FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE
Bobby Rice
Senior Project Manager, Charlotte Glass Contractors
“I attribute much of my success to embracing a team-first mindset. Throughout my career, I've learned that trying to tackle large challenges alone often limits your potential and can set you up for failure. The best results come from bringing together a group of talented people, encouraging open discussion, and being willing to explore different ideas and perspectives.I've also learned that there is rarely only one way to solve a problem. When you create an environment where people can freely share ideas and challenge assumptions, better solutions emerge. Equally important is the ability to accept constructive criticism. Being open to feedback has helped me grow as a professional, make better decisions, and continuously improve both personally and professionally.Ultimately, my success is a reflection of the teams I've had the privilege to work with. When everyone is aligned toward a common goal and feels empowered to contribute, great things can happen.”
About
Robert A. Rice ("Bobby") is a Senior Project Manager at Charlotte Glass Contractors with 19 years of experience in the commercial glass and glazing industry. Based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, he oversees the procurement, fabrication, and installation of exterior aluminum and glass systems for schools, high-rise buildings, and other complex commercial projects.
Rice began his career with 1st Choice Glass in Monroe, North Carolina, where he spent more than 17 years advancing from field installation into project management and executive leadership. He ultimately served as Vice President of Construction for over five years before joining Charlotte Glass Contractors in 2026.
Throughout his career, Rice has developed expertise in project management, construction operations, estimating, AutoCAD, and the coordination of large-scale glazing projects. He holds OSHA 30, Procore, and Bluebeam certifications, demonstrating his commitment to safety, technology, and continuous professional development.
Rice attributes his success to perseverance, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. He believes effective leadership is built on collaboration, accountability, and understanding the "why" behind every decision. His advice to those entering the construction industry is to stay curious, seek knowledge continuously, and never be afraid to ask questions.
Guided by the values of family, honesty, and hard work, Rice remains focused on professional growth while adapting to the evolving demands of the construction industry. He is passionate about setting a positive example for his daughters and the next generation of construction professionals.
Key Areas Of Focus
- 01. Analytical Skills
- 02. AutoCAD
- 03. Construction
- 04. Contract Management
- 05. Project Estimation
- 06. Subcontracting
- 07. Change Orders
- 08. Customer Service
- 09. Process Scheduler
- 10. Project Control
IN HIS OWN WORDS
The Q and A
-
01
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to embracing a team-first mindset. Throughout my career, I've learned that trying to tackle large challenges alone often limits your potential and can set you up for failure. The best results come from bringing together a group of talented people, encouraging open discussion, and being willing to explore different ideas and perspectives.
I've also learned that there is rarely only one way to solve a problem. When you create an environment where people can freely share ideas and challenge assumptions, better solutions emerge. Equally important is the ability to accept constructive criticism. Being open to feedback has helped me grow as a professional, make better decisions, and continuously improve both personally and professionally.
Ultimately, my success is a reflection of the teams I've had the privilege to work with. When everyone is aligned toward a common goal and feels empowered to contribute, great things can happen.
-
02
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to remain persistent and never give up.
Every successful project, career, or business journey includes setbacks. What matters is how you respond to them. I've learned that resilience, adaptability, and consistent effort are often more important than raw talent. When challenges arise, I focus on finding solutions, learning from mistakes, and continuing to move forward.
That advice has shaped how I approach both leadership and project management. The ability to persevere through difficult situations while maintaining a positive attitude has been one of the greatest contributors to my success.
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03
What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?
Be a sponge and be proactive in your own development. The construction industry offers endless opportunities to learn, but it's up to you to take advantage of them. Don't just learn what's required for your current position. Go beyond that. Research on your own, ask questions, seek mentorship, and challenge yourself to understand the bigger picture.
One lesson that's served me well throughout my career is to always understand the "why." Don't simply accept an answer or follow a process because that's the way it's always been done. Take the time to understand the reasoning behind it. That deeper knowledge will help you solve problems, make better decisions, and become a stronger leader.
Most importantly, stay humble, stay curious, and never stop learning. The people who continue to grow are the ones who never think they know it all.
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04
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in the construction industry today is keeping up with the pace of change. Building codes, product innovations, performance requirements, and construction technologies are constantly evolving, and professionals must be committed to ongoing education to stay ahead.
However, I also view this as one of the industry's greatest opportunities. These advancements allow us to build safer, more efficient, and higher-performing projects than ever before. For those who are willing to embrace change, continue learning, and adapt to new ways of thinking, there is tremendous potential for growth and success.
The construction industry has always been built on innovation and problem-solving. The ability to evolve with the industry while maintaining a commitment to quality is what will separate tomorrow's leaders from the rest.
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05
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is always my top priority. At the end of the day, success means very little if you're not investing in the people who matter most. My family is the foundation for everything I do, and they motivate me to be the best version of myself both personally and professionally.
Beyond family, honesty and integrity are values I try to live by every day. I believe your word matters, and treating people with honesty, respect, and fairness is essential to building trust and lasting relationships. Whether in business or in life, I've found that doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, is what defines character.
I also place a high value on grit and perseverance. Challenges are inevitable, but how you respond to them determines your growth. I've always believed in working hard, staying committed, and pushing through adversity when things get difficult.
Perhaps most importantly, I strive to be a positive role model for my daughters. I want them to see the value of hard work, honesty, kindness, and integrity through my actions, not just my words. That responsibility influences many of the decisions I make and serves as a daily reminder to lead by example.
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