Maxwell Hudgins (great-grandfather of current owner of Mark Pace), graduated with an Engineering degree from Georgia Tech.  He worked as an engineer and construction superintendent for Harrison Engineering & Construction, then served as the town engineer for Pulaski County before he decided to start his own construction company.  He built highway bridges throughout Virginia from 1925 to 1945 under the company name M.S. Hudgins and Company.  In the early 1930’s, Max’s son Joseph Hudgins and his son in law,  E. Claude Pace Jr. (grandfather of Mark Pace) joined the company.

After working with Max for over 10 years, Joe & Claude Jr. bought the company from him in 1956. In 1960, they changed the company name to Hudgins & Pace Contractors.  During this period the company built underground sewer, storm drain, and water facilities for municipalities in Virginia.  Joe and Claude Jr. continued utility construction until 1976 when they sold the company to Claude Jr.’s son, E. Claude Pace III (“Chick” Pace).

Chick purchased the family company and changed the name to E.C. Pace Company in 1976.  Chick Pace graduated from Virginia Tech in 1964 with a Business degree.  He previously worked with his grandfather, father, and uncle during summers while in high school and college.  During this period, the company expanded its operations to include boring, jacking & tunneling.  They also became licensed to work in North Carolina.

Mark Pace purchased the company from his father Chick and continues to operate as the President.  Mark graduated from Radford University with a Business degree.  He also previously worked with his grandfather and father during summers while in high school and college.  Under current ownership, we have expanded our line of work into heavy highway construction/road building, comprehensive site development, gas main and service line installation, and concrete sidewalk and curb and gutter installation.  The company currently employs around 110 people.