Last year, the firm helped Charlotte put its best foot forward when Rodgers partnered with Hargrove Inc., Hunt Construction Group and H.J. Russell & Co. to manage the 50-day sprint to prepare the city's Time Warner Cable Arena for the Democratic National Convention.

"That was an exciting, energetic project that comes along once in a lifetime, and the area benefited greatly from it," Pat Rodgers says.

UNC-Charlotte's Rose notes that Pat Rodgers is a highly regarded civic leader, thanks to her extensive community involvement.

"She is so widely respected," Rose says. "She means what she says, and she follows through and does just that. Individually and as a couple, Pat and B.D. have done a great deal for Charlotte."

Moving forward, the firm doesn't intend to deviate from the conservative business approach that it considers important to its success over the last 50 years. Rodgers senses its philosophy will continue to be tested, though, as more challenges present themselves. There are clouds on the horizon, says COO Reichard, including possible labor shortages.

"We've been fortunate enough to grow despite the tumult of the last few years," he says. "But there's more competition coming."