Brooks Drywall

John Brooks III began working in his family business, Brooks Drywall, when he was a student growing up in the 1990s, but don’t ask him how many houses he’s helped build or renovate over the years. “There have been so many,” he says. “We’re in a growing state, and Greenville is a growing city.” 

John’s father, John P. Brooks, Jr., founded Brooks Drywall in Greenville in 1970, and John III started working with his dad during the summers while he was still a student.   

“Growing up in a family business has been a rewarding experience for me,” says John, adding that he enjoys being part of a small, locally owned business that serves his community. 

A drywaller’s job involves installing walls and ceilings before they are painted, and, although Brooks Drywall has worked on some commercial buildings, their primary focus is on residential. 

He sometimes works directly for homeowners but primarily works as a sub-contractor for developers.  Brooks Drywall is largely a one-person business, with John as the sole employee, sometimes working with other sub-contractors on the large jobs.  

He doesn’t do a lot of advertising, instead relying on recommendations from prior customers, and he’s found that news about his business has travelled throughout the community.  “Word of mouth is our number one avenue for reaching customers,” John says. 

He’s watched Greenville grow over the years, and, although the rate of new construction is cyclical, times have generally been favorable with the exception of the 2008 housing crisis.  

“Other than ’08 and ‘09, it’s been good,” he says. “Greenville is expanding along with the whole state of North Carolina.” 

A small business relies on careful money management, and John credits TowneBank for meeting the company’s banking needs. “We went with TowneBank in 2024,” he says. “It’s the best bank we’ve ever dealt with.  Everyone is really friendly, and they’re always prompt.”

Brooks Drywall was founded by John Brooks Jr. in 1970. Now John Brooks III (left) runs the family business and works closely with TowneBank Greenville branch manager Glenn Marsh (right).

Glenn Marsh, Greenville branch manager, says he finds it particularly rewarding to work with a small, family-owned business that’s had a presence in eastern North Carolina for decades. "They’re very well-respected and a great family,” Glenn says.  “They’re also really nice, real salt-of-the-earth kind of people. It’s rewarding working with them and being their financial partner.” 

To find out more about Brooks Drywall, call John Brooks at 252-714-9441.