CAROLINA EARTH MOVERS - Key Persons
A Greenville, NC native, Bruce is the product of his father's company, Coward's Construction, where he worked with heavy machinery and learned all aspects of the business. From tractors and backhoes to dozers and dump trucks, his on-the-job training and expertise became a major asset when he joined the U.S. Air Force. As a minuteman missile technician, his duties involved the installation and maintenance of equipment associated with the weapon and guidance systems. Honorably discharged in 1977, Bruce was employed as a pipefitter and sheet metal worker for Missouri Pacific Railroad. He also received certification as an air brake system inspector on locomotives.
Still employed with the railroad, Bruce moved to Houston, TX. and met his wife, Loyce. The 1982 recession forced the Cowards to return to Greenville, NC. and Bruce went to work as a structural steel welder for the Robert's Company. He quickly advanced to equipment operator and supervisor. By 1993, Bruce left the company to start, with Loyce, Carolina Earth Movers, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Chief Foreman and Project Manager
Just as his father did, Jerone grew up and learned at an early age several aspects of the construction business. Having worked for the company since he was 16 years of age, Jerone is highly experienced and can be found on most CEM projects operating heavy machinery. He attended Pitt College and took courses in construction management. Today, working closely on sites with Bruce, Jerone is responsible for crew, equipment and site management of projects for the company.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
The latest addition to CEM, Jerome's wife, Kristel is part of the CEM office staff. There, her responsibilities include assisting with payroll, organizing and processing workers' time sheets and any additional work that falls under the HR (human resources) duties for the company. Although Kristel holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Pitt Community College, she is a valuable asset to the company's administrative staff.
When CEM started to expand its operation, daughter Lakisha worked part-time while attending East Carolina University where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. By 2004, she began working full-time and quickly got involved in the day-to-day business operation as office manager. She later went to Pitt Community College to become a Certified Notary Public. Lakisha is responsible for job estimating, coordinating administrative records and correspondence.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Administration
Originally from Houston, TX., Loyce met Bruce Coward when he relocated from Missouri to Texas after his service discharge. By 1983, they left Houston and moved to Greenville. Loyce worked as a Food Service Manager, prior to starting Carolina Earth Movers with Bruce. She attended Beaufort, then Pitt Community College for courses in bookkeeping, computer science and became a Certified Notary Public. Loyce is responsible for CEM's administrative office operations and management.