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Southern Industries Named to Power100 Outdoor Living Authority List: 58 Years of Leadership, Community Impact, and Red-Carpet Home Improvement Across the Southeast...

Southern Industries Named to Power100’s July 2026 Outdoor Living Authority List: 58 Years of Leadership, Community Impact, RICE Culture, and Red-Carpet Customer Service Across the Southeast

Top Companies - Southern Industries

May 13, 2026 | 5 min Read

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Discover why Southern Industries, led by Derek Thexton, earned a place on Power100’s July 2026 Outdoor Living Authority List. See how this Marietta- and Augusta-based leader has completed 350,000+ projects across the Southeast with RICE values, deep community involvement, and a Red Carpet Experience backed by a 4.63 Google rating from 7,900+ reviews.

In the Southeast, few names in home improvement and outdoor living carry as much weight as Southern Industries. From replacement windows and vinyl siding to gutters, patio covers, insulation, and bath transformations, Southern Industries has spent nearly six decades helping homeowners in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina upgrade how they live.

Today, Southern Industries is recognized as one of the region’s largest and most respected home improvement companies, with more than 350,000 completed projects for over 240,000 households. The company pairs this scale with a strong digital reputation, maintaining a 4.63 Google rating based on more than 7,900 reviews, an estimated $92.7 million in revenue, and a team of roughly 110 employees. Under the leadership of President Derek Thexton, a Power100-ranked CEO, Southern Industries has unified a family of 18+ companies and 13 markets under one mission: to provide an exceptional, values-driven home improvement and outdoor living experience.

As Power100 expands its independent authority platform into home services and outdoor living, Southern Industries exemplifies the leadership, community engagement, culture, and customer service we are highlighting on the July 2026 Outdoor Living Authority List.

Leadership: Derek Thexton’s “One Southern” Vision Across the Southeast

The story of Southern Industries began in 1967, when Augusta native Jim Felton founded his first company to bring innovative, cost-effective home improvement products to Southeastern homeowners. What started as a small business soon expanded into a family of brands serving thousands of customers annually. That growth continues today under President Derek Thexton, who is recognized on the Power100 Top CEOs list for his operational excellence and people-first leadership.

Derek Thexton has implemented a “One Southern” philosophy that unifies more than 18 companies and 13 markets, including Augusta, Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Huntsville, Knoxville, Birmingham, and Myrtle Beach. Rather than functioning as disconnected local brands, these operations share consistent standards, values, and customer experience frameworks. That unification allows Southern Industries to deliver the reliability of a regional leader with the accountability of a local contractor.

This vision is carried out by a seasoned leadership team. Robert “Bobby” Olesen serves as General Manager, Matt Gullette oversees financial strategy as Chief Financial Officer, and Brad Codman leads brand and demand generation as Vice President of Marketing. Field and operations excellence is supported by Jamie Israel in event marketing and canvassing, Michael Tutsie as Regional Sales Director, Tim Hendley as Production Office Manager, Angela L. Kegler as Chief People Officer, and Danny Martin as Production Manager. Together, they translate strategic direction into on-the-ground execution in every market.

Leadership continuity is a defining strength. The company remains rooted in the legacy of founder Jim Felton and the broader Felton family, even as it scales. This continuity helps explain how Southern Industries has completed more than 350,000 jobs for 240,000+ households and still enjoys high repeat and referral business, despite many of its products being “one-time” purchases like roofs, decks, sunrooms, and whole-house siding.

Derek Thexton, CEO of Southern Industries Home Improvement, during a Golf Tournament

 

Community: Philanthropy Woven Into the Southern Industries Identity

For Southern Industries, community involvement is not a separate initiative; it is central to the company’s identity. On its Community Involvement page, the company describes support for a diverse range of organizations that serve seniors, children, veterans, families in crisis, and those facing hunger and addiction.

One example is the partnership with When Help Can’t Wait, a nonprofit that provides comfort items such as tissues, socks, lotions, and snacks to nursing home residents. Southern Industries not only donates but also helps staff fundraising events and volunteer efforts, reflecting a hands-on commitment. Similarly, the company supports The Hale Foundation’s Hale House, which helps men recover from alcohol and drug addiction and return to society as productive members. In addition to meals and supplies, Southern Industries offers employment opportunities, giving individuals in recovery a second chance to build stable careers.

Food security is another priority. Through support for the Golden Harvest Food Bank, Southern Industries employees volunteer at the warehouse to sort food, build packages, and assist with logistics, while the company contributes financially to regional hunger prevention efforts. The company also assists the Salvation Army with projects around homeless shelters, including maintenance, landscaping, and repairs, and their teams frequently serve as bell ringers during the Salvation Army’s annual kettle drive.

Families of hospitalized children receive support through the Ronald McDonald House, where Southern Industries employees serve meals and provide essential supplies like paper goods and toys for families staying while their children receive treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. During the holidays, Southern Industries partners with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for Toys for Tots, serving as a collection location and helping distribute toys to children in need.

The company’s community involvement also extends into leadership roles. Employees serve within Kiwanis International, working to combat disease and poverty and support children’s academic opportunities. Through financial support and board involvement with the American Red Cross, Southern Industries helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and natural disasters.

When Southern Industries says that supporting these organizations is “not just what we do — it’s who we are,” it captures the depth of commitment that goes beyond writing checks. This is a company that deploys its people, time, and leadership capacity to make a tangible difference across the Southeast, which closely aligns with Power100’s emphasis on community-forward leadership.

Company Culture: RICE Values and Relationships That Last a Lifetime

Culture at Southern Industries is intentionally defined and actively reinforced. The company’s vision is “to be the most respected home improvement company known for its integrity, people, and dedication to providing an exceptional home improvement experience,” with a clear emphasis on growing by “building relationships that last a lifetime.” Its mission — “providing homeowners a trusted partner in achieving their home improvement dreams and needs” — underscores a consultative, relationship-based approach rather than a transactional one.

That vision and mission are supported by a set of values often referred to internally as the RICE framework: Respect, Integrity, Caring, Excellence, and Success. Respect at Southern Industries means treating everyone with dignity, embracing each individual’s talents and working styles, and operating with a positive, cooperative attitude. It also includes being responsive to questions, listening carefully, and allowing others to share their opinions fully.

Caring is expressed in how the company places the needs of customers, employees, and their families first. It shows up in empathetic listening, a willingness to respond appropriately to homeowner concerns, and support for team members during personal challenges. This value is also reflected in the company’s philanthropic commitments, where partnerships with charities are framed as a part of caring for the communities they serve.

Integrity is defined as doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Southern Industries commits to conducting business with high ethical standards, transparency, and honesty, and to taking responsibility for its decisions and actions. This integrity-driven approach is critical in an industry where long-term warranties and large-ticket projects require deep trust.

Excellence at Southern Industries is about setting the standard in service delivery, intentionally exceeding expectations, and continuously improving. The company invests in training, development, and opportunities for promotion, ensuring its 300+ employees have pathways to grow while keeping up with new products, services, and innovative ideas.

Finally, the value of Success is framed not only as financial performance but also as the well-being of the company, its people, and its customers. Southern Industries seeks to foster long-lasting relationships, work as a team to achieve goals, celebrate wins, and promote a positive, safe, and healthy work environment in which everyone can thrive.

Across its 18+ companies and 13 markets, this RICE-centered culture is what keeps Southern Industries aligned. It supports consistency in hiring, training, and service delivery, and it underpins the company’s ability to create “relationships that last a lifetime” with hundreds of thousands of homeowners.

Southern Industries is honored to be part of the Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association

Customer Service: Delivering a Red Carpet Experience at Scale

Southern Industries is proud of the “Red Carpet Experience” it promises to homeowners across the Southeast. This phrase is not just a marketing line; it describes a customer journey that is designed to feel attentive, transparent, and supportive from initial consultation through final installation and beyond.

The company’s track record backs up this promise. With a 4.63 Google rating from more than 7,900 reviews, Southern Industries has demonstrated the ability to deliver strong customer satisfaction across hundreds of thousands of projects. Long-standing BBB accreditation, including profiles in Augusta and Atlanta dating back decades, signals consistent adherence to consumer protection and ethical business standards.

From a practical perspective, the Red Carpet Experience begins with education and product selection. Southern Industries offers a broad catalog of home improvement and outdoor living solutions — including gutter protection, replacement windows, vinyl siding, walk-in showers and baths, cabinet refacing, soffit and fascia, attic insulation, and energy barriers — and helps homeowners understand which options best fit their needs, budget, and home style. Products are manufactured in the USA and often custom-made to fit specific openings and conditions, which supports both performance and aesthetics.

Installation quality is another pillar of the customer experience. With more than 350,000 projects completed across 240,000 households, Southern Industries has refined its field processes to balance efficiency with quality workmanship. Many products are backed by lifetime warranties, reflecting confidence in both materials and installation practices. This warranty support is paired with accessible customer care via centralized phone lines and local offices, so homeowners know where to turn for questions or service needs.

When Southern Industries invites homeowners to “experience the difference with Southern Industries’ Red Carpet Experience,” it is drawing on decades of learning about what makes homeowners feel respected, informed, and confident when investing in their homes. That ethos aligns naturally with Power100’s focus on customer-centric excellence.

Home Improvement and Outdoor Living Services Across the Southeast

From its headquarters in Augusta and its regional hubs in markets like Marietta, Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Huntsville, Knoxville, Birmingham, and Charlotte, Southern Industries offers a complete suite of services tailored to the needs of Southeastern homeowners.

Gutter protection is one of the company’s cornerstone offerings. With systems like Ultimate Gutter Guard, Southern Industries helps homeowners eliminate the hassles and hazards of cleaning clogged gutters, while also protecting roofs, foundations, and landscaping from water damage. Replacement windows and vinyl siding are another core focus, combining improved energy efficiency with upgraded curb appeal and reduced maintenance requirements.

In the wet and humid climate of the Southeast, high-performing bath and shower systems matter for both comfort and safety. Southern Industries designs and installs walk-in showers and walk-in baths, custom-built to homeowner specifications and crafted with safety, accessibility, and aesthetics in mind. For kitchens, the company offers cabinet refacing services that provide dramatic visual transformations without the cost and disruption of full replacement.

Exterior enhancements like soffit and fascia, patio covers, and energy-efficient insulation and radiant barriers round out the portfolio, helping homeowners reduce energy bills, protect their homes, and expand their usable living space. Within the broader Southern Industries family of companies, homeowners can also access sunrooms, screen rooms, carports, decks, and other outdoor living structures, turning backyards into year-round gathering spaces.

Through these services, Southern Industries does more than replace components; it helps homeowners improve comfort, value, and enjoyment in a way that fits the realities of Southeastern weather and lifestyle.

Southern Industries Home Improvement team is doing Community work with Habitat for Humanity

Why Power100 Is Elevating Southern Industries in Outdoor Living

Power100 exists to give the home improvement and home services industries a true, unbiased authority platform. In a landscape where recognition has often been tied to advertising spend or vendor relationships, Power100 evaluates companies and leaders based on deeper criteria: leadership strength, cultural clarity, community impact, and demonstrated customer experience.

Our expansion into outdoor living — from decks, patios, fences, and sunrooms to gutters, siding, and exteriors — is driven by a simple idea: the companies that shape how people live at home should be easy to discover and trust for the right reasons, not just because they outspend competitors on ads.

Southern Industries stands out as a clear fit for our July 2026 Outdoor Living Authority List. The company has 58 years of proven performance, a respected leader in Derek Thexton, a deep bench of experienced executives, and a value system grounded in the RICE framework. It has invested heavily in communities across the Southeast through partnerships with organizations like When Help Can’t Wait, The Hale Foundation, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Kiwanis International, and the American Red Cross. And it has delivered a consistent Red Carpet Experience to hundreds of thousands of homeowners, supported by strong reviews, repeat business, and long-standing BBB accreditation.

For homeowners, Southern Industries represents a trustworthy, established option for home improvement and outdoor living projects. For the industry, it represents a model of how leadership, community focus, culture, and customer service can sustain a brand over multiple generations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Industries

  1. Who is Southern Industries?

Southern Industries is one of the Southeast’s largest home improvement and outdoor living companies, founded in 1967 by Augusta native Jim Felton. The company has completed over 350,000 jobs for more than 240,000 households across Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

  1. What services does Southern Industries provide?

Southern Industries offers gutters and gutter protection, replacement windows, vinyl siding, baths and showers, kitchen cabinet refacing, roofing, patio covers, insulation and energy barriers, and more, often through its family of 18+ companies in 13 markets.

  1. Where does Southern Industries operate?

Southern Industries serves homeowners from its Augusta, GA headquarters and locations across the Southeast, including markets such as Augusta, Atlanta, Savannah (GA); Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach (SC); Huntsville, Birmingham (AL); Knoxville, Chattanooga (TN); and Charlotte (NC).

  1. Who leads Southern Industries today?

Southern Industries is led by President Derek Thexton, a Power100 Top CEO. The leadership team includes Robert “Bobby” Olesen, Matt Gullette, Brad Codman, Jamie Israel, Michael Tutsie, Tim Hendley, Angela L. Kegler, and Danny Martin.

  1. How does Southern Industries give back to the community?

Southern Industries supports organizations like When Help Can’t Wait, The Hale Foundation, Golden Harvest Food Bank, The Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Kiwanis International, and American Red Cross through volunteering, board service, and financial donations.

  1. What is the “Red Carpet Experience”?

The Red Carpet Experience is Southern Industries‘ promise of exceptional customer service from consultation through installation and aftercare. It includes professional guidance, quality products, careful installation, and strong warranties, all backed by a 4.63 Google rating from 7,900+ reviews and decades of repeat customers.

  1. What are the RICE values at Southern Industries?

Southern Industries operates under the RICE values: Respect, Integrity, Caring, Excellence, and Success. These values influence how the company treats employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities it serves, and are central to the company vision of being the most respected home improvement provider in the Southeast.

  1. Why is Southern Industries being recognized by Power100?

Power100 is recognizing Southern Industries on its July 2026 Outdoor Living Authority List for its 58-year history, strong leadership under Derek Thexton, deep community involvement, RICE-driven culture, and outstanding customer satisfaction metrics, including 350,000+ projects, 240,000+ customers, and a 4.63 Google rating.

  1. How can homeowners get started with Southern Industries?

Homeowners can visit Southern Industries to explore services and request a consultation, or contact their local office using the numbers listed on the website and BBB profiles. From there, the Southern Industries team will assess needs, recommend products, provide pricing, and schedule installation,  rolling out the Red Carpet Experience from day one.