Greenville, S.C. – After 36 years of service, David Wise stepped down as president of Harper General Contractors and assumed the role of board chairman on Oct. 1. The company, a Greenville institution since its 1950 founding in Williamston, promoted longtime executive Bryan Royal to the presidency.
Leadership transition rooted in family‑style planning
Wise said the succession plan was a “methodical” process modeled after former leader Doug Harper, now chairman emeritus. “It’s hard to let go of something you’ve poured so much of yourself into,” Royal admitted, expressing confidence in the team he leaves behind.
Royal, a native of Taylors, S.C., graduated from Wade Hampton High School and earned a civil engineering degree from Clemson University. After years in the water‑and‑wastewater sector across the eastern United States, he returned to Greenville with his wife and two sons, who are active in the local Greenville Little League.
Environmental Systems Division passes to new hands
Royal also handed over leadership of the Environmental Systems Division (ESD), which he founded in 2010, to Mike Odom. The division, focused on improving water and wastewater infrastructure, now accounts for 36% of Harper’s revenue. Odom brings more than two decades of industry experience to his new role as division manager and vice president.
Under Wise’s tenure, Harper grew from roughly $80 million in annual revenue in 2012 to $579 million today. The firm’s portfolio includes community landmarks such as Unity Park, The Peace Center, the United Community headquarters, Woodruff High School in Spartanburg, and projects on the Clemson University and Tri‑County Technical College campuses.
Continuing community service
While Royal leads day‑to‑day operations, Wise will remain active in client services, mentoring, and major projects. He also looks forward to more time for golf, volunteer work with his church, travel with his wife Katherine, and visits with his new granddaughter.
“We have truly lived out the mission of building up our community, our clients and each other,” Wise said, underscoring Harper’s long‑standing commitment to the Upstate region.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
