About Us

Ed McDowell was raised in Pittsburgh, PA, where hard work and honesty were part of his culture.  These values, coupled with integrity and taking pride in ones work, are the core of McDowell Construction.  As a fourth generation builder, Ed displayed these values at a young age.  Setting out on his own he moved to Miami, FL.  One week after the move, Hurricane Andrew devastated Miami and the surrounding areas.  After three years helping to rebuild in the Miami area, he moved back to Pittsburgh and for the next two years Ed became proficient in many areas of the construction trade.  A downturn in the economy made finding substantial work difficult.  A previous associate offered him some work for the winter in Myrtle Beach and he took it.  When he saw the amount of construction he realized that “This was the land of opportunity”.  Ed got his foot in the door with a few builders and his consistent quality and work ethic established his reputation. Initially he installed interior trim (which was his trade) but soon ventured into framing.  “The framing experience was invaluable”, he says.  “It taught me how to understand and assemble complex structures”.  This knowledge proved its worth as his business expanded.

In the spring of 2001, McDowell Construction incorporated its operation.  Knowing that he would not be swinging a hammer for his entire career, he worked toward obtaining his Residential Builder license. He then purchased a residential lot and started construction on his first high-end custom home.  “I was able to apply all of the trade experience and knowledge gained over the years from a management perspective”.  Throughout the next few years, the focus was on building a product of “Uncompromising Quality” at a fair price with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.  He also worked hard to further develop his management skills. Ed excelled in the areas of estimating, tracking and scheduling the projects in an efficient and effective manner.  In 2005 he was awarded the Pinnacle Merit Award by the South Carolina Home Builders Association.  This award is given for “excellence in construction quality and adherence to the highest traditions of craftsmanship as well as consistent attention to detail and customer satisfaction”. 

Always looking to the future and new challenges, he worked toward obtaining his General Contractor license and in 2005, that goal was accomplished.  He has now constructed a variety of commercial projects including retail, light industrial and medical as well as being selected to be one of the prime subcontractors for the Hard Rock Theme Park under the direction of Hensel Phelps (the parks general contractor).  “I could not have paid for a better education” referring to the wealth of knowledge and opportunity he gained from working with HP.  “I was able to work with and understand how a multibillion dollar company operates.”

McDowell Construction has positioned itself as a versatile company.  It has succeeded in residential and commercial subcontracting, residential and commercial general contracting, in the areas of new construction, renovation, tenant space up fit, medical, light industrial and retail.  “Due to the nature of this industry, not just any company can succeed in so many different areas of the construction field.  We thrive on challenges and have the ingenuity, resources and ability to make things happen.”