Celebrating Eric Laster’s Legacy and Retirement
On December 13, 2024, Edifice Construction gathered at the prestigious Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, NC, to honor a monumental figure in our company’s history—Eric Laster, who retired after 37 years of exemplary leadership. The evening, a blend of celebration and reflection, brought together employees, friends, and family to pay tribute to the incredible legacy Eric leaves behind.
The celebration at Quail Hollow Country Club was a night to remember, filled with elegance and joy. Guests arrived in cocktail attire to enjoy a festive evening, complete with a live band that had everyone on their feet, and a 360-degree photo booth for capturing memorable moments. A five-course meal, an open bar with premium selections, and exceptional service from the Quail Hollow staff added to the indulgence. A live artist painted the scene in real-time, while heartfelt speeches from Bryan Knupp, Executive Vice President of Edifice, and Eric himself brought both laughter and tears, leaving many of us wiping away tears as we reflected on Eric’s incredible legacy.
The highlight of the evening, of course, was the tribute to Eric’s extraordinary career. His leadership and vision have shaped Edifice into one of the leading commercial contractors in the Southeast, and his retirement marks the end of a chapter for Edifice—but not the end of his influence on our team.
A Legacy Built on Visionary Leadership
Eric’s impact on Edifice is nothing short of transformative. When he joined the company in 1987, Edifice was a small operation with just $500,000 in construction projects that first year. Through his drive, dedication, and visionary thinking, Eric grew the company from the back of the pack to a regional powerhouse. Under his leadership, Edifice became a recognized leader in the commercial construction industry, with annual revenues exceeding $500 million and a workforce of nearly 200 employees.
Eric’s legacy isn’t measured by numbers alone. His leadership style, which emphasized collaboration, integrity, and long-term vision, shaped Edifice’s unique culture. He fostered an environment where employees were encouraged to grow, innovate, and thrive. Many team members have been with Edifice for 10, 15, or even 20 years, a testament to the strong, positive work culture Eric helped cultivate over the years.
Eric’s leadership was not just about growing the company—it was about building a foundation of trust, respect, empowerment, and excellence. He instilled values that continue to guide Edifice as we move into the future, positioning the company to continue growing and leading in the industry for years to come.
Honoring Eric’s Accomplishments and Awards
Eric’s leadership and contributions to Edifice and the broader community have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has received numerous prestigious awards that recognize his commitment to excellence and his lasting impact on the construction industry. He was named to the 2019 Class of the Most Admired CEOs in Charlotte and earned accolades such as Business Leader Magazine’s Top 50 Catalyst Entrepreneurs in 2011. In 2007, he was named Executive of the Year by the Charlotte Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association. These honors reflect not only his success in business but also the deep respect he earned within the industry and beyond.
A Moment to Reflect: The Importance of Leadership and Legacy
During his retirement celebration, Bryan Knupp shared a moving speech about Eric’s legacy, focusing on the importance of “passing the baton.” He compared Eric’s leadership to the precision of a relay race, where the baton is passed smoothly and strategically to the next runner. Under Eric’s leadership, Edifice sprinted to the front of the pack, positioning the company for decades of continued success.
“Eric, after 37 years of hard running, you have demonstrated incredible focus and determination to ensure a successful transfer of the baton. You’ve put Edifice in the lead, and we will honor your legacy as we continue to run the race,” Bryan said.
Over the years, Eric had goals of Edifice constructing a 100-story building and a owning a dump truck. Though Edifice was unable to complete these feats during his tenure, Eric was gifted a 17,000+ piece Lego model to build his own 100+ building and a 1978 replica dump truck to symbolize that Eric’s legacy will continue and Edifice will continue to reach his goals. Additionally, to honor his commitment to employee well-being, Edifice is establishing the Eric & Kim Laster Employee Education Fund, which will support the growth and development of Edifice employees and their families for years to come.
A Bright Future Ahead: Building on a Legacy of Excellence
In April 2022, after carefully grooming the next generation of leaders over a decade, Eric Laster transitioned from CEO to Chairman of the Board. This thoughtful move was part of a strategic plan Eric set in motion years ago, with the goal of ensuring Edifice’s continued growth and success. The leadership team he assembled—Gary Creed (CEO), Tod Creech (CFO), Michael A. Carlisto (EVP), Bryan R. Knupp (EVP), and Kyle Hanrahan (EVP)—have all been with the company for many years and were already deeply involved in shaping Edifice’s success. Eric’s confidence in them allowed for a smooth transition, as each leader had not only been instrumental in Edifice’s growth but had also embraced the company’s core values.
While Eric’s larger-than-life personality and visionary leadership will be missed, the transition has been an exciting one. The team’s continuity and shared commitment to Edifice’s mission have made this shift a natural evolution, and we are eager to continue building on the incredible foundation Eric laid. We are optimistic about the future and excited to carry Edifice forward into the next chapter with strength and unity.
Wishing Eric a Wonderful Retirement
Under Eric’s leadership, Edifice became a place where people flourished, guided by his core values of integrity, service, and community—principles that continue to define our company today. While we will undoubtedly miss his vision and daily influence, Eric’s legacy is ingrained in every aspect of Edifice, from the culture he nurtured to the leadership team he mentored.
The foundation Eric built will continue to propel us toward greater success, and we are excited to carry his legacy forward. As he steps into a well-deserved retirement, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering dedication to Edifice and all of us. We wish Eric and his family a joyful and fulfilling next chapter—one that reflects the remarkable impact he has made on our company and the lives of those around him.
