THE SILENT STRENGTH BEHIND U.S. COMPETITIVENESS: HOW SMALL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS
THE SILENT STRENGTH BEHIND U.S. COMPETITIVENESS: HOW SMALL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS
DRIVE GROWTH FROM THE GROUND UP.
DRIVE GROWTH FROM THE GROUND UP.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Thesilentstrength behindU.S. competitiveness
ExpertOpinion:ThaisFangerdeCampos,a leaderinsustainablehardwoodflooringand workforceinnovationacrosstheCarolinas.
HowSmallConstructionFirmsDriveGrowthfromtheGroundUp
Beneath the dominant headlines that spotlight multinational tech giants and federal infrastructure programsliesaquieterforcethat sustainsandstrengthenstheUS economy: small construction firms These businesses, deeply rooted within local communities, play a pivotal role in generatingemployment,developingskills, and fostering sustainable economic growth Their contribution often escapes attention in national discourse, yet their collective impact is far-reaching and measurable.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (2023), Small Businessescomprise99.9%ofallfirms in the United States, employing over 61.7millionpeople,approximately46% oftheprivateworkforce.
According to the US Small Business Administration (2023), small businesses comprise999%ofallfirmsintheUnited States, employing over 617 million people, approximately 46% of the private workforce Of particular significance within this category is the construction sector. In 2022, 743,600 construction firms were operating nationwide, and nearly 90% of them employedfewerthan20workers(U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). These small construction companies play a crucial role in generating employment, developing skills, and fostering sustainable economic growth, a contribution that often goes unnoticed innationaldiscourse.
Thais Fangerde Campos, Vice President ofTHB Flooring Inc.in North Carolina
The United States’ construction model contrasts sharply with that of other advanced economies. Germany, with a comparable GDP, reported just 357,000 construction firms in 2022, reflecting a more consolidated and regulated industry landscape (Statistisches Bundesamt, 2023). Similarly, Canada reported only 151,000 registered construction firms in 2021, with lower selfemployment rates and less regional market diversity (Statistics Canada, 2022). The U.S. framework, by contrast, is marked by its flexibility, accessibility, and innovation capacity at the grassrootslevel
MACROECONOMIC
CONTEXT: CONSTRUCTIONASASTRATEGICSECTOR
Theconstructionindustrycontributed$21trillion to the US gross domestic product in 2023, accounting for 43% of the nation’s total output (BureauofEconomicAnalysis,2024).Thisfigure underscores the sector’s centrality not only to infrastructure development but to economic productivity across nearly all regions of the country More importantly, construction exhibits a high employment multiplier effect According to the National Association of Home Builders (2023), every $1 million invested in residential renovation creates approximately 5.6 full-time equivalent jobs and generates around $700,000 inadditionallocaleconomicactivity
Sub-sectors such as home improvement and flooring are among the fastest-growing, fueled by post-pandemic housing trends, increased consumerspendingonresidentialupgrades,and rising environmental standards The US hardwood flooring market alone reached a valuationof$33billionin2023andisprojectedto grow at a compound annual growth rate of 58% through 2028 (IBISWorld, 2024). These figures not only indicate the resilience of the construction industry but also the scalability of construction-related small businesses, particularly those equipped to meet green buildingdemands
From a comparative standpoint, the decentralized nature of U.S. construction, unlike the highly centralized systems of peer nations, allows for more agile responses to demographic shifts, market fluctuations, and localized labor needs This decentralization also creates opportunitiesforinnovationatthetrimfirmlevel, particularly in workforce development and operationalefficiency.
CHALLENGES AND INNOVATION IN SCALING SMALLFIRMS
Despite their critical importance, small construction firms face systemic barriers that hinder sustainable growth These include labor shortages,risingmaterialcosts,andrestricted access to affordable capital. The Bureau of LaborStatistics(2024)reportedthatwhilethe construction sector added 376,000 jobs in 2023,theindustrycontinuestoexperience
annual turnover rates between 20% and 25%, particularlyinskilledtrades.
In response to these pressures, successful firms are adapting through strategic innovation in three key areas: operational systematization, sustainable construction practices, and workforce development. Increasingly, small business owners are investing in digital solutions to automate HR functions, adopting lowemission and recycled materials to align with green building standards, and introducing multilingual training platforms to accommodate a diversifying labor force. These measures not only improve efficiency but also elevate these companies into models of economic sustainabilityandcompetitiveness
The evolution from informal contracting to structured,replicablebusinessmodelsreflectthe strategic importance of small firms in achieving national employment and sustainability goals. These firms are not merely filling service gaps; theyareshapingtheoperationalframeworksand workforce strategies that larger enterprises increasinglyseektoemulate
EXPERT FOCUS: THAIS FANGER DE CAMPOS ANDTHBFLOORINGINC.
THB Flooring Inc. is a family-owned hardwood flooring company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving the entire state of South Carolina. With over 20 years of craftsmanship experience,thecompanyhasbuiltareputation for excellence in the installation, sanding, and refinishing of solid and exotic wood flooring, including staircases and handrails. THB Flooring blends traditional techniques with moderninnovationtodeliverhigh-end,durable flooring solutions tailored to residential and commercial clients. The company is also known for its transparency and customer engagement through an active social media presence, where it showcases projects and techniques.
Anexemplarycaseofsmallbusinessleadershipis that of Thais Fanger de Campos, Vice President of THB Flooring Inc, based in North Carolina With more than thirteen years of experience in the construction and flooring industry, she has transformedaregionalfirmintoascalable,highperforming enterprise grounded in innovation, sustainability,andworkforceexcellence.
Under the direction of Thais Fanger de Campos, THB Flooring Inc recorded $12 million in annual revenue, surpassing projected growth targets by 104% The company achieved national recognition, consistently ranking among the top five U.S. flooring companies for customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sales growth Theseachievementsweremadepossible with a lean workforce of just seventeen employees demonstrating exceptional organizational productivity relative to national benchmarks.
Through a fully integrated, data-driven HR strategy, Thais Fanger de Campos implemented a suite of scalable practices that include automated applicant screening, role-specific onboarding modules, competency-based training, and multilingual instruction in English, Spanish, and Portuguese The result was a 30% increase in overall productivity, a 20% reduction in operational costs, and a 15% increase in employee retention a particularly notable outcome in a sector characterized by high turnover.
An exemplary case of small business leadershipisthatofThaisFangerdeCampos, Vice President of THB Flooring Inc., based in North Carolina. With more than thirteen years of experience in the construction and flooring industry, she has transformed a regional firm into a scalable, highperforming enterprise grounded in innovation, sustainability, and workforce excellence.
Her commitment to environmental standards has also been instrumental in driving competitive advantage. THB Flooring Inc. uses reclaimed wood, low-VOC adhesives, and energy-efficient installation techniques, aligning with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) framework (US Green Building Council, 2023) This strategy responds directly to evolving consumer preferences, with 73% of homebuyers in 2023 expressing a preference for green-certified building materials (National Association of HomeBuilders,2023)
THB Flooring Inc. is also renowned for its expertise in exotic woods, including Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba), Brazilian Walnut (Ipe), and Tigerwood. These premium materials require skilledinstallationandfinishingmethods.The company’s sanding technicians bring over two decades of experience to each project, preserving traditional craftsmanship in an industry increasingly dominated by synthetic products such as Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), whichisoftenimportedfromChina.
In the next phase of her expansion plan, Thais FangerdeCamposisoverseeingthelaunchofa flagship retail and training center designed to serve both customers and trade professionals. Herprojectiontodoublestaffwithintwoyears aligns with U.S. Census Bureau (2023) data showing that firms scaling from 10 to 20 employees experience among the highest rates of net job creation. Moreover, the operational frameworks she has developed are already being replicated by peer companies in the Carolinas, confirming their adaptability and
Q&A WITH THAIS FANGER DE CAMPOS: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP IN THE U.S. CONSTRUCTIONECONOMY
In this interview, ThaisFangerdeCampos,Vice President of THB Flooring Inc., offers her perspective on the evolving role of small construction firms in the American economy. With more than a decade of leadership experience, she addresses critical issues such as workforce development, capital access, environmental compliance, and sustainable scaling
How do you define the strategic role of small construction firms in advancing U.S. economiccompetitiveness?
Small construction firms operate at a different scale than national contractors, but our economic footprint is no less significant We are positioned to respond quickly to local market needs, absorb displaced labor, and foster entrepreneurship. At THB Flooring Inc., we have created full-time positions with benefits, upskilling paths, and community partnerships that go beyond the transactional nature of contracting Our sector provides a critical mechanism for inclusive growth, particularly in regions that do not benefit from large federal projects or corporate investments. National competitiveness is not only built at the top; it is forced at the foundation, and that is where mslikeoursdeliverresults
hatarethecorepillarsofyourworkforce ategy,andhowhavetheyevolved?
workforce strategy is grounded in three ectives: skills development, inclusion, and ention When I joined THB Flooring Inc, we traditional training approaches that lacked ptability We transitioned to a data-informed tem that tracks competencies, onboarding gress, and performance metrics in real time. s allowed us to identify training bottlenecks, uce ramp-up time, and elevate the formance of each new hire We also lemented role, specific learning tracks in tiple languages, English, Spanish, and Portuguese,becausethelaborforceinthissector
The construction industry is under pressure to adopt environmentally responsible practices. How does your firm approach sustainability as a business strategy?
We have integrated sustainability not as a marketing angle but as a strategic imperative Our clients particularly commercial and institutional areincreasinglyaligningwithLEED and WELL certification standards To meet that demand, we have restructured our material sourcing. We work with suppliers who provide verified low-VOC adhesives and responsibly harvested wood Our crews are trained in techniques that reduce waste and energy usage during installation These changes improve jobsite safety, lower lifecycle costs for clients, and align with the broader regulatory environment. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (2023), green-certified buildingsreportloweroperatingcostsandhigher occupancy rates, which means our clients also seelong-termvalue Thesustainabilitytransition is accelerating across all construction verticals, and firms that adapt now will maintain market share as codes tighten and consumer expectationsevolve
Franchisinginconstructionislesscommon than in other industries. What motivates your interest in that model, and how are youapproachingit?
Franchising in the construction industry requires precision, as quality control and compliance are non-negotiable Ourapproachistofranchisethe operational model, not just the brand We are developing a playbook that includes digital HR tools, standardized safety procedures, client service scripts, and technical training modules. This framework will allow a licensed operator to replicate our success while adapting to their regional market Our goal is to expand responsibly into underserved areas where demand exists but where small business ecosystems are underdeveloped The US Census Bureau (2023) has shown that firms growing from 10 to 20 employees contribute disproportionatelytonetjobcreation Weproject that each new franchise will support 8–12 local jobs in its first 18 months, in addition to our centralizedsupportstaff
What challenges do you face in accessing capital for this type of growth, and what policy adjustments would make a difference?
Capital remains the most significant growth barrier Traditional banks often assess construction companies based on outdated risk profiles Even with proven revenue and financial controls, we are viewed as high-risk due to the nature of our contracts and payment cycles. Additionally, SBA-backed loans are limited by thresholds that exclude many ambitious expansion plans Federal and state programs could better support firms like ours by offering financing mechanisms tailored to growth-stage service providers in construction. Grant support for HR automation, green building certification, or workforce training would yield immediate returns Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research (2021) shows that targeted capital support for immigrant- and minorityowned businesses accelerates job creation I would welcome a policy that reflects this evidence.
As an immigrant entrepreneur, how has your personal background influenced your leadership approach and business philosophy?
Myexperienceasanimmigranthastaughtmeto navigate complexity and uncertainty with discipline. Building a business in a new country means understanding not only regulations and markets but also cultural dynamics, financial systems, and employment laws I had to adapt quickly, make efficient decisions, and constantly prove our value to customers and vendors That mindsetinfluenceshowwerunTHBFlooringInc. We emphasize adaptability, documentation, and internal controls At a time when immigration is often politicized, I think it is important to remember that immigrants bring more than stories they bring scalable systems, international standards, and deep motivation to succeed. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (2023), immigrants are more likely to start businesses than native-born citizens, particularly in the construction and logistics sectors I am proud to be part of that statistic, and I believe we can do more to recognizeandsupportthiscontribution.
Lookingahead,howdoyoudefinesuccess for THB Flooring Inc. over the next five years?
Success will mean having multiple operational hubs across different states, each with a local workforce trained through our internal academy. We want to build a national network that preserves the quality and customer experience that earned our reputation while adapting to local market needs. I also envision formal partnerships with trade schools and vocational institutions to offer internships, apprenticeships, and scholarships Workforce shortageswillcontinue,andwewanttobepartof the solution by investing in people Lastly, I want our sustainability practices to be recognized not just as compliant, but as forward-thinking. We aimtobeamodelofwhatasmallbusinesscando whenitalignsgrowthwithvaluesandstrategy
References
Conclusion: Local Infrastructure, National Consequences
Smallconstructionfirms,suchasTHBFlooring Inc., led by professionals like Thais Fanger de Campos,represent more than localized success stories, they are structural contributors to U.S. economic resilience. As decentralized hubs of employment, innovation, and sustainability, they offer a scalable model for bottom-up development that complements national strategies Supporting the growth of such firms through improved access to capital, targeted grants for modernization, and workforce alignment programs can yield significant economic benefits. As international competition accelerates and domestic needs evolve, these businesses can play a decisive role in ensuring theUnitedStatesremainscompetitive,inclusive, andinnovative
Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2024). Value added by industry: Construction. https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-industry
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) Employment situation summary https://wwwblsgov/newsrelease/empsitnr0htm
IBISWorld. (2024). Hardwood flooring manufacturing in the US - Market Size 2005–2028. https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/hardwood-flooringmanufacturing-industry/
National Association of Home Builders (2023) Economic impact of residential construction https://wwwnahborg/news-and-economics/housing-economics
Statistisches Bundesamt. (2023). Bauhauptgewerbe: Unternehmen und Beschäftigte. https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Economic-Sectors-Enterprises/Construction/ConstructionIndustry/ nodehtml
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U.S. Green Building Council. (2023). LEED in motion: Residential. https://www.usgbc.org/articles/leed-motion-residential
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