CEO Build initiative gets underway in Greenville.

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has launched its CEO Build program with 30 local executives participating in a recent wall raising ceremony to mark the start of construction on two homes.

With eight homes built in seven years, the CEO Build initiative is one of Habitat for Humanity's most anticipated builds, according to a news release. The number of participating CEOs continues to grow as more area leaders gain interest in joining their peers on the build site.

"We couldn't be happier to celebrate with these two families as they begin the final stages of the homeownership process," Habitat CEO Build Chairman Dick Wilkerson, said in the release. "It takes hard work and dedication to build a great business and we look forward to using these qualities to strengthen Greenville's great community."

The CEO Build provides local executives an opportunity to forge relationships with community members by building alongside Habitat homeowners and fellow area leaders.

"When a homeowner and CEO get to know each other and have conversation, it changes perceptions on both sides," Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County CEO Monroe Free, said in the release. "Habitat homeowners work on the build site right alongside our volunteers as part of the 'sweat equity' portion of the homeownership...