Company History

Patterson & Wilder Construction Company, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Alabama in September of 1962. Prior to the incorporation, the company worked as a partnership for several years. Through the years, the company has been involved in many different facets of construction, but has developed a specialty in the pipeline industry.

Currently, the company performs mostly natural gas pipeline construction projects (both transmission and distribution), with some work in the water and sewer industry, and also in environmental management and coastal recovery.

The corporate operations office is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a branch office in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a warehouse/construction office in Newton Grove, North Carolina. A secondary corporate office is maintained in Birmingham, Alabama.

Company Personnel

Frank L. Patterson, President

Mr. Patterson has over forty-six (46) years of experience in all phases of the pipeline industry, including outside pipeline construction, estimating, and management.  Beginning in 1962 as a Laborer, he worked summers and holidays through high school and college, and progressed to Operator, Pipefitter, Foreman, and Superintendent. 

 

He is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Engineering.  He has gained extensive experience in estimating and job management.  Mr. Patterson became president of the company in 1976.  He is also a past president of the Alabama Utility Contractors Association and Regional Vice President of the National Utility Contractors Association.  Through these positions, he has worked with many United States Congressmen and Senators towards the betterment of the pipeline industry.

Carolyn Adams, Secretary/Treasurer

Mrs. Adams has forty-five (45) years of experience with the company, including all phases of clerical, bookkeeping and general office management.  She was appointed Secretary-Treasurer in April, 1988.

 

George “Bronc” Pugh, Vice President of Construction

Mr. Pugh has been in pipeline construction since he began working as a laborer on a ditch gang in 1958.  He has worked in all positions of pipeline construction for many different companies throughout the United States.  He entered job management in 1972, when he held his first job as a foreman. Mr. Pugh became the company superintendent in 1989, and was promoted to Vice President of Construction in 1998.

 

Christy Scott, Assistant Secretary

Ms. Scott has over seventeen (19) years of experience with the company; including all phases of general office management.  She handles all payroll functions and tax reporting duties.

 

Gray Lewis, Vice-President

Mr. Lewis graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in engineering.  He has experience in job engineering and estimating, and production.  Mr. Lewis is the Human Resources Manager for the company and he oversees all safety programs.  Mr. Lewis works in all areas of company operations; from on site job coordination to project and operations management.

 

Neil T. DeLucenay, Vice-President

Mr. DeLucenay has over thirty-two
(32) years experience in utility and underground construction.  He has managed projects from conception to completion for private, municipal and military clients in North America, South America, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. 

 

Mr. DeLucenay has extensive hands on experience managing construction projects for water and wastewater plants, power generating stations and specialty underground utility including boring, tunneling and micro-tunneling.  He is currently certified as a construction contractor in many states, and in a wide range of categories.  Mr. DeLucenay has professional affiliations with AWWA, NUCA, and WEF.

 

Cathy P. Cavender, Vice President

Mrs. Cavender graduated from George Mason University with a degree in English.  She has experience in general and cost accounting, budgeting, estimating, and management.  She works in all areas of company operations; from lending technical assistance for computer operations to providing on site project coordination and operations management.

 

Jack Cochran

Corporate Safety Director – Mr. Cochran has thirty-two (32) years of industrial management experience and five (5) years of construction oversight.  His primary areas of expertise include Safety Management, which enabled him to reduce injury and labor costs while increasing productivity at one of the most profitable manufacturing plants in the industry.  His emphasis on employee involvement, education, and training has proven effective for improving performance and reducing workers’ compensation costs.

 

Jimmy Manley, Welding Foreman

Mr. Manley began welding in 1972.  He has been a Welder Foreman for over twenty-five (25) years for several large pipeline construction companies.  He has worked throughout the United States, including Alaska, as well as in South America on projects with diameters ranging from 2” to 48”.

 

Billy Gunnels, Spread Superintendent -

Experience in pipeline construction for 46 years within various positions to include Bending Engineer, Tie-In Foreman, Pipe Foreman, Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent.  He has worked on many projects with diameters up to 48” and hundreds of miles.  Has worked for most of the top 20 Gas and Oil pipeline companies throughout the US.  Currently working on a project for El Paso including 4 transmission line upgrades, 16”, 20”, 26” and 36”.

Other Key Personnel

Danny Burden, Assistant Superintendent
Mike Hyman, General Superintendent
Charles McCoy, Assistant Superintendent
Frank Patterson, Jr., Vice President
Gene Hatcher, Foreman
Roman Valdez, Foreman
Juan Nunez, Foreman
Sis Alexander, Warehouse Manager
Elvin Miller, Master Mechanic/Testing Foreman
Craig Miller, Mechanic/Testing Foreman

Lyn Thomas, Truck Driver

Our Values

Patterson & Wilder Construction Co., Inc. specializes in pipeline construction services for the transmission and distribution of natural gas.  We strive to provide our clients with the highest quality pipeline construction available, while completing projects on time and under budget with the utmost regard for employee safety and our environment.

Company Equipment

Space reserved for listing of company equipment used for Pipeline construction

 

 

Community Involvement

 

Carteret County Partnership for Children 

Growing Brighter Tomorrows
Patterson & Wilder is proud to be a Gold Sponsor for the Carteret County Partnership for Children.  The Carteret County Partnership is a part of the statewide organization, the North Carolina Partnership for Children, which serves children age 0 - 5 and their families.  Through its programs, the Partnership is able to help families of small children meet the challenges specific to them, as well as provide financial and technical assistance to area childhood programs, ensuring continued quality child care and early education. 

The Partnership believes that high quality early childhood programs are one of the few public investments that consistently provide a large positive return.  The benefits of these programs can span generations. On Saturday, August 21, 2004, the Carteret County Partnership is planning its annual Kids Day Celebration at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Kids Day is a fun, informative educational event designed to celebrate area children and their families.

For more information concerning this event or the Carteret County Partnership for Children, please contact Sherry Peel at 252-727-0440.

Martin County Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of the Fourth Annual Martin County Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament held on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at the Roanoke Country Club in Williamston, NC. 

This tournament is held to raise funds to provide assistance to the Marin County Law Enforcement Agencies for their crime fighting efforts.  Lt. Jeffery A. Mills, Coordinator, states that the 2003 Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament was a big success thanks to local business and community support.  Here's to another great tournament! 

Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is proud to be the Grand Sponsor of the Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club's annual golf tournament to be held on Friday, May 14th, 2004 at Beau Rivage Golf Plantation.  The Rotary began as a way for local business leaders to contribute and give something back to the community.

The Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club participates by providing service and financial support for many local organizations, such as: Wilmington Housing Authority Tutoring Program  -  Big Buddy  - Yahweh Center  -  Community Boys & Girls Club  -  Meals on Wheels  -  Rotary Foundation  -  Child Development Center  -  Rape Crisis Center  -  Scholarships to UNCW  -  Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home  -  The Cape Fear Literacy Council  -  Family Services of the Lower Cape Fear  -  Adopt A Highway  -  Annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards  -  Scholarships to Cape Fear Community College  -  Reachout Programs for Underprivileged Children  -  Project Business & Interact Clubs at Local High Schools

Community Living - Wilmington Charity Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is proud to be an Eagle Hole Sponsor for the Community Living - Wilmington Charity Golf Tournament held at Echo Farms Golf & County Club on Saturday, May 31, 2003. 

All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit citizens of the Wilmington community who have developmental disabilities.

Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is proud to be the Grand Sponsor of the Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club's annual golf tournament to be held on Friday, May 16th, 2003 at Beau Rivage Golf Plantation.  The Rotary began as a way for local business leaders to contribute and give something back to the community.

The Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club participates by providing service and financial support for many local organizations, such as: Wilmington Housing Authority Tutoring Program  -  Big Buddy  - Yahweh Center  -  Community Boys & Girls Club  -  Meals on Wheels  -  Rotary Foundation  -  Child Development Center  -  Rape Crisis Center  -  Scholarships to UNCW  -  Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home  -  The Cape Fear Literacy Council  -  Family Services of the Lower Cape Fear  -  Adopt A Highway  -  Annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards  -  Scholarships to Cape Fear Community College  -  Reachout Programs for Underprivileged Children  -  Project Business & Interact Clubs at Local High Schools

Eastern Water and Wastewater Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of the Third Annual Eastern Water and Wastewater Network Golf Tournament held on Friday, May 2, 2003 at the Happy Valley Country Club in Wilson, North Carolina. 

The Eastern Water and Wastewater Network (EWWN) is an organization of units of local government (towns, cities, and counties), public and private agencies of Eastern North Carolina that have entered into an agreement for mutual assistance in the management and operations of water and wastewater systems.  The EWWN encompasses the geographic area of those cities bordering I-95 east to the NC coast.

Martin County Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of the Third Annual Martin County Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament held on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at the Roanoke Country Club in Williamston, NC. 

This tournament is held to raise funds to provide assistance to the Marin County Law Enforcement Agencies for their crime fighting efforts.  Lt. Jeffery A. Mills, Coordinator, states that the 2002 Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament was a big success thanks to local business and community support.  Here's to a great 2003 tournament! 

Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is proud to be the Grand Sponsor of the Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club's annual golf tournament to be held on Friday, May 17th, 2002 at Beau Rivage Golf Plantation.  The Rotary began as a way for local business leaders to contribute and give something back to the community.

The Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club participates by providing service and financial support for many local organizations, such as: Wilmington Housing Authority Tutoring Program  -  Big Buddy  - Yahweh Center  -  Community Boys & Girls Club  -  Meals on Wheels  -  Rotary Foundation  -  Child Development Center  -  Rape Crisis Center  -  Scholarships to UNCW  -  Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home  -  The Cape Fear Literacy Council  -  Family Services of the Lower Cape Fear  -  Adopt A Highway  -  Annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards  -  Scholarships to Cape Fear Community College  -  Reachout Programs for Underprivileged Children  -  Project Business & Interact Clubs at Local High Schools

Fourth Annual "Super Schools" Superball Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of the "Super Schools" Superball Golf Tournament held on February 18, 2002.  The Currituck County Board of Education and the Currituck County Schools were able to raise over $12,000.00 for the school district through this event.

Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament

Patterson & Wilder is proud to be the Grand Sponsor of the Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club's annual golf tournament to be held on Friday, June 1st, 2001 at Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation.  The Rotary began as a way for local business leaders to contribute and give something back to the community.

The Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club participates by providing service and financial support for many local organizations, such as: Wilmington Housing Authority Tutoring Program  -  Big Buddy  - Yahweh Center  -  Community Boys & Girls Club  -  Meals on Wheels  -  Rotary Foundation  -  Child Development Center  -  Rape Crisis Center  -  Scholarships to UNCW  -  Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home  -  The Cape Fear Literacy Council  -  Family Services of the Lower Cape Fear  -  Adopt A Highway  -  Annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards  -  Scholarships to Cape Fear Community College  -  Reachout Programs for Underprivileged Children  -  Project Business & Interact Clubs at Local High Schools

Rock Creek Pro-Am Golf Tournament

On July 6, 2000, Patterson & Wilder Construction Co., Inc. was a proud sponsor of the Rock Creek Pro-Am at the Rock Creek Golf & Country Club in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Many outstanding Professional Golfers from around the country joined our Gray Lewis for the tournament.  Although the P&W team did not take home the first place trophy, they did a great job!  

Cape Fear Soccer Association, Inc.

Patterson Wilder Construction Co., Inc. is a proud 2004 supporter of the Cape Fear Soccer Association (CFSA).  This spring, the CFSA is fielding a record 187 recreational teams.  When combined with the 27 teams in the Classic/Challenge Divisions and the 30 teams in the Adult Division, CFSA has a record number of participants.  Community involvement in the youth program plays a large part in the associations ability to provide soccer for the children of Southeastern North Carolina.

12th Annual Fashion Show & Auction

Benefiting the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.

The Annual Fashion Show/Auction is the only agency sponsored fundraiser to benefit the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.  The Fashion Show/Auction is a popular local event which generates a great deal of publicity.  Participation in this event is a wonderful way to join with other community members sharing a commitment to support the Shelter and survivors of domestic violence at home or wherever violence disrupts peaceful lives. Proceeds from the Fashion Show and Auction will help keep the doors of the Shelter open.  Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of this organization. 

For more information on this event or the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., please contact Kitty Yerkes at 910-343-0703. "The miracle is this...the more we give, the more we have."

11th Annual Fashion Show & Auction

Benefiting the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.
Day Fashion Show and Auction: 11:00 am,  May 9, 2003
Evening Fashion Show and Auction:  7:00 pm, May 9, 2003

Coastline Convention Center, Wilmington, NC The Courageous Hearts Fashion Show/Auction is the only agency sponsored fundraiser to benefit the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.  The Fashion Show/Auction is a popular local event which generates a great deal of publicity.  Participation in this event is a wonderful way to join with other community members sharing a commitment to support the Shelter and survivors of domestic violence at home or wherever violence disrupts peaceful lives.

Proceeds from the Fashion Show and Auction will help keep the doors of the Shelter open.  The theme for the show this year is Courageous Hearts, recognizing the many volunteers, staff, and members in the community who support the on-going efforts to create awareness and to be of service to the many victims of domestic violence.  Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of this organization.  For more information on this event or the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., please contact Kitty Yerkes at 910-343-0703. "The miracle is this...the more we give, the more we have."

Cape Fear Soccer Association, Inc.

Patterson Wilder Construction Co., Inc. is a proud 2003 supporter of the Cape Fear Soccer Association (CFSA).  This spring, the CFSA is fielding a record 187 recreational teams.  When combined with the 27 teams in the Classic/Challenge Divisions and the 30 teams in the Adult Division, CFSA has a record number of participants.  Community involvement in the youth program plays a large part in the associations ability to provide soccer for the children of Southeastern North Carolina.

EasternNC "First Customer" Celebration

Patterson & Wilder Construction Co., Inc. is proud to have participated in the public ceremony and reception honoring the "first institutional customer" of EasternNC on Monday, August 5, 2002 at the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC. 

This ceremony presented EasternNC as a fully functional, "stand alone" company now providing customers within northeastern North Carolina with natural gas service.  It also emphasized the important role that natural gas will play in the future economic development of northeastern North Carolina.  The ceremony recognized legislators and other key supporters whose advocacy helped EasternNC become a reality.

Boys Tournament Results

1st Place - Patterson & Wilder Construction Patterson & Wilder is the proud sponsor of the Cape Fear Soccer U-14 Boys first place team in Wilmington, North Carolina.  Congratulations to all the players and their families!

Edenton Steamers Baseball

Patterson & Wilder has joined the Hottest Summer Baseball in Northeastern North Carolina by sponsoring a fence sign with the Edenton Steamers at the Historic Hicks Field.  This season the Steamers will be celebrating their Five Year Anniversary Season in the Coastal Plain League.  Craig Clarkson of Gulf Coast Community College will be the 2002 Head Coach. 

Players from the University of North Carolina, University of South Carolina, Mississippi State University, East Carolina University, and many other prestigious colleges and universities have committed to Coach Clarkson for the 2002 season.  An average of 850 fans cheered the Steamers on at games in the 2001 Coastal Plain League season.  

Take me out to the ballpark! 10th Annual Fashion Show & Auction

To benefit the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. Day Fashion Show and Auction: 11:30 am,  May 17, 2002 Evening Fashion Show and Auction:  7:00 pm, May 17, 2002 Coastline Convention Center, Wilmington, NC The Hope Blooms Fashion Show/Auction is the only agency sponsored fundraiser to benefit the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.  The Fashion Show/Auction is a popular local event which generates a great deal of publicity. 

Participation in this event is a wonderful way to join with other community members sharing a commitment to support the Shelter and survivors of domestic violence at home or wherever violence disrupts peaceful lives. Proceeds from the Fashion Show and Auction will help keep the doors of the Shelter open where Hope Blooms.  Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of this organization.  For more information on this event or the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., Please contact Kitty Yerkes at 910-343-0703. "The miracle is this...the more we give, the more we have."

FAST Program Sponsor

The Cape Fear Partners for Education promote and sponsor programs to aid children who are at risk of "falling through the cracks" of the public school systems in New Hanover and Pender Counties.  These programs include tutoring, mentoring, and job shadowing programs.   The fourth session of the FAST (Families and Schools Together) program was implemented at the Dorothy B. Johnson Elementary School Wednesday, March 27, 2002. Each FAST session lasts eight weeks and graduates approximately 12 FAST families. 

The families meet once a week and discuss family dynamics and the importance of parental involvement in the lives of their children.  The services of professional counselors are made available to guide the program participants.  FAST can serve as a springboard for entire families to change their lives for the better.  Patterson & Wilder is a proud sponsor of the FAST program.  For more information on this program, and how you can give back to your community in a way that will impact future generations, please contact the Cape Fear Partners for Education at 910-762-9765. 

It's a Girl!

On January 22, 2001, Amy Patterson Stuckey and Jason Stuckey joyfully welcomed Julia Grace into the world.  At 6 pounds, 8 ounces and 19 1/2 inches, Julia is a healthy and happy addition to the Stuckey and  Patterson families.  

It's a Boy!

On April 2, 2002, Amy Patterson Stuckey and Jason Stuckey joyfully welcomed Joseph Thomas into the world.  At 7 pounds, 13 ounces, Joseph is a healthy and happy addition to the Stuckey and  Patterson families.

Qualifying Agent Receives "National Certified Professional Constructor Designation"

Neil T. Delucenay, Vice President,
has received the professional designation for Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). 

He is one of 1,980 practitioners throughout the United States to be certified in a program developed by national construction trade and professional associations under the auspices of the American Institute of Constructors. Similar to the Professional Engineer registration process, the CPC certification is a rigorous two-step qualification program based on experience, education, and written examinations.  The first examinations were offered in the fall of 1996 at approximately 70 universities nationwide.

The voluntary certification program was developed in response to evolvement of the management of construction as a profession during the twentieth century. As the construction industry volume continues to grow into this next century, it will require more and better prepared Professional Constructors to overcome the challenges. One of those challenges is to set high standards of practice and to improve the image of the current and future Constructor. Over the next few years it is expected that several thousand graduates from accredited university degree programs in construction will seek the initial Associate Constructor (AC) designation along with many additional experienced Constructors qualifying for the full Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) title.

Asked about the designation, DeLucenay states that “with the increased complexity of the construction process the management function has assumed a more critical role in the construction project. This has necessitated the requirement for significant improvements in the qualifications of the industry’s personnel, creating the function of a professional constructor separate to the professions of architecture and engineering. The Certified Professional Constructor program provides recognition to this new role together with  a standard of qualification by which third parties can assess the individual manager. In turn this provides a meaningful professional achievement goal for young managers entering the industry, and should serve to attract the talent that construction requires.”

For more information contact: Cheryl Harris, Executive Director, AIC Constructor Certification Commission, 466 94th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL. 33702. (727) 578-0317 Fax (727) 578-9982 Email admin@constructorcertification.com

Patterson & Wilder Joins Safety Initiative

by Heather Crews, Public Information Officer, NCDOL The North Carolina Department of Labor recently signed its first partnership with a construction company to promote awareness of workplace safety and health.  Patterson & Wilder Construction, which has offices in Newton Grove, Raleigh and Wilmington, and the department signed the agreement in the fall to foster safety in the construction industry.  The program officially kicked off at the beginning of 2004.  The company specializes in the construction of gas pipelines. "We believe this is the opportunity for Patterson & Wilder and the utilities industry to present the challenges we face," said Gray Lewis, a company vice president. "

This partnership is going to help create an unprecedented line of communication between the industry and NCDOL." As part of the agreement, NCDOL provides safety and health training for subcontractors and employees.  Patterson & Wilder provides training to NCDOL employees on gas pipeline construction. "Patterson & Wilder is involved in many unique operations, such as excavation under rivers," said Les Kafel, NCDOL bureau chief.  "We believe that they are going to be a great source of information for our department and in turn, we will help them protect employees' safety and health." Other aspects of the alliance include workshops, conferences and participation in NCDOL recognition programs. In 2002 the construction industry represented 24 percent of the 169 work fatalities, although the 44 deaths reflected a 13.7 percent drop from the 51 in 2001. "Increasing safety among construction workers has been a top priority for NCDOL," Kafel said.  "This partnership is just another step in that direction."

North Carolina Department of Labor Annual Safety Award

On June 6, 2000, Patterson & Wilder Construction Co., Inc. was awarded the prestigious North Carolina Department of Labor Annual Safety Award, the "Certificate of Safety Achievement" for 1999.

The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and New Hanover Health Network sponsored the Twenty-Fifth Annual Safety Awards Dinner for the regional winners at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside.  Commissioner of Labor, Harry E. Payne, Jr., and other officials from the Department of Labor were on hand to present awards.  This achievement places Patterson & Wilder in a select group of businesses and public agencies within North Carolina.   Mr. Gray Lewis, Vice President, represented the company at the dinner.  Patterson & Wilder is proud to promote safety in the workplace and in our employees' daily lives.