September 1, 2025

North Carolina Unveils Top Private Employers BNC 125 List

News Summary

North Carolina has revealed its 2025 BNC 125 list, highlighting the state’s leading private employers. With 59 companies boasting revenues over $300 million, the list emphasizes the significance of middle-market firms in the economy. New entries include Cornerstone Building Brands and Crete United, while Epic Games recently won a legal battle against Google. The annual update also recognizes companies like Bojangles and Window World, showcasing the changing landscape of the state’s private sector and encouraging economic growth.

North Carolina has unveiled its 2025 BNC 125 list, recognizing the top private employers in the state. The list identifies 59 enterprises with annual revenues exceeding $300 million, with 30 exceeding the $1 billion mark. This list highlights the significant role of middle-market companies in North Carolina’s economy, contrasting their impact with that of larger publicly traded firms.

Among the new entries for this year’s BNC 125 are Cornerstone Building Brands from Cary, a leading distributor of building products; Crete United based in Charlotte, a contractor focused on construction services; Odyssey Logistics, also from Charlotte, functioning as a transportation broker; and Lumexa Imaging of Raleigh, a provider of medical services. These companies have been largely driven by private equity ownership, a trend reflective of many existing firms on the list, particularly those that are family-owned.

Annual updates of the BNC 125 offer insights into the evolving business landscape in North Carolina, including noteworthy developments among the state’s top companies. For example, Epic Games recently won a court case against Google, allowing its Android games to be listed on the Google Play store after a litigation initiated in 2020. Additionally, Cornerstone Building Brands has appointed Gunner Smith as its new CEO following the resignation of Rose Lee; the company was previously acquired for $5.8 billion in 2022.

The restaurant chain Bojangles, which is owned by private equity firms, is reportedly exploring a sale, with a targeted price of $1.5 billion for its over 830 locations. Meanwhile, Raleigh’s Variety Wholesalers has acquired 219 Big Lots stores, and plans are underway to dissolve Big Lots’ ecommerce operations in favor of a focus on physical retail.

Window World, stationed in North Wilkesboro, asserts its position as the largest replacement window company in the U.S., achieving sales that exceed 1 million windows annually. Another significant player, Captrust based in Raleigh, is enhancing its merger and acquisition strategies with the hiring of Mike Wunderli while managing over $1 trillion in assets.

New to the list, Quality Restaurant Group operates around 350 quick-service establishments, including well-known franchises like Arby’s and Pizza Hut. Additionally, Baker Roofing has embraced an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to preserve its core values, ensuring a continuity of its leadership culture. Celebrating 50 years in operation, Landmark Builders has also adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to provide their employees with equity in the company.

However, not all companies have experienced positive changes; Pine Gate Renewables has faced challenges due to decreasing incentives in alternative energy, leading to a workforce reduction of approximately 15%.

The BNC 125 list aims to become increasingly comprehensive each year, although it acknowledges the potential for omissions in its catalog. The organization welcomes tips for inclusion, especially related to private companies that play a substantial role in employment within the state.

This annual recognition serves as an important reflection of the economic landscape in North Carolina, showcasing the strength and diversity of its private sector. The BNC 125 not only honors these companies but also encourages other private enterprises to thrive and contribute positively to the local economy.

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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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