Celebrating 50 Years: A Conversation with Randy Coil

As Coil’s 50th anniversary year comes to a close, we sat down with founder Randy Coil to reflect on the company’s beginnings, the lessons learned along the way, and the principles that have guided the business for the past 50 years. This story is part one of a two-part series on Coil’s history and legacy. 

Early Days & Inspiration 

Q: Why did you start Coil? What was happening in Columbia at the time?  

Randy:

“When I was coming out of school, Columbia was full of young entrepreneurs starting a variety of businesses… Harpo’s, Shakespeare’s, little shops and remodelers all over town. I was watching people my age take chances, and I thought – Why not me?” 

“I lacked knowledge about the financial side of business, but I had always enjoyed building and fixing things up. In college, I ran a small company building sea walls, so I learned how to pour concrete and work around water. Although, I originally thought I’d get into real estate, I started with the concept of ‘house-flipping’ before that was even a thing, but interest rates were sky-high, so construction ended up being the path.” 

Q: What was starting a business like in 1975? 

Randy:
“Well, for one, I wasn’t an official company yet—I was basically a man in a truck. A sole proprietor. I knew nobody and had no reputation, so word-of-mouth mattered a lot. I had to get out there, build a reputation and prove myself on every job.” 

Q: Do you remember your first project? 

Randy:
“My first “big city bid” was $3,200, and I was thrilled! We did a lot of remodeling in those early years. Interest rates were so high in the late ’70s that new construction slowed down, but remodeling went really well.” 

Q: When did commercial work start coming in? 

Randy:
“I framed apartments early on but realized quickly that wasn’t the direction I wanted to go. What shaped us most were medical remodels. I started out doing high-end interiors for doctors’ homes, then started doing work in their offices. Word got out, and suddenly more doctors were calling. Those projects in the late ’70s and early ’80s really opened the door to commercial opportunities.” 

“Success on a larger scale happened when I started hiring people with skills I didn’t have – carpenters, framers, finishers… Leadership is knowing your strengths and surrounding yourself with people who are better than you in their respective areas of expertise.” 

Q: What’s one thing you’ve always wanted employees to feel when they come to work at Coil? 

Randy: 

We want our staff to be proud of where they work. There is more team effort today at Coil than ever before. People come to work here and end up staying here because how we treat each other and the type of community work we do.” 

Q: What advice do you have for future leaders? At Coil or beyond?  

Randy:
“Care. Care about your integrity. Care about people. That’s what separates you from competitors, technology or even AI. If you care, you’ll build trust, and if you build trust, you’ll build a lasting business.”