Our History
Harper & Sons, Inc. history runs deep in the roots of the Eastern Shore. The company was founded in 1968 by Howard G. Harper in Easton, MD. Mr. Harper entered the construction business as a general manager of contractor sales for the ES Adkins Company Lumberyard. He started Howard G. Harper Contracting as a way for him and his three sons to meet the construction needs of the rapidly developing Eastern Shore.
In 1977, Howard purchased Eley Lumber and Construction Company in Queen Anne, MD as an addition to the Harper & Sons growing workforce, and in 1978 the Howard G. Harper Contracting became Harper & Sons, Inc. In 1982, Stephen H. Harper, the oldest son of Howard, became the principal owner of the Harper & Sons and began an earnest quest to build his father’s legacy into the diverse and capable company that it is today. The company’s focus during its early years was in small residential and commercial projects, and in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Harper & Sons used their experience to focus on larger and more complicated projects. The company progressed from building single homes and offices to completing entire developments, renovating public schools, and building large commercial, institutional, and agricultural structures.
As the company approaches its sixth decade of business, the third generation of the Harper family is continuing the legacy of quality construction in the presence of Stephen’s sons. Benson Harper, Vice President provides daily oversight of the company’s pre-construction and project management operations; and Lee Harper performs on-site management of the site construction aspects of the company’s projects. While still providing the benefit of decades of construction experience, Stephen Harper, President oversees the company’s financial health and bonding program.
Today, the Harper & Sons team considers the company to be an expert in handling complex commercial, historic, institutional, and residential projects. Harper & Sons has completed numerous projects for private and public owners in the recent past, including the University of Maryland, Salisbury University, Choptank Community Health Systems, Easton Vol. Fire Department, Easton Utilites, and Compass Hospice.