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Our History

Our history reflects decades of steady growth, strong relationships, and a commitment to delivering quality work built on the values that have guided our company since the very beginning.

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Our Team

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals whose experience, collaboration, and craftsmanship ensure that every project is completed with integrity, precision, and exceptional care.

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Testimonials

Our client testimonials highlight the trust we’ve earned through consistent communication, dependable performance, and the lasting value we bring to every partnership we serve.

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Careers

Our careers offer meaningful opportunities for talented individuals to grow their skills, contribute to impactful projects, and build a future within a company rooted in excellence.

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Pre-Construction

Our pre-construction services focus on clear planning, accurate budgeting, and early collaboration so your project begins with confidence, clarity, and a strong foundation for success.

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Project Planning

Our experienced project planning team coordinates scope, schedule, and resources to ensure every detail is organized, streamlined, and aligned with your goals before construction ever begins.

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Design-Build

Our design-build approach unifies designers, engineers, and builders under one workflow to deliver efficient timelines, cohesive communication, and exceptional project outcomes.

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Construction Services

Our construction services combine skilled craftsmanship, rigorous quality control, and proven management practices to deliver projects that meet the highest standards of durability and performance.

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Industrial services

Our industrial services support complex facilities with specialized expertise, safe work practices, and dependable solutions built to support long-term operational needs.

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Our History

For more than seven decades, Kuhlke Construction & Associates has been shaped by a simple, steady commitment: to build with integrity, to serve with humility, and to deliver projects that stand the test of time. Our history is not defined only by the structures we’ve completed, but by the relationships, reputation, and values that have guided us from the very beginning.

A Foundation Built in 1953

Kuhlke Construction was established in 1953 with a clear purpose—to bring dependable construction expertise to the Central Savannah River Area. From the start, our philosophy was different. We believed that clients deserved both the personal involvement of a small company and the resources and technical capability of a large one.

That balance has remained at the center of who we are.

Growing Through Experience

As the region grew, so did we. Over the decades, we expanded our reach across commercial, industrial, governmental, and institutional sectors, providing construction services that take clients smoothly from project conception to completion.

Our evolution has always been intentional:
• We strengthened our pre-construction services to give clients clarity, cost certainty, and strategic direction before the first shovel ever hits the ground.
• We invested in technology, scheduling, and planning tools that improve efficiency and accountability.
• We committed to hiring and developing professionals who bring deep expertise, unwavering ethics, and a genuine dedication to client satisfaction.

Our growth has never been about becoming the biggest—only about becoming better, year after year.

A Legacy of Long-Standing Relationships

What defines our history more than anything else is the loyalty of the people we serve. Many of our clients have returned to us for decades—some spanning multiple generations of ownership and leadership. Their trust is the only measure of success we have ever valued.

We are proud that the Kuhlke name has become synonymous with reliability, responsiveness, and hands-on involvement. These relationships are the true legacy of our first 70+ years.

Looking Toward the Future

Today, Kuhlke Construction continues to evolve with our industry and our region. We embrace advancements in project delivery, safety, and sustainability while staying true to the standards and values that built our reputation.

Our history is long, but it is far from finished. Every project becomes the next chapter—an opportunity to build on a foundation laid in 1947 with the same purpose that drives us today: to serve our clients with excellence, integrity, and personal commitment.

Our Timeline

1953

In a defining moment of vision and entrepreneurship, William “Monk” Kuhlke Sr. stepped away from the Feed & Seed business to establish Kuhlke Construction. With a pioneering focus on pre-engineered metal buildings and a trusted partnership with Butler Manufacturing Company, Monk laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of commercial and industrial construction in the Southeast. Through innovation, craftsmanship, and enduring relationships, Kuhlke Construction rose to become one of Butler’s most accomplished, respected and oldest builders in the region.

1979

Marking the next chapter in a growing legacy, Monk Kuhlke entered retirement and entrusted the company to his son, Dessey L. Kuhlke. Joining forces with his brother, William “Bill” Kuhlke, Jr., owner of the independent firm Kuhlke and Associates, Inc., the two united their expertise to form Kuhlke Construction & Associates, Inc. Together, Dessey and Bill expanded the company’s reach into broader industrial sectors, strengthening its reputation through innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the cultivation of enduring client relationships that would define the firm for decades to come.

1985

The Kuhlke brothers transition ownership of the company to two key employees, David Darby and Mark Capers, entrusting them to build upon the strong foundation and relationships established over decades. Under their leadership, the company expands into new markets, including numerous convenience store developments and projects within the oil and gas sector. Bill and Dessey remain active in the local real estate community, with Bill going on to serve Augusta as a commissioner during consolidation and later leading the Georgia state Department of Transportation. Throughout this period, both maintain a close relationship with David and Mark, reflecting the continuity and long-standing partnerships that define the company’s legacy.

1997

After twelve successful years as partners, Mark Capers chose to pursue other business opportunities in Augusta and sold his shares of company stock to David Darby. With this transition, David became the sole owner of Kuhlke Construction & Associates, Inc., positioning the company for continued growth while building on the strong foundation he and Mark had established together.

2007

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, David Darby passed away in February 2007. In his final weeks, David entrusted William “Bill” Kuhlke, Jr. with a promise to guide the company through a thoughtful transition to new ownership, including several long-serving managers who had been instrumental to its success - Mike Mullan, Sylvia Cheek, Mark Kitchens, and Billy Shelton. Hank Griffin was selected to lead the organization, bringing with him 18 years of experience in the local construction industry. Bill Kuhlke, Jr. played a pivotal role in orchestrating the ownership transition and, in a continued show of commitment to the company’s future, returned as a minority shareholder for an additional two years.

2021

Following the retirement of Mike Mullan in 2018 and Sylvia Cheek in 2021, Hank Griffin became the sole owner of Kuhlke Construction & Associates, Inc. With a clear vision for the future, Hank continues to build upon the company’s strong foundation, guiding its steady growth into the next decade.

Our History in Photos