While construction is a routine part of life for many, the team at Moss-Marlow Building Company views the industry as an integral aspect of its ministry. They approach this ministry with deep humility and a strong dedication to their community, specializing in the construction of churches, residential and commercial buildings, and remodeling. After 115 years in the industry, the company upholds Christian principles of faith in its daily operations.
Moss-Marlow is committed to running its business without debt, and its financial stability is as strong as the buildings it constructs. The company is renowned for its exceptional commercial construction, custom homes, and remodeling services in the Hickory, North Carolina area.
“We believe that, whether you’re a believer or not, Biblical principles are good business principles,” says John Bostian, Director of Growth. “These principles guide all our decisions and actions,” he continues. By treating people with respect and fairness, team members are encouraged to align with the company’s values and always do what is right. For Moss-Marlow, good stewardship is its primary responsibility.
As a full-service general contractor, Moss-Marlow has completed projects in diverse industries such as hospitality, healthcare, distribution, industrial, and retail, among others. The company has also built for the education, fitness, automotive, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Known for its efficient, schedule-driven processes, Moss-Marlow’s tradespeople excel at prioritizing each building stage to ensure outstanding time management, delivering turnkey projects that consistently impress clients. This commitment to quality and reliability has earned the company the loyalty of countless satisfied customers.
To foster cohesion on its job sites, Moss-Marlow maintains seasoned collaborations with handpicked field superintendents. This ensures that everyone on-site, including subcontractors, operates in unison, offering project owners peace of mind and confidence in the successful delivery of their projects. It is in this supportive and collaborative environment that professional relationships thrive, turning visions into reality.
On the home design front, Moss-Marlow tailors its services to each customer’s specific needs. With comprehensive design and coordination services at its core, the company brings a client-centric focus to its projects. While quality remains paramount, cost-saving solutions are also a priority. The team makes sure to provide clear, reliable cost estimates before construction begins, helping clients avoid unexpected expenses.
With many church construction projects completed to date, Moss-Marlow is well-versed in the unique challenges involved in developing spaces for community worship. The team excels in preparing congregations and project leaders, both psychologically and practically, for the journey ahead. From space planning to obtaining necessary certifications, Moss-Marlow offers the expertise to navigate the complexities of church infrastructure development. This process often prompts deep reflection within congregations regarding their overall mission and values.
“The purpose is bigger than us,” says Bostian. “It allows us to remain humble in our interactions, treating people fairly and doing what is right.” This belief in serving others with dedication and integrity drives the company’s daily operations.
To support this mission, Moss-Marlow has invested in two project management software platforms. The commercial team uses Procore, which enhances collaboration between design teams and clients, offering transparency, quick approvals, and streamlined subcontractor coordination. On the residential side, Buildertrend is used for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for homeowners to engage with the application without feeling overwhelmed.
Customers of Moss-Marlow benefit from the company’s integrity, commitment, and craftsmanship, which together have fostered a loyal client base. This unwavering devotion to its core values has been a hallmark of the company’s enduring success.
The company’s roots trace back to 1909 when Luther Moss, fresh from an apprenticeship in Birmingham, Alabama, started his carpentry business in Hickory. He founded L.L. Moss Cabinet Shop, which would eventually become Moss-Marlow Building Company. Starting with simple board homes, Moss later built the company’s first two-story brick home in 1915, marking the beginning of a new era of construction. Despite the absence of the original family, the company still carries forward the spirit of faith and perseverance that its founders instilled.
As the company expanded, it thrived during various periods of residential and commercial construction booms. Today, Bostian describes the company’s position as balanced between the two sectors, though with a notable increased focus on multi-family housing.
Moss-Marlow is also expanding its geographic footprint. The opening of a new office in Asheville marks the company’s foray into new territories and capabilities. “By strategically partnering with local experts and establishing a brick-and-mortar office there, we are able to continue delivering the same high level of service while expanding,” Bostian explains.
Community service is a core part of Moss-Marlow’s mission, and the company actively supports local causes, both through financial donations and by serving on leadership boards. Its ministry team monitors and supports around 15 non-profit organizations with monthly commitments to aid their work.
With a solid reputation for high-quality construction and a commitment to giving back to the community, Moss-Marlow is well positioned for continued growth. The company is focused on growing the current team by promoting from within, recruiting first-class talent and providing in-depth training. “The vision and new ideas from our employees will help us continue to grow,” says Bostian.
The company’s values of grace and unity strengthen its ability to work as a team. “The grace we show one another allows us to be more vulnerable, acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, and support each other,” says Bostian.
As demand for high-quality multi-family housing rises, Moss-Marlow continues to expand its expertise and geographical reach, including plans to explore production housing for those in greater need of homes. Driven by a commitment to faith, gratitude, and excellence, Moss-Marlow Building Company continues to make a lasting impact on its community and the construction industry.
