Colleton Tile and Concrete has been a fixture in Colleton County since 1948. The business is currently under the guiding hand of its third generation. This small business prides itself on the quality of its product and work and its customer service. They are obviously doing something right especially in today’s climate of larger businesses and corporations buying up smaller businesses. Colleton Tile and Concrete stands firm in their commitment to their customers in Colleton County to provide them with the best business experience possible.
In 1956 L.S. Mitchell, Jr. opened a small ready mix concrete plant on Moore Street in Walterboro. Subsequently, Carroll Brown and. L.S. Mitchell purchased from B. George Price, III the concrete block and precast business of Colleton Tile and Concrete on Bells Highway. They then moved the ready-mix concrete plant to the current location on Bells Highway. In a parallel timeline, L.S. Mitchell (Sr.) founded Mitchell Construction in the 1930’s. Jordan’s grandfather, L.S. Mitchell, was in the Army Corps of Engineers in Italy which is where the Romans invented concrete, and he learned how to make concrete in the war. After the war, L.S. Mitchell came back and started the business, “or technically he bought it”, according to Jordan. If nothing L.S. Mitchell, Jr. thought he would be able to sell concrete to his father for his construction company.
When Mitchell came back from the military and ready-mix concrete was new to this area and was not well received at first. However, soon the convenience and economy of having mixed concrete delivered to the construction site were eventually recognized. In 1966 a larger high production ready-mix plant was installed. This plant could produce 50 cubic yards per hour.
With the arrival of I-95 there was a great need for concrete for bridges, motels, restaurants, and gas stations. All of this stimulated the local economy and generated more construction.
The family shares that like all things there were times of feast and famine. During the slow periods the production of concrete block was increased to build inventory for better times.
All concrete block manufacturing machinery was sold in 1976 to concentrate on the growing ready-mix concrete business.
Carroll Brown and L.S. Mitchell started to reach the age where they needed to look to the future and plan for the continuation of the business. In 1982 Richard Mitchell came into the corporation as vice president. Brown sold all his stock to the corporation in 1998 and left the company to focus on the family tree farm. At that time, Dwight Mitchell joined the firm which was now wholly owned by the Mitchell family.
In 2006, a new and modern ready-mix plant was installed and has been going strong at the Dorsey Street location since. Now Richard Mitchell (son of L.S. Mitchell, Jr.) and his son Jordan Mitchell, the third generation, runs the day-to-day operations. Colleton Tile and Concrete runs on a small but dedicated crew of employees who strive to provide excellent customer service. Mr. Dennis Hiott has been with the company for all three generation of Mitchells. Mr. Mike Wilson serves at the plant manager and has been with the company over 20 years. Mr. Manuel (“Teddy”) Gonzales is the yard manager and greet anyone coming into yard with a smile and very helpful attitude. Mr. Kory Edwards and Mr. Matt Wolfe round out the roster as the newest employees who also represent the work ethic the Mitchells have instilled in their business.
Colleton Tile & Concrete is a family-owned and operated Ready-Mix concrete supplier serving residents and contractors throughout Walterboro, SC, and the greater Colleton County community. With over 70 years of experience, they offer Ready-Mix concrete solutions for all types of applications. They aim to provide a “one stop location” for the customer. They also sell building supplies such a pipe (plastic and concrete), rebar, and the wire that would be used when pouring a foundation or slab, and many other materials. Colleton Tile & Concrete also offers pre-cast septic tanks for building or replacement jobs that they can be delivered.
