October 12, 2025

Clifford Construction Plans Expansion Amid Local Growth

News Summary

Clifford Construction Company in Kannapolis, NC, is set to expand into the commercial sector amid rapid local growth. Founded by James and Leslie Clifford, the firm aims to leverage James’s experience in large projects while maintaining a commitment to residential services. As the city experiences significant population growth and investment in development, the company navigates the challenges of scaling operations to meet demand while ensuring quality and community support.

Kannapolis, NC – Clifford Construction Plans Expansion Amid Local Growth

Clifford Construction Company, a grading and excavation firm in Kannapolis, North Carolina, is planning to expand its operations into the commercial sector due to rapid local growth. Founded by James Clifford, the company has primarily focused on smaller-scale residential projects, including housing lot preparation and drainage solutions. The firm is set to leverage James’s extensive background in commercial construction to take on larger projects.

Founded by James and his wife Leslie, Clifford Construction operates as a one-man operation, with James handling the construction work while Leslie manages marketing and administrative duties. James brings considerable expertise to his company, holding a bachelor’s degree in building science and a master’s degree in construction management. Prior to starting his own business, he worked for six years as a superintendent in a commercial construction company in Alabama.

The growth in Kannapolis is attributed to the city’s significant development along the interstate corridor between Mooresville, Charlotte, and Raleigh. With a population increase from approximately 42,625 in 2010 to an expected 63,000 by 2025, Kannapolis has become an attractive location for builders and developers. This expansion is reinforced by investments exceeding $700 million in the downtown area since revitalization efforts began in 2015, which has led to more than 350 apartments and various residential units currently under construction.

The construction industry faces a notable labor crisis, presenting opportunities for contractors like Clifford Construction. James is actively engaging with commercial developers and networking to secure new project bids. However, transitioning to commercial work entails challenges, including managing larger projects and scaling operations while ensuring quality and commitment.

While expanding into the commercial sector, Clifford Construction will maintain its residential focus, aiming to foster strong community relations and support homeowners. James emphasizes the importance of transparency in business dealings and advises residential owners to have agreements outlined in writing, particularly for larger projects. He seeks to embody values rooted in faith, with Romans 1:16 serving as a guiding principle in his business practices.

One noteworthy development in Kannapolis is the planned townhome community by M/I Homes, which will cover 48 acres and is part of a broader trend of community-centered living integrated with local amenities. M/I Homes has already completed multiple projects in the area, contributing to the housing supply amidst the city’s transformation from its textile mill roots into a hub for advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and tourism-related businesses.

The local economy is further supported by significant investments like the North Carolina Research Campus and a modern baseball stadium, creating new job opportunities that encourage families and individuals to move to the area. These developments align with the local government’s efforts to create additional housing developments tailored to meet the needs of the growing population.

As Clifford Construction prepares to expand into the commercial sector, its commitment to quality service and community support remains unchanged. The company’s strategic growth amid Kannapolis’s revitalization reflects a promising outlook for both the firm and the local construction industry.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Cleveland Event Celebrates Fastest-Growing Companies
Cleveland Celebrates Growth at Crain’s Fast 50 Event
Cleveland to Host Young Adult Festival Featuring Amanda Knox
Industrial Facility in Warren Sold for $9.4 Million
Ohio Sees Surge in Data Center Construction
Cleveland Construction Sector Faces Challenges Amid Tariffs and Labor Shortages
Cleveland Appeals ODOT’s Approval for Browns Stadium
Hilliard, Ohio Welcomes Massive Data Center Investment
SA Group LLC Expands Partnership Team for Growth
Dollar Bank to Relocate Cleveland Branch

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton