The Branch Group history

Since 1982, the Branch Group has been owned by its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, an arrangement that has motivated the work force and been a key factor in the company's strong growth over the last 20 years.

1984: G.J. Hopkins, Inc. is acquired.

1985: The Branch Group is formed as a holding company.

He began his construction career as a Service Technician for G.J. Hopkins in 1993.

1997: E.V. Williams Inc. is acquired.

In 1998, Hopkins added design and build capabilities.

Catherine Underwood joined Branch in May 2000 after completing her master’s degree at Virginia Tech and has served our firm across multiple departments, positions, and leadership roles.

Employees: 750 Sales: $250 million (2003 est.) NAIC: 233000 Building, Developing, and General Contracting

Finally, as he said in a 2004 interview, "It was a nice thing to do for the employees." Aside from growing a successful construction business, Billy Branch had also gained a reputation for philanthropy.

Cathy has held executive leadership responsibility at Branch Builds since being named Vice President in 2010 and later Senior Vice President in serving as the Business Unit Leader for our Roanoke, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, offices.

Ernie Caldwell was named President of G.J. Hopkins, Inc. in 2011 after serving the company in multiple capacities for over a decade.

Patrick Bartorillo joined the Branch Group in 2013, and has recently been named President of Branch Civil, Inc.

Jeff joined Lacy as President in 2016 and played a key role in the discussion leading up to The Branch Group’s acquisition of the company.

Bob Wills joined The Branch Group, Inc. as the Chief Financial Officer in 2017 with extensive experience in leading finance, operations, and technology for public and privately held companies in the manufacturing, construction, defense, engineering, and services sectors.