of Duty in Field Operations Award. He learned the values of honor, courage, and commitment which are the staples of his faith, family, and business. Jonathan is a visionary who always wanted to maximize all his abilities as a father and businessman.
Interestingly enough, the idea of ML Builders came about from challenge issued to Jonathan from a supervisor over the night shift were Jonathan worked during the evening. During a merit employee review, the supervisor told Jonathan that he did not have the skill set to be promoted into a leadership position with the company. He went on to explain that he would probably go as far as he would go up the corporate ladder in his current role. Believing in the Marine Corp values, Jonathan took on the challenge. After his shift ended, Jonathan began to start his dream of becoming a business owner. Within 30 days of that conversation, ML Builders LLC was created. He continued to work on the business during the day by doing small renovation projects while maintaining a steady paycheck working the nightshift. After 36 months of working both jobs, Jonathan was finally in a position to be a full time business owner and the rest is history.
Charged with leveraging his past experience and expertise, Jonathan oversees all field construction activity of the business as Chief Operating Officer of ML Builders LLC. Under his direction, ML Builders operations in the field have never been better. On time completion ratings, customer service, and quality ratings have been at high levels. The company has established great relationships with a quality subcontractor base to complete projects on time. The operations team has grown bringing on experienced construction personnel to service projects. As a result, 85% of the business portfolio has been negotiated with repeat clients. This is something that the company prides itself on…
Jonathan is also a licensed residential builder. He received technical training at Coastal Carolina Community College and Greenville Technical College in construction as well. Jonathan has also completed several challenging mentor-protégé programs over the years to further increase his knowledge of all phases of construction.
Outside of business, Jonathan is a dedicated father to his three children. Following Jonathan’s military career, his oldest daughter is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Jonathan also has a son that is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and is a United States Air Force Officer serving to become an aircraft navigator. His 2nd daughter is also a graduate of the University of South Carolina working in the medical field. Jonathan also spends his time outside of the office coaching youth football and participated in the Men's and Junior's Brotherhood and Athletic Ministry at his church.
Shawn McCullough - General Manager
As Managing Partner of ML Builders LLC, Shawn McCullough leads by example. His top priorities in life are his Faith, Family, and Business; priorities that, for Shawn, have a lot in common. He says that his family keeps him grounded. But it’s also that emphasis on family that has helped him lead ML Builders LLC. Ask Shawn what he appreciates besides his family and he says, "The group of talented and capable people who are a part of the ML Builders team. We work together like we’re family. And their commitment, creativity and integrity make it easier to lead."
Prior to joining ML Builders in 2010, Shawn had concluded an extraordinary 17 year career with global corporations working on multiple capital building projects. He was promoted to several global procurement posts working on projects in Canada, Mexico, France, and Italy. During his career he has been responsible for combined contracts of $670M across the globe.
Shawn learned a lot about project management, scheduling, procurement, contract negotiations, finance, and quality control during his career. Those experiences helped him to incorporate “best practices” into everything ML Builders does. Since joining ML Builders, the company has expanded its operations from primarily a residential builder to a full service, licensed general contractor operating with successful projects in the southeast. The company has grown to have offices in North and South Carolina with successful projects in commercial, education, healthcare, and public markets. In 2011, ML Builders was recognized as Minority Business of the Year. Shawn has established strategic plans for continued growth while servicing and cultivating relationships with current clients.
His top corporate priority is to continue to create a company that is sustainable and financially healthy for the next generation. He'd like to see ML Builders grow to its full potential, and continue to make a difference in the lives of its employees, community, and clients they serve. "We really enjoy the daily challenges of being entrepreneurs. We have a great strategic plan, good people and sound processes which will continue to grow this organization. Our end goal is not to be the best 8(a), Service Disabled Business that is in the marketplace, but we want to be one of the best construction firms out there that just happens to be 8(a) and Service Disabled certified. That’s the goal here. I thoroughly enjoy the daily challenge of determining the best strategies to maintain and even strengthen this corporate culture."
Shawn holds a Masters Degree in Management from Southern Wesleyan University and Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Mars Hill University. After joining ML Builders, Shawn received his commercial General Contractor’s License. He currently serves on Economic Development boards to drive socioeconomic changes in local communities. He also serves in outreach organizations providing support to young men in disadvantage neighborhoods which include mentoring and coaching athletics. He has also served in the food bank ministry for several years at his church home and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. since 1992.
Charged with leveraging his past experience and expertise, Shawn oversees all pre-construction and commercial activity of the business as General Manager of ML Builders LLC.
