Eric Ward

Chief Operating Officer | C&L Ward

Eric Ward serves as Chief Operating Officer of C&L Ward, one of Michigan’s largest and most established exterior remodeling companies. As a second-generation leader, Eric oversees the day-to-day operations, strategic growth, and long-term development of an organization that has completed more than 50,000 home improvement projects and employs over 180 team members throughout Michigan.

Having grown up in the family business, Eric has accumulated more than three decades of experience in and around the home improvement industry, developing expertise across nearly every aspect of residential remodeling operations. From observing job sites and warehouse operations as a young man to helping lead a multi-company enterprise as COO, he has gained firsthand knowledge of the people, processes, and disciplines required to build and scale successful businesses. His leadership focuses on building the systems, processes, and teams that allow C&L Ward to consistently deliver exceptional experiences for homeowners while maintaining the high standards established by the company’s founders.

Working alongside his brother, CEO Pat Ward, Eric is responsible for operational excellence across a portfolio of businesses that includes residential remodeling, building products distribution, e-commerce, and real estate investments. He partners closely with each company’s General Manager to drive performance, develop leadership talent, and create the accountability systems necessary for sustainable growth. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded into a diversified group of companies generating more than $50 million in annual revenue while maintaining a strong commitment to client satisfaction and employee development.

Eric is particularly passionate about leadership development, process improvement, and creating opportunities for team members to grow professionally. He believes that exceptional client experiences are built through well-trained people, clear accountability, and a culture that empowers employees to make decisions in the best interests of homeowners.

Eric also plays an active role in evaluating growth opportunities, developing future leaders, and helping guide the long-term strategic direction of the Ward family of businesses. His focus is on creating sustainable organizations that can continue serving clients, supporting employees, and strengthening the communities they operate in for generations to come.

Leadership Philosophy

Eric believes that the strength of any organization is determined by the quality of its leaders. His leadership philosophy centers on developing self-reliant, values-driven leaders who are empowered to make sound decisions, solve problems, and continuously improve the businesses they serve. Rather than creating organizations dependent on a single leader, he focuses on building leadership teams capable of driving results at every level.

As COO, Eric works closely with the General Managers and leadership teams across the enterprise to establish clear goals, strengthen operational disciplines, and foster cultures of accountability and continuous improvement. His approach combines strategic thinking with practical execution, helping each business achieve operational excellence while remaining aligned with the company’s core values and long-term vision.

Today, Eric works alongside the General Managers of each business to align strategy, drive operational performance, develop future leaders, and ensure every entity remains focused on delivering exceptional results for clients and team members alike.

A strong advocate for continuous improvement, Eric works alongside leadership teams to implement best practices in operations, training, client experience, and organizational development. His focus remains on building sustainable businesses that create long-term value for clients, employees, and the communities C&L Ward serves.

For Eric, success is measured not only by growth, but by creating organizations that clients trust, employees are proud to represent, and future generations can continue to build upon.