Kershaw Builders of Lugoff, South Carolina, hit a rough patch in 1999 when founder Wilbert Blizzard’s health began to decline, and a nationwide recession was underway.
His wife, Martha Blizzard, was about ready to close the business, when son Robin approached her about taking a new direction – clearing lots for mobile homes.
They bought a small dozer, backhoe and dump truck. Robin began clearing lots making about $200 a day.
Today, the company has large commercial customers like Waste Management, Luck Stone and Thompson Turner Construction and employs about 75 people. It was named one of 12 finalists for Equipment World’s 2025 Contractor of the Year Award.
In the video above, Robin Blizzard talks about his start in construction, weathering the Great Recession and how the company maintains loyal customers.
About the Contractor of the Year Award
The Equipment World Contractor of the Year program has been sponsored by Caterpillar since its inception in 2000. It recognizes contractors who display the highest standards of business acumen, equipment management expertise, attention to safety and community involvement. Each year, 12 finalists receive an expense-paid trip – this year to Nashville – to participate in roundtable discussions and an awards ceremony.
Throughout the year, Equipment World will post profile stories and videos of each of the finalists on equipmentworld.com. To see who made the finals, click here.
The nomination period for the 2026 program will open this summer.
Equipment World serves up weekly videos on the latest in construction equipment, work trucks and pickup trucks – everything contractors need to get their work done. Subscribe and visit us at equipmentworld.com!
