Profiling eight of the state’s top contractors and a self-insurance group that’s gaining popularity
A guide to the premier conference and expo for commercial- and industriallighting professionals
KIAWAH DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS Second-home community developer masterfully creates luxury island lifestyles second to none
department company
Building History
CONTRACTORS
The leader in preservation, restoration and
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THE EXECUTIVE MANSION HISTORIC RESTORATION Richmond
american builders quarterly jan/feb 2010
1800 Roseneath Road, Richmond, VA, 23230.4310 | P.O. Box 6749, Richmond, VA, 23230.6749
JAMESTOWNE ARCHAEARIUM ARTIFACT MUSEUM
MAIN STREET STATION HISTORIC RESTORATION
Historic Jamestowne Island
Richmond
PRESIDENT’S HOUSE WILLIAM & MARY HISTORIC RESTORATION Williamsburg
Daniel & Company, Inc. excels in all areas of commercial construction with expertise in the successful completion of a
variety of specialized construction projects such as historic preservation, adaptive reuse, additions, and renovations, many of which are owner-occupied during construction. Past and current renovation and new construction projects have encompassed retail, office space, educational and religious facilities, automobile dealerships, parking deck construction, museums, theaters, hospitals, and other specialized projects. Whatever the project, attention to detail is key to a successful project, at the right price, and delivered on time. The many repeat clients attest to Daniel’s superior ability to execute the work. We excel at quality. Our people are noted throughout the industry for on-time performance, meeting or improving on cost estimates and achieving their ultimate responsibility in client satisfaction. The average length of service for the company’s project manager, superintendents or foremen is over twenty years, which alone speaks for the dedication and relationship of these key people with the company and the benefits of working with Daniel & Company, Inc.
Telephone: 804.213.0400, Fax: 804.213.0401, dci@danielco.net, www.danielco.net
contents Features
51 lightfair international A look inside the world’s largest architectural- and commercial-lighting trade show and conference, held in Las Vegas May 12–14.
58 access lighting 60 ledengin, inc. 63 industrial lighting products, inc. 65 arcalux corp.
67 building in minnesota
68 self-insured worker’s compensation funds Once common only to large corporations, small and mid-sized builders and contractors are realizing the benefits of self-insurance groups (SIGs) for their worker’s-compensation plans. Learn how one Minnesota-based SIG, called the Builders and Contractors Worker’s Compensation Fund, has been capitalizing on self insurance for the past six years.
72 jaeger construction llc 75 bergerson-caswell, inc. 77 first street construction 79 builders & remodelers, inc. 81 great lakes stone supply, inc. 83 heartwood construction 86 orfield design and construction 88 je dunn construction
92
Cover Story kiawah development partners may build communities, but the company shuns the term “developer.” On its proprietary Kiawah Island in South Carolina (pictured here), as well as its additional island sites in the Caribbean and in Ireland, the firm doesn’t just build communities; it builds a lifestyle that is second to none.
contents Multifaceted Renovator 12 daniel & company, inc. tackles a number of large-scale historical-preservation projects as a general contractor in the Richmond, Virginia area.
Residential Construction 14 compass rose homes’ president, Matt Morrell, identifies strong relationships and tireless communication as the keys to keeping his company afloat during lean times.
16 cook builders’ president Rich Cook has remained dedicated to customer service while building his reputation as one of Indiana’s premier custom-home builders for more than 35 years.
18 blain homes lives up to its motto of “building quality, building value, building relationships,” and continues to uphold the distinguished reputation it has created in more than 50 years of business as the premier builder in Tulare County, California.
21 harvest construction delivers quality on luxury residential and commercial projects with a commitment to the best in customer service and high ethical values.
23 d-k construction, inc. dismantles vintage buildings, sells the reclaimed timbers and dimensional materials to contractors nationwide, and does custom millwork as a general contractor and construction manager.
26 dennis pierce, inc. is a customhome builder and developer in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, building mid-to-high-end homes and keeping its eye on the future of the housing market.
Electrical Contractors 28 bowlin group, llc provides vast construction services to wireless-telecom, broadband, power, and electric clients and is ramping up its efforts on smartgrid and alternative-energy projects.
p.21
This Pebble Beach, CA home, built by Harvest Construction, is located off of the second green at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
30 current connections, inc., based in southern Florida, believes that emphasizing honesty, integrity, and performance will create long-term, successful relationships.
32 dk electrical contractors maintains, installs, and designs electrical systems in all types of developments, specializing in solar and high-voltage electrical work.
34 electrical construction systems, inc. fosters employee and supplier relations and employs a big-picture approach to succeed in the electricalcontracting industry.
36 elmstar electric corporation advocates education, technology, and diversity as an electrical contractor for ICI and municipal clients throughout Wisconsin and Michigan.
38 industrial control systems, inc. is a 22-year-old electrical contractor that has developed a reputation for exceptional work and personal attention on every project, completing numerous well-known public buildings in its area, therefore solidifying its place in the community.
40 meany, inc. lives on through three generations in electrical contracting by upholding its integrity, values, and commitment to customer service.
42 capitol valley electric, inc., in the face of a recession, saw its sales leap 30 percent in 2009. The proactive commercial and industrial electrical contractor relies on the active pursuit of new business, market diversification, and maintaining solid relationships with general contractors.
44 young electrical services, inc., an electrical contractor servicing Rhode Island and Massachusetts since 1986, has fostered strong relationships with its vendors, employees, and customers, allowing it to establish a successful business.
46 nevada bkd corp. handles complex, high-voltage substation projects for utility giant Southern California Edison as an electrical construction and maintenance company with a small-business approach.
49 southern contracting company distinguishes itself in the heavyindustrial electrification field with a culture that is driven by its corporate values of safety, quality, and leadership.
american builders quarterly may/june 2010
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contents
p.100
This Grimes Aquatech Pools & Spas swimming pool in Malibu, CA features an all-glass-tiled finish highlighted by acustom-designed dolphin image.
Pools & Spas 98 alan jackson pools inc. builds complete outdoor-pool environments that could qualify as high art—exclusively in Southern California, arguably the world capital of gorgeous pools. Simply flipping through the company’s portfolio is like taking a vacation at a resort.
100 grimes aquatech pools & spas creates complete outdoor living spaces and provides superior pool service with the goal of bringing families together.
102 ultimate water creations, inc. specializes in high-end, residential pools with the best features. Working with clients who want something other than a plain pool, the company creates exquisite outdoor living spaces.
Remodelers 104 canyon cabinetry & design aims for superior cabinetry design and installation at an optimal price point.
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american builders quarterly may/june 2010
106 dover home remodelers, inc. performs large-scale, luxury renovations, home expansions, and interior and exterior remodeling, winning awards for its designs and expertise.
108 realty restoration is a residentialrenovation company run by a family who loves to build homes and a staff who is dedicated to client communication.
110 lifetime remodeling systems, inc. is a top-rated exterior-siding and windowreplacement company whose online presence has boosted its sales and market share.
112 boyer & pentek, inc. is a fire- and water-restoration and general-contracting firm servicing Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
PLUS 8 editor’s note 10 news brief 114 last word
company department
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editor’s note
Home is in tHe details
Nearly 20,000 professionals will attend LIGHTFAIR International this May12–14.
What makes a house feel like a home? Sawyers Control Systems specializes in creating solutions that provide you with peace of mind, comfort and fun. We enhance your lifestyle and simplify the operation of your home. Our expertise includes audio/video, home theaters, security, energy, solar, lighting and computer networking. We pay attention to the details that make your house feel like a home.
K
eeping abreast of building-industry trends is at the forefront of American Builders Quarterly’s editorial purpose. We share this characteristic with the good people at LIGHTFAIR International (LFI), the world’s largest architectural- and commercial-lighting trade show and conference. Held Wednesday, May 12 through Friday, May 14, LFI will attract thousands of attendees—both lighting specialists and general-construction professionals—to network with fellow industry experts, discover cutting-edge products, and gain knowledge of the latest techniques, practices, and more to keep their company competitive in today’s evolving market. ABQ will be there—will you? Learn more about LFI in our special section on page 51.
Speaking of staying at the top the market, the subject of our cover story (page 92), Kiawah Development Partners (KDP), has spent 22 years honing its expertise building a luxury resort and vacation-home community on its proprietary Kiawah Island in South Carolina. With Kiawah Island as such a high-demand hotspot for affluent vacation-home owners, KDP has continued its success with the development of two more KDP-owned and -designed properties—in Doonbeg, Ireland and on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. Considering itself an expert at developing lifestyles, not just properties, KDP designs the land to preserve its natural beauty, leaving more than half of the land untouched. With the rest of the land, it creates top-of-the-line resorts featuring world-class golf courses designed by such greats as Greg Norman, Tom Watson, and Tom Fazio, not to mention incredible spas, restaurants, and, of course, residences; a luxury lifestyle unmatched anywhere else. Back in the Midwest, the construction industry is still recovering from the nation’s economic struggles. As one of the regions hit hardest by the recession, Minnesota contractors have developed intuitive ways to stay afloat in both the residential and commercial sectors. Our regional focus on Minnesota (page 67) offers insight from a variety of contractors on their recent struggles and successes, including a look at how self-insurance groups are benefitting area businesses. The trends and companies featured in this issue offer an intriguing, diverse look at the construction industry. We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed creating it for you.
Kathy Kidwell Features Editor
Vendor Partners: Callahan Solar, Crestron, Da-Lite, HAI, Honeywell, Integra, Klipsch, Sim2 and Speakercraft.
908.996.6903 133 County Road 513 Frenchtown, NJ 08825 www.sawyerscontrols.com
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news brief residential-product study
construction-costs software
Home-Cost.com Patents Web-Based Software
Brick Named the Preferred HomeExterior Product of Americans
The technology used in Resi-Cost, the online software for estimating new-home construction costs without the requirement of floor plans, recently earned Home-Cost.com a US patent. The patent—named “Dynamic Residential Construction Cost Estimation Process”—breaks new ground in residential estimating technology, allowing construction-cost calculations to occur in real time over the Internet, as a user makes choices on design and material options for the home. The technology calculates costs for virtually any home design, with our without the use of home plans. Resi-Cost works by calculating the simulated computer geometry of a home created from the design and material choices made online by a user. It then uses a proprietary database of construction costs for more than 40,000 zip and postal codes, accurately estimating the cost of a specific home design anywhere in the continental United States, Alaska, or Canada. As a user adjusts design choices, construction costs recalculate in real time. Home-Cost.com is the only online-estimating company to provide a guarantee of cost-estimating accuracy.
A fall 2009 survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Boral Bricks, Inc. found that 59 percent of survey respondents who conveyed a home-siding preference would choose brick for their homes. “This research shows brick is still the overwhelming choice for homeowners who have a say in their exterior cladding,” says Bob Kepford, president of Boral Bricks, Inc.
Of the 2,073 respondents nationwide, 1,144 were homeowners with a siding preference. The survey results showed:
In addition to being used by consumers, contractors, and architects, Resi-Cost is also utilized by proprietary building-product companies such as Riverbend Timber Framing Inc. of Blissfield, Michigan. “By using Resi-Cost as part of our project-design and -planning process, we are able to make sure hundreds of our clients can afford the complete home they want,” says Stewart Elliott, regional sales manager of Riverbend Timber Framing. “When a client can take risk out of the construction-cost portion of the process, they buy our work and everyone wins. By using Resi-Cost, Riverbend was able to reduce lost sales from 10 percent to about 1 percent.”
brick (59%) vinyl (37%) stucco (19%) fiber cement/composite (14%) other (11%)
Source: Boral Bricks, Inc.
Source: Home-Cost.com
used-equipment sales
Mascus Enters the US Market Expanding to its sixth continent and 32nd country in two years, Mascus, the worldwide premium media for used heavy machinery and transportation vehicles, recently entered the US market. Partnering with CarolinaClassifieds.com, Mascus USA brings value to construction clients through its global presence, its platform, and its services. “The current economy offers an excellent opportunity for US customers to sell their new and used trucks, forklifts, construction, and agriculture equipment, as well as groundscare and forestry machinery in both the United States and the international market,” says Marc Mandt, CIO of CarolinaClassifieds.com. “There is no easier way to sell used machinery in the United States and the world.” Source: Mascus USA
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american builders quarterly may/june 2010
commercial-property market
2010 Global Market Report Shows Rise in Vacancies and Decline in Rental Rates Commercial real-estate markets around the world experienced the full impact of the global economic recession in 2009, according to the 24th annual Global Market Report by NAI Global. After a turbulent 18–24 months since the market peaked, 2009 marked a year where transaction volume nearly came to a standstill, vacancy rates rose, and rental rates declined. “Many tenants are able to negotiate more-favorable lease terms today in exchange for a longer commitment,” says Jeffrey M. Finn, president and CEO of NAI Global. “This ‘extend and blend’ practice is a trend we see continuing well into [2010–2011].”
2009 Average US Vacancy Rates Downtown/CBD Class A Office Suburban Class A Office Bulk Warehouse Retail—regional malls Retail—power centers
13.9% 16.9% 11.1% 7.1% 9.8% 000
555
15 15 15
1010 10
20 20
2009 Average US Rental Rates (per square foot, per year) Downtown/CBD Class A Office $37.09 Suburban Class A Office $25.11 Bulk Warehouse $4.57 Retail—regional malls (prime space) $32.76 Retail—power centers $19.46 00
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arra construction project
New Water-Treatment Plant in Tubac Funded by US Stimulus
Arizona American Water recently opened a new water-treatment plant in Tubac, Arizona. The new plant removes arsenic from drinking water, and was partially funded by a grant from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). In addition to the new facility, Arizona American Water also restored two roads—a county requirement in order for the facility to be approved. During construction of the new water-treatment plant, Arizona American Water cooperated with the Tubac Fire Department to install additional hydrants for the residents of Tubac.
industry trends
Increasing Demand for Decorative Tile
Securing the $1 million in federal-stimulus funding was part of Arizona American Water’s effort—along with leadership from the Santa Cruz Citizens Council and the Arizona Corporation Commission—to mitigate the cost impact to customers of bringing local drinking water into compliance with more-stringent US EPA standards.
Consumer preferences are shifting away from carpets and rugs and toward decorative tile, according to Reportlinker. The market research forecasts that the US demand for decorative tile will increase 4.4 percent per year to 3.3 billion square feet in 2013. The demand is dominated by flooring applications, which accounted for 80 percent of total tile demand in 2008. Flooring demand for tile is expected to increase 4.5 percent annually through 2013 to 2.7 billion square feet. Increase sales of porcelain, natural-stone, glass, and other specialty-tile products is expected, and residential construction is projected to generate the most rapid gains in tile demand. Source: Reportlinker
Jim Patterson (right) president of the Santa Cruz Citizens Council and Kathy Papini (left) Arizona AmericanWater Operator.
Source: Arizona AmericanWater
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multifaceted renovator
The University of Richmond’s Jepson Hall, a restoration project completed by Daniel & Company.
Daniel & Company, Inc. General contractor handles historic-preservation projects by self-performing repairs and millwork by david hudnall
at a glance location: richmond, va founded: 1996 employees: 30 area of specialty: historic preservation, adaptive reuse, additions, and renovations
12
sam daniel sometimes refers to his company as a “specialty contractor,” which indicates its willingness to take on projects requiring skill sets other builders might not typically exercise. Lately, he says, the company is in theater mode. Daniel recently renovated an art-deco theater, the Henrico, in Highland Springs, Virginia, and is involved with two other theaters at the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. “And we’re also renovating the Hippodrome Theater here in Richmond,” Daniel says. “It was built in the early 1900s as a black entertainment venue, but it’s being reborn as a live-jazz venue, with more intimate seating—banquette-style, with tables and chairs. We’re also modernizing the marquee with electronic, LED lights. We’re very excited about it.”
he says that he leans heavily toward adaptive re-use, additions, renovations, and, specifically, projects with an element of historic preservation. “We don’t do too many big-box construction projects, because those usually aren’t very exciting for us,” Daniel says. “We like the challenge of transforming an architecturally significant structure that has fallen into disrepair into something that can once again be significant.”
Daniel has been involved with a wide variety of projects since he established Daniel & Company, Inc. in 1996, but
Typically, Daniel & Company subs out 75–80 percent of a job, including HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, fire sprin-
american builders quarterly may/june 2010
Interestingly, the general contractor also performs many projects with the automobile industry, building car dealerships. The firm has done five or six projects totaling $20 million for just one auto dealer. “Some people see that as an odd mix, but it works well for us,” Daniel says.
We like the challenge of transforming an architecturally significant structure that has fallen into disrepair into something that can once again be significant. —Sam Daniel, President & Owner
klers, and electrical work, with in-house staff performing the rest of the work, including millwork and repairs. The company often approaches projects by purchasing the building and then renovating it, or by partnering with an individual or institution that wants to see a building renovated. Many of its projects over the years have been public works, which it bids on, but others—like the Hippodrome—were private, acquired because the company had worked with the owner on previous projects. Renovation tax credits play prominently into Daniel & Company’s approach. “Most of these renovation projects wouldn’t ever be done but for the benefit provided by state and federal tax credits,” Daniel says. “But with those credits come guidelines, so we have to renovate in compliance with standards, which often preclude making drastic changes to the exterior of historic buildings or changing any other defining characteristic.” On the Hippodrome, for example, the company was prohibited from reworking the front façade.
quired a specialty subcontractor to perform the masonry restoration. We had to scaffold the entire exterior of the building, including the clock tower. The project took two and a half years.” More recently, Daniel & Company worked on a LEED Gold project—a transit center in downtown Charlottesville. The company also attracts renovation work outside the realm of historic preservation, and has been adept at understanding the nature of different projects. “The level of care is not going to be the same with an old college lab as it is with the governor’s mansion, for instance,” Daniel
Daniel & Company’s interior restoration of the President’s House at the College ofWilliam and Mary inWilliamsburg,VA demonstrates the attention to detail required for historical projects.
In 1989, Daniel & Company undertook an especially delicate renovation project: the Virginia governor’s mansion, which was built in 1813. “It was in pretty rough shape,” Daniel says. The company restored the exterior, added a new roof, and reintroduced decorative panels between the first- and second-level windows, and the portico. Ten years later, the company returned to the mansion and performed a large-scale renovation, replacing the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC system, and introducing a fire-protection system. “Our friends over there at the mansion continue to contact us as needs arise, for various projects,” he says. The Main Street Station in Richmond, another historic project, similarly required a tremendous amount of attention to detail. “After 100 years of weather, the exterior was badly deteriorated,” Daniels says. “It was a masonry structure with lots of terracotta trim elements, and re-
says. “That said, everyone here understands the concept of ‘historic fabric’—the components that go into making up a historic structure and what it means to the owner of a facility. It’s what we’re good at: knowing what you can salvage and what you can’t, what you can replace and what can be restored.” abq
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department company
The interior of Cascadia mimics the exterior with timber-frame accents throughout, a specialty of Compass Rose Homes.
COMPASS ROSE HOMES Oregon custom-home builder emphasizes communication skills and personal relationships by david hudnall
matt morrell’s company, compass rose homes, homes at $2.5 million. “Right now, about 75 percent of our projects are custom,” Morrell says. Compass Rose subhas carved out a niche in the metro-Portland/Hood River contracts out the majority of its work; the company’s staff region of Oregon by working with long-distance clients who seek to build a custom home in the Pacific Northwest, consists only of Morrell, a bookkeeper, and a site supervisor. “Our relationship with our subs is better than any other outbut have yet to move from their current location—be it fit I’m aware of,” he says. the East Coast, the Midwest, or Canada. “Communicating with someone on that scale—designing a person’s home without being able to interact with them in person—can be Recently, the company has been involved with the cona painstaking process, and it takes a lot of time and energy,” struction of a residential care facility in its hometown of Morrell says. “But the bottom line is that we work well with Gresham, Oregon for a nonprofit organization called Make It Light. Make It Light works with disabled children and people, and we’ve created some amazing projects in those adults, and the four-story structure serves multiple pursituations.” poses. Originally, the first two stories were to be the care Morrell founded Compass Rose with his father in 1997. The facility, with the top two as housing for the staff. Over time, company primarily performs single-family residential work, room was made for commercial space on the ground level, which now includes a coffee shop. Making those changes from starter homes priced around $200,000 to custom
at a glance location: gresham, or founded: 1997 employees: 3 area of specialty: designing and building singlefamily homes average annual sales: $3.5 million
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american builders quarterly may/june 2010
residential compass rose homes builders
Our relationship with our subs is better than any other outfit I’m aware of. —Matt Morrell, President
was challenging from a zoning perspective; the city-planning department objected to various facility proposals. But ultimately, Morrell and Compass Rose’s strong relationship with the city got the project pushed through. “It’s a group that I very much believe in, so I’ve worked hard at trying to make it a reality for them,” Morrell says. Relationships and references have been vital to Compass Rose’s business. The company recently finished a project in Hood River for a client in Aspen, Colorado; the design was hammered out via e-mail. That reference led to another client, from Ann Arbor, Michigan. “It’s just how things go in this business,” Morrell says. “People tell their friends.” From a more technical standpoint, Compass Rose’s custom designs—which utilize timber and wood across the home, but not to the extent that a timber-frame home does—are more economical than much of the competition. “We can give clients a timber-frame look without sticking them with the enormous costs associated with a ‘true’ timber-frame home,” Morrell says. “They get more for their money.” In terms of a housing-market turnaround, Morrell confesses that he has yet to see many encouraging signs. Sales at Compass Rose in 2009 were $3.5 million, down from $10.5 million during fatter times. “Sales volume has plummeted in the past couple years,” Morrell says. “There are still too many lots and too much inventory out there that needs to get cleared away. Lot inventory in particular needs to go down. There are too many developers and builders with lots for sale, and they’re having to sell them at bargain prices. So I don’t think we’re going to see a recovery until that inventory of cheap lots goes away.”
Compass Rose’s Cascadia project, a 5,800-square-foot home in Gresham, OR, showcases the company’s signature timber-frame accents.
McCarthy Manufacturing Inc. is a family owned and operated business, that was established back in 1986. We specialize in building custom casework for High quality homes for builders such as Matt Morrell at Compass Rose homes. We design, layout and fabricate every job individually as a custom project, none of our work is manufactured or purchased from other companies. We also have a commercial division, where we build custom casework for large industrial projects. We are very proud of the clientele that we have established and maintained for many years, and feel privileged to continue to work with them.
Compass Rose’s saving grace has been the custom side of things. “Since I’m not building on spec, I’m sticking with the custom work for now,” Morrell says. “It’s slower and isn’t tasked as easily, but work is work and I’m glad to have it. I’m staying optimistic.” abq 1727 SE Hogan Road Gresham, OR 97080
p: 503.665.2662 | f: 503.667.5706 CCB# 115423
residential builders
COOK BUILDERS
Cook Builders’The Rosewood model, a 5 Star+ Energy Star-rated home that features 4,008 square feet of living space in a one-and-a-half-story layout.
Employing a customer-first philosophy to construct single-family residences by julie edwards
never afraid to tackle new challenges, rich Cook, president of Cook Builders of Crown Point, Indiana, continues to grow his business of 35 years with innovation and diversification.
at a glance
From his early beginnings as a carpenter, Cook desired his own business. “I’ve always loved building things, and wanted to be my own boss, so I looked for opportunities and sought to take advantage of those that came my way,” he says.
location: crown point, in founded: 1974 employees: 6 area of specialty: custom-home building average annual sales: $5 million
“An investment such as building a home should be made with someone who has the practical experience, knowledge and reputation for building homes the ‘right way’ and keeping the interests of the homeowners in the forefront,” Cook says. “We’re not just building a house—we’re building a home for someone’s family.”
Brad Harris, director of operations for Cook Builders, says the company’s customer-service philosophy is a flexible, hands-on approach. “We’re one of the few builders that has been flexible with our design and building proCook founded his company in 1974, and has become one of the premier custom-home builders in Northwest Indiana. cesses—while other builders were telling homeowners that they only build specific models and charging them for For the first 15 years, the company focused on residential building and remodeling, adding commercial renovation to every little change, we only charge more if we’re charged its offerings in the late 1980s. Then, in 1999, Cook changed more by our contractors,” Harris says. “We do things throughout the process that underscore the quality of our the company’s focus to primarily single-family residences. work and, as a result, our reputation remains one of the Known for its level of craftsmanship, the company has best and most respected in the area.” developed a well-deserved reputation for excellence.
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american builders quarterly may/june 2010
residential cook builders builders
We do it right, at the right price, and are focused on customer service from the first time we meet a client until the day we hand them the keys. —Rich Cook, President
A certified green professional, Cook also believes in inBut even after years in the business, Cook remains focused corporating the National Association of Home Builders’ on two things—quality and the customer. (NAHB) green-building standards to create energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes. In fact, Cook Builders “We differentiate ourselves from the other custom and typically finishes its homes at a higher level than many build- production builders in the area by treating our clients ers, including features such as low-E windows, blown-in like they were family,” Cook says. “We do it right, at the R-25 cellulose insulation in exterior walls, and R-40 insula- right price, and are focused on customer service from tion in ceilings. As a result, 100 percent of the company’s the first time we meet a client until the day we hand homes are recognized by Energy Star as meeting or exceed- them the keys.” abq ing Energy Star guidelines. Currently, the company is coming off one of the busiest winters in its history, working on six new homes in the $300,000 to $1 million-plus range. “We hope that our excellent kick-off for 2010 will continue into a healthy growth pattern for the remainder of the year and beyond,” Cook says. “And we’re also looking to be even more conscious of the needs of homeowners by providing options for a wider range of home buyers.” As a result, Cook Builders recently diversified its project base, constructing production-style homes for a local active-adult community. The cottage-style homes, which include universal-design features such as wider doors, range from 1,600 to 1,800 square feet and are located approximately 20 miles south of Chicago. “Not many builders are developing these types of communities locally, and we could see a need in the current market for these types of homes,” Cook says. “While we typically don’t develop properties, this seemed like a good time to take on something new and grow the business.” Firmly established as a local leader in the construction industry, Cook is past president of the Northwest Indiana Building Industry Association, and Cook Builders is a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Building Industries Association of Northwest Indiana, and the NAHB.
The dining room of Cook Builders’ Rolling Stone model home, featuring a tray ceiling and arch-top windows.
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residential builders
Blain Homes custom built this 4,500-square-foot home in Tulare, CA’s LaVina Estates.
BLAIN HOMES Third-generation family-run custom-home builder offers a local focus and a long-time reputation for quality construction by julie edwards now in its third generation as a familyowned and -operated business, Blain Homes continues to pursue the same quality and excellence that has distinguished the company as one of the premier new-home builders in Tulare County, California.
at a glance
The company began in 1956 when Bill Blain started selling real estate. In 1959, Bill added construction services to the business and, in the mid-1960s, added property management. In the early 1970s, two of Bill’s sons, Ron and Warren, joined him in the business. Today, Bill and his sons enjoy seeing the third generation of Blains in the construction business become a part of the company.
location: tulare, ca founded: 1956 employees: 37 area of specialty: custom-designed residential construction average annual sales: $10–15 million
Ron’s oldest son and Bill’s oldest grandson, Allan Blain, currently serves as president and CEO of Blain Homes. He began working for the company full-time in 1992, and his two oldest children, now teenagers, are looking forward to joining the business as the fourth generation.
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“It’s our understanding that many businesses do not succeed into the third generation, but Blain Homes has not only reached well into the third generation, but continues to grow and expand during a time in history when other companies are cutting back and just trying to survive,” Allan says. The company’s family focus spills over into its customerservice philosophy. “Our vision is to be the custom builder that cares about the families of our customers, our employees, and the community at large,” Allan says. “We strive to exhibit this care by providing exceptional customer service, quality value to our homebuyers, and service to the community in which we work, live, and play.” And Blain Homes is extremely vested in the local community. It is a member of the Home Builders Association of Tulare/Kings County, the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club, to name a few.
residential blain homes builders
We know that the minute we get complacent, we will lose customers. Our secret to success is no secret at all—we simply strive for excellence in all that we do and never stop thinking of ways to be better. —Allan Blain, President & CEO
Currently, Blain Homes remains focused on its principal product for the past 54 years—the development, construction, and sale of single-family homes and neighborhoods. Allan feels the secret to the company’s longevity and success is consistency and a quest to keep improving. “We deliver consistent quality to the customer, and seek to improve our products and services even when our customers are already happy,” he says. “We know that the minute we get complacent, we will lose customers. Our secret to success is no secret at all—we simply strive for excellence in all that we do and never stop thinking of ways to be better.”
The front entry of this LaVina Estates home features a mission door and highlights the custom-building details available to residents of this upscale community.
However, even the strongest of businesses has obstacles, and Allan notes that the housing market collapse in 2006 and 2007 was one of the company’s greatest challenges. “We didn’t realize how bad it was going to be at the time, but we feel very blessed to have been able to adapt, overcome, and even grow during the dramatic downturn our economy has been experiencing for the past three years.” To rise to the challenges in the past few years, Blain Homes adjusted its business plan from building homes ranging from $300,000–600,000 to homes in the $200,000–300,000 price range. Additionally, the company invested more heavily into continuing to improve its designs to make them as cost effective as possible. “We build on a large enough volume to keep our costs down, while retaining the quality appeal of upgraded features and customization,” Allan says. “We can build our plans in production mode, yet are flexible and adaptive enough to give attention to detail when building a client’s custom-designed plan.” The firm has also diversified into other revenue-generating areas of business, including expanding its property-management division, increasing its inventory of investment properties, doing more remodeling work, and investing in bank-owned real estate. “Our growth strategy is simple— think outside the box, flex with the market, and don’t just continue to do the same thing we’ve always done just because it may have worked in the past,” Allan says.
In recent years, Blain Homes has completed numerous residential-neighborhood developments, including Presidential Estates, Tulare’s first gated community, and La Vina Estates, an upscale community with homes ranging from 2,200 to 6,500 square feet and priced up to more than $1 million. The company is currently actively building and selling homes in The Greens, a development of homes in the $200,000–300,000 range and, for 2010–2012, has four additional residential subdivisions planned. As far as the future, Allan concludes, “Our objective is to continue the tradition of conducting business in the most consistent, systematic, and efficient way possible, providing our clients with a home they can be proud of for many years to come.” abq
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JR Nelson RooďŹ ng Inc.
DISTINCTIVE PAINTING COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL / INDUSTRIAL
Wm. B. Saleh Co. is a full service painting, coating, and wall covering company dedicated to meeting the needs of its customers. We service the entire state of California as well as selected out of state projects.
For more information, Contact Rusty Nelson: 31845 Road 166 Visalia, CA 93292 Phone: 559-636-2594 Fax: 559-735-9069
407 Reservation Rd # 3 Marina, CA 93933 Phone: (831) 384-1552 www.salehcompany.com/monterey
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residential builders
HARVEST CONSTRUCTION Building quality luxury homes and resorts with an intimate-service approach by sandra guy
This Pebble Beach, CA home, built by Harvest Construction, is located on a world-renowned 17-mile drive, just steps from the Pacific Ocean’s shore.
at a glance location: monterey, ca founded: 1988 employees: 25 area of specialty: general-contracting services for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial projects average annual revenue: $6 million
monterey bay plumbing, inc. Founded in 2002, Monterey Bay Plumbing, Inc. is a family-owned Ken and his wife Janice started Harvest in 1988 in Seaand -operated business. side, California. Ken started his career as a carpenter We specialize in new and junior partner before founding the company. They construction, kitchen and attribute their lasting success to their continued comIn its 22 years of business, the company has had the opbath remodeling, comportunity to develop a solid reputation with both in-town mitment to honesty, integrity, and their faith. “I started plete plumbing repairs, and out-of-town residents, as well as local businesses such my own company because I wanted to be a part of some- water and gas re-piping, thing built on a moral and ethical ground, a place where water-heater replaceas the Pebble Beach Co., the owner of resorts including people are treated fairly,” Ken says. The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and ment and repairs, and the Del Monte Golf Course. The company’s work has radiant-heat installation been recognized by such publications as Architectural Digest, Harvest is known for its open and honest relationship with and repair. Owner Ronits clients. From the very beginning of the construction HomeStyles, and Carmel By the Sea magazines. nie Usrey has more than process, clients are able to sit and talk with Ken and their 25 years of experience in corresponding project manager to discuss their overall plans, plumbing.We offer highWith a staff of 25, Harvest is a smaller, more intimate ideas, and desires. For Ken, the discussion of money and organization, which enables the company to maintain a quality work performed more personal relationship with its clients. “We maintain a budget is very black and white—there is no hidden agenda. in a professional manner.
harvest construction, a family-owned and -run business located on California’s Monterey Peninsula, is a general contractor committed to providing the highest quality of workmanship, strong business ethics, and the best in overall customer service. Whether the project is a custom home or a commercial building, Harvest’s attention to the needs and desires of its clients never waivers.
full-time office,” says Ken Rudisill, cofounder. “We prefer that our clients talk to a live person rather than an answering machine. This allows for us to immediately respond to our client’s issues.”
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residential builders harvest construction
We maintain a full-time office. We prefer that callers get a live person answering the phone. We give immediate responses to our client’s issues. —Ken Rudisill, Cofounder
“The clients know my fee from the very beginning; it’s in their contract,” he says. “I do not make an additional markup on change orders and other miscellaneous items that may arise during the course of construction. All invoices and labor hours are clearly displayed for review in each and every billing that leaves this office. I never want to put a dollar amount between me and a client.”
For the Pebble Beach Co., Harvest built a pavilion at the Del Monte Golf Course, the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi, for its 100th anniversary, with on-time and on-budget completion. Harvest is continually building projects and maintaining retail and office developments for the Pebble Beach Co., including the construction of the main shops at the resorts and of the first U.S. Open store, as well as remodeling the main restaurant, the Stillwater Bar & Grill. Harvest is currently finishing a home on the second green at the Pebble Beach Golf Course, which includes six bathrooms, five bedrooms, and a Spanish design with Monterey flair, complete with a rustic clay roof and a bridge that connects the main house to the garage with a guest suite above. As for custom homes, Harvest has done work in various parts of the peninsula. The company has worked deep in the heart of the Santa Lucia Preserve, which is located in Carmel Valley. About a year ago, Harvest completed a custom home, featured in HomeStyles magazine, which included wood from an old barn that had been procured by the architect to be incorporated into the house, extending the feel of an old Spanish estate. The project included the main house and a caretaker’s house, as well as a detached garage with living quarters above.
This home, located in the Santa Lucia Preserve, is built from the reclaimed wood of an old East Coast barn that was disassembled and then reconstructed onsite for use as the main structure of the house.
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Among Harvest’s significant projects is Fandango Restaurant, described on local Web sites as “a charming restaurant in Pacific Grove, on the popular Monterey Peninsula, that marries fine dining with a warm and homey European atmosphere.” Harvest added a second floor while enabling the restaurant to stay open during construction, and continues to do miscellaneous remodeling there, 18 years after its initial work, including enclosing the patio, reroofing the first level, and building a house for the owners.
american builders quarterly may/june 2010
Harvest also recently completed a home in Monterra, done in the George Washington Smith style, with elaborate details that incorporated local stones, stucco, a barreltile roof, and unique, custom-designed stairways, gardens with old-world fountains, and cobblestone walkways. Harvest’s name was chosen by Janice. Ken says, “When I asked her to help me choose a name for the company, she had been studying the Bible and came across a verse in which it stated that if you plant a good seed, you will reap a good harvest.” abq
residential builders
D-K Construction custom-built a vintage log cabin as an addition to this North Carolina home.
D-K CONSTRUCTION, INC. Carpenter enters new sector, dismantling vintage structures and selling reclaimed wood for projects nationwide by frederick jerant
at a glance location: camden, in founded: 1989 employees: 15 area of specialty: custom millwork, vintage-building dismantling, and reclaimed-material sales average annual sales: $2 million
rest to companies we’ve worked with before,” Kuns says. many people work in jobs that weren’t quite “They do high-quality work and have a strong sense of what they had in mind when they started out. Dennis Kuns, owner and president of Camden, Indiana-based D-K ethics—we know they’ll do the job right.” Construction, Inc., is one of those people. In 2005, the company entered a very slow period. Never one to lead a rigid life (“I grew up on a small farm,” Kuns When Kuns formed D-K Construction in 1989, his goal recalls, “and you learned early to be handy at a lot of difwas to specialize in custom-millwork production and inferent things.”), when the chance came to dismantle a stallation. Decades later, that dream is still alive, “but we defaulted to general construction,” Kuns says, “to keep our vintage, hand-hewn post-and-beam barn originally built in the 1800s, D-K Construction took the job. crews busy and to increase our growth. Ultimately, we want to have a large enough shop space—and the proper That successful project led to other barn dismantles, and equipment—to do custom-millwork packages from debefore long, the company had dismantled more than sign through installation.” 30 structures. At first, the work was just a good way to keep crews busy between major projects, and D-K On a typical project, Kuns’ company contracts for the Construction simply wholesaled the materials to other entire job, offering construction-management services. builders. But it eventually led to another income stream D-K Construction crews handle rough and finish carpenfor the company. try, millwork, and various other tasks. “We’ll sub out the
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residential builders d-k construction, inc.
The slide and paneling on the side of this custom spiral staircase, built by D-K Construction, are composed of recycled lumber.
Capitalizing on its years of experience in custom woodworking (as well as its mill-shop tools and machinery), D-K Construction started reclaiming the aged wood and other materials, and created what it calls “vintage-timber packages.” That same year, the company found an ideal teammate in Timeless Timber Frame Co. of Frankfort, Indiana. “Dean Smith had been doing this kind of work for about 15 years before we joined up,” Kuns says, referring to Timeless Timber Frame’s owner. “But he lacked the necessary facilities and manpower to make his business bigger. That’s where we came in.” When these historic structures come down, their oak, walnut, poplar, hickory, ash, elm, and beech components are made into new timber frames, log cabins, or similar structures. D-K approaches this part of the project like a jigsaw puzzle: each piece is numbered according to a stepby-step construction plan.
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The recycled packages—marketed under the Timeless Timber Frame name—are then shipped nationwide. When the materials arrive on the job site, the contractor there simply follows the plan and reassembles the frame, cabin, or other structure. And if the on-site contractor isn’t familiar with frame erection, Timeless Timber Frame and D-K Construction can provide employees to handle that part of the job. “Generally, the whole thing goes together in no more than a week,” Kuns says. “The general contractor will pour the foundation. We’ll come in and do the assembly, then the contractor resumes where he left off. It saves a lot of time and effort.” In addition to posts and beams, D-K Construction also reclaims floors, walls, decking, doors, and trim. “In some cases, we can use them as-is; in others, we’ll mill them into the forms we need,” Kuns says. “We may need only part of a barn, so we’ll sell the rest or make it into some-
Midwest Lumber Company, LLC A supplier of reclaimed materials
Our stuff is very popular in Colorado. LEED requirements there are pretty stringent, and using vintage timber helps builders rack up a lot of points. —Dennis Kuns, Owner & President Specializing in antique wood, such as hand hewn beams, reclaimed barn siding, reclaimed flooring, trusses, timberframes, & cabins. thing else.” On its own projects, Kuns says, the company might use the reclaimed hardwood floors, wainscoting, and trim for retrofits or in new structures, and then do other custom work to blend it in.
1338 E 300 N., Camden, IN 46917 | P: 574.686.2104 | F: 574.686.4104 Flora, IN 574.967.3058 Zillah, WA 509.829.9014 (Millwork Inc., distributor) | midwestlumbercompany@netzero.net Midwest Lumber Co., LLC is an affiliate company of D-K Construction, Inc.
He adds that these reclaimed materials are good for the green marketplace because of their recycled nature. “Our stuff is very popular in Colorado,” Kuns says. “LEED requirements there are pretty stringent, and using vintage timber helps builders rack up a lot of points.” The dismantling-and-reclaiming venture was so successful that Kuns set up Midwest Lumber Co. LLC in 2009 to handle, sell, and broker these products. Obviously, staying flexible has benefitted Kuns. The company’s employment level has stayed steady (three in the office, including his son and right-hand man, Darin, and 12 in the field), and gross sales have been pretty stable, too. “I’ve never been afraid to tackle new challenges,” Kuns concludes, “or to get my hands dirty. That’s what sets the company apart from others in these tough times—we’ll do whatever we have to do to stay busy. With our level of experience, we can work on things that others can’t.” abq D-K Construction, Inc. is a general contractor specializing in custom homes, remodels, custom millwork, and historic reproductions & preservation and vintage timberframing.
D•K
CONSTRUCTION
D-K Construction, Inc. 1338 E 300 N., Camden, IN 46917 P: 574.686.2104 | F: 574.686.4104
residential builders
DENNIS PIERCE, INC. Experience and diversity helps home builder plan for recession by james askew
This 4,250-square-foot home, built by Dennis Pierce, Inc., incorporates green-building components, including reclaimed brick, a geothermal HVAC system, and a natural-gas generator.
questions about the future of the housing market are, these days, on the minds of many. In the second half of 2009, a market uptick brought hope to the industry, following years of harrowing declines, yet many remained cautious, concerned that federal tax credits and record-low prices were holding the market aloft. Predicting the vicissitudes of the housing market is, of course, the ambition of nearly all in the industry, and as the recent downturn has shown, it can often mean the difference between success and failure.
at a glance
knew something was changing, so we started pulling back on the reins, slowing down our building schedule, finishing what we had, and marketing homes pre-sale and our lots build-to-suit.” Prior to the downturn, Dennis Pierce maintained approximately 60 percent of its business in speculative developments, with 40 percent in custom-home building.Yet by the close of 2009, it had reduced speculative development to around 20 percent, Hash says. “That was the plan,” he says, “to pull back, reduce our inventory, and gear towards bringing in more custom builds.”
location: hattiesburg, ms For Steven “Rocky” Hash, vice president of Dennis Pierce, founded: Inc., a custom-home builder and developer in Hattiesburg, “Usually,” he adds, “our inventory of spec homes would be 1980 anywhere from 12 to 16 homes on the market, and right Mississippi, the great secret, he says, is experience. employees: Dennis Pierce was founded in 1980, and Hash has worked now I’ve got five.” 15 for the company since 1994, becoming vice president in area of specialty: As a design-build company and a developer, Dennis Pierce 1995. Hash says that it was the company’s depth of acbuilding custom has created more than a dozen subdivisions over its 30homes, land devel- cumulated experience that helped it foresee the growing year history, while continuing to build custom homes crisis and position itself against it. opment on private lands and in developments other than its own. average annual Recently, Dennis Pierce began work on its latest develop“We were very fortunate,” Hash explains. “We started cutsales: ment, the Heritage community, 10 miles west of Hatting back [on development] in the beginning of 2008. We $2.5–5 million
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tiesburg, on a 2,000-acre parcel of land with a 162-acre ski and fishing lake—just one of the community’s many amenities. Typically, Hash says, all Dennis Pierce communities include all the basic amenities, such as a walking track, swimming pool, playgrounds, and a clubhouse, but he notes, “Buyers are expecting a lot more than ever.” The Heritage community, which offers waterfront and offwaterfront lots from a half acre up to two acres, is also planned to include miles of groomed walking and crosstraining trails with exercise stations, a wet-dock marina for boat storage, and possibly a restaurant overlooking the water. “As with any waterfront development,” Hash emphasizes, “the views are the most breathtaking amenity.”
Irrespective of the home’s style, one defining feature of all Dennis Pierce homes is the abundance of custom cabinetry and finely-crafted interior trim—wainscoting, crown moulding, door headers, ornate fireplaces, etc. “Most of the comments we get are how much detailed trim work and cabinetry are in our homes,” Hash says. For this reason, the company employs an in-house crew of finish carpenters and painters, while using long-standing and trusted subcontractors for the remainder of the work. “Not that we don’t control it all the way through,” Hash explains, “we are very tightly-controlled with everything, but when it comes to the finish work, we are very detail oriented. We’ve been in business for over 29 years, and we’ve had contractors who have worked for us on a regular basis, so we have a pretty efficient team.” As for the future, Hash says that the company is keeping a close eye on the market and has recently been considering the lasting strength and value of the entry-level housing market, which dominated the residential market in 2009. “We are trying to determine where the market is going to be next year,” Hash says, “and looking for building sites more appropriate to the entry-level home—in the $120,000 to $150,000 range. “We don’t know what is going to happen,” he adds. “We may be all custom homes if we don’t see a real demand for speculative building. Right now, we are doing that balancing act of what to project this coming year.” abq
692 Weathersby Rd • Hattiesburg, MS • 39402 Phone (601) 264-9999 | Fax (601) 264-9968
A
LASASSS •S CITY G G PECI LA O IVE GL ALI ST S U T M OT S AU
, IN C.
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Hash says that Dennis Pierce’s largest market has been in high-end and move-up homes, specializing primarily on a traditional, southern-style, with brick veneer and steeppitched roofs, or a French Country style, imported from the Acadian regions of Southern Louisiana. “Another style we’ve gotten into in the last couple of years is the Craftsman style,” Hash adds. “It seems to be becoming more popular.”
Proud suppliers of custom shower doors and mirrors to the qualtiy homes built by Dennis Pierce Homebuilders.
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electrical contractors
Line- and equipment-safety concerns are paramount at Bowlin Energy, as shown here with the implementation of personal and line covers and sleeves.
BOWLIN GROUP, LLC Electrical constructor’s four divisions cater to multiplicity of clients and allow expansion to alternative-energy and smart-grid projects by zach baliva
blevins bowlin’s 28 years at an electricutil-ity company have served him well. During that time, Bowlin received both his electrical-contractor and his master-electrician licenses. Then, in 1997, Bowlin and his son, Kerry, founded Bowlin Construction. Although Bowlin Construction is now part of the larger Bowlin Group, LLC, it was launched as what Bowlin describes as a “side business” to take advantage of 1997’s wireless-telecom boom. In that year, the Bowlins submitted several bids in Cincinnati and completed electrical, grounding, and other work on wireless-tower sites for clients like AT&T, GTE, and Sprint.
at a glance location: walton, ky founded: 1997 employees: 300 area of specialty: wireless telecom, broadband, electric, and power construction
Today, Bowlin Group is comprised of four divisions: Bowlin Communications, Bowlin Services, Bowlin Energy, and Power Plus Electric. While the Communications and Servic-
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es divisions focus on wireless infrastructure and broadband networks, the Energy and Electric sectors cater to substation, power-line distribution, and transmission work. The company, based in Walton, Kentucky, retains 300 employees nationwide who work on up to 30 jobs at any given time. Bowlin and his colleagues recognized a need to diversify in 2002 during the telecom business’ widely publicized financial struggles. In response, Bowlin bought an electrical-contracting firm, split with his previous partners, and merged with another company. While wireless-telecom jobs still amount to $10 million a year, Bowlin says that his company is converting itself into an electric-infrastructure provider, and energy work will eventually account for at least 60 percent of Bowlin Group’s total business.
electrical bowlin group, llc contractors
The company’s four separate divisions, and its myriad offerings, will only contribute to this. Bowlin Energy builds substations and distribution power lines around the United States, while Power Plus Electric—the result of a 2008 acquisition—builds power lines on military bases. Bowlin Group is also actively pursuing alternative-energy technologies and recently secured a bid with a large energy company on a five-year smart-grid project, for which Bowlin Energy will install communication devices in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The devices will each service 10 homes and allow the power company to read all meters and control switching from a central location. Bowlin says that he is also working on pilot solar projects and bidding solar work for various customers.
We can touch every part of the pole. We have experience to do the communications, the electric, and the broadband. A client can hire us instead of having three companies doing three different things. —Blevins Bowlin, Owner
A focus on alternative-energy and smart-grid technologies is a natural fit for Bowlin Group. “We can touch every part of the pole,” he explains. “We have experience to do the communications, the electric, and the broadband. A client can hire us instead of having three companies doing three different things.” Safety and training also help place Bowlin Group ahead of its competition. The company operates an internal training facility at its headquarters. There, linemen and other personnel learn to climb towers, work out of bucket trucks, string and splice fiber, and work on hot power lines. The unique operation was built in part to train students at a local community college where Bowlin is helping create an associate-degree program. “I wanted to invest in the community; people need to be much smarter to work for power companies in our digital world,” he says. In September of 2009, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recognized Bowlin’s efforts by ranking Bowlin Energy among the area’s top-30 emerging businesses. The award’s criteria included annual growth of at least 15 percent over three years, job creation, and economic development. Although Bowlin Group is based in Kentucky, it has established satellite offices in other states, as well. And with its main office strategically located near a major airport and two interstates, the company can mobilize crews for work in any part of the country. “We’re within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the US population,” Bowlin says, adding that there will be a need for Bowlin Group’s services wherever there are people. There are many things in life that people can do without, but Bowlin knows that most Americans rely on electricity, telephones, and broadband. That realization has birthed a phrase that Bowlin repeats often: “If you listen to it, if you view it, if you feel it, then we touch it.” abq
www.scherzingerdrilling.com
9629 State Route 128 • P.O. Box 202 • Miamitown, Ohio 45041 (513) 738-2000 • Fax: (513) 738-3100
Assisting contractors, municipalities and owners in solving foundation problems, repairing landslides, installing tower foundations
Specializing In:
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Serving Greater • Drilled Shafts Cincinnati Area • Pier Walls Since 1956 • Landslide Repair • Augercast Piles • Tiebacks • Mini Piles • Sewer Taps • Tower, Light and Pole Bases • Cased Shafts • Slurry Drilling • Rock Anchors • Bridge Piers • Helical Anchors • Retaining Walls • Shoring • Design Assistance
electrical contractors
Current Connections worked with Hedrick Brothers Construction on the historical restoration of the Palm Beach County Courthouse.The courthouse was originally constructed in 1916, and took nearly three years to complete. Photo: Hedrick Brothers Construction Co., Inc.
CURRENT CONNECTIONS, INC. Abiding by the Golden Rule has led electrical contractor to 25 years of success by daniel casciato
as a full-service electrical-contracting firm located in Mangonia Park, Florida, Current Connections, Inc. specializes in traditional power distribution, lighting, and control and instrumentation systems for commercial, industrial, institutional, and marine facilities. The company works primarily in Southeastern Florida, including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, Okeechobee, and Hendry counties.
at a glance location: mangonia park, fl founded: 1984 employees: 12 area of specialty: electrical contracting 2008 sales: $7.3 million
After several years of working his way up through the ranks of the trade as a journeyman, foreman, and general foreman at various companies, Don Sharkey started Current Connections with Jerome Schmitz in 1984. Schmitz has since left the firm. As he reflects on the past 25 years, Sharkey notes that he hasn’t built the business alone. “I’ve had help from many different people,” he says. “God has thoroughly blessed us during the last 25 years. Over the years, we’ve had
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employees who could have worked anywhere, yet they worked here and taught me a lot. Also, customers could buy from anyone, but they gave us their business because we were nice people. All things being equal, people will deal with the less-adversarial group.” Some of Current Connection’s past projects include Boomers Family Entertainment Complex in Boca Raton, several golf-course country-club clubhouses, and a recent renovation of the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. The company is currently working on projects for the US Army Corps of Engineers, FDOT, and an Everglades Restoration Project for South Florida Water Management District. Two projects in particular that Sharkey is proud of are the Palm Harbor Marina and the Old Port Cove marina. “These were big jobs with short time frames, as well as very demanding owners,” he says. “We exceeded the
electrical current connections, inc. contractors
Honesty, integrity, performance. People appreciate these things and will help you if you consistently do them. —Don Sharkey, President
schedules, met the budgets, and they turned out beautiful. We really did a nice job.” One of the key strategies to his company’s success is to practice the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
vice,” he says. “We cannot lay off the older guys just so we can work younger people so we’ll have them in the future. This is probably our biggest challenge for the future.” Despite these challenges, Sharkey has an optimistic view of the company’s future.
“Honesty, integrity, performance,” he says. “People appreci- “I’m still relatively young and have many years to work yet,” he says. “I’d like to see us continue to grow, continue to ate these things and will help you if you consistently do employ good people, and offer our customers something them. Another reason we’ve been successful is that we they don’t find everywhere.” abq consistently meet or exceed the schedules, quality, and professionalism. We never sweat the small stuff and we’ve always been a team player.” In 1997, Current Connections was chosen as the Associated General Contractors’ (AGC) Subcontractor of the Year, as well as The Weitz Company’s 1998 Subcontractor of the Year. Sharkey was elected to the AGC Board in 1996 and served until 2008, carrying the title of treasurer for the last four years. Sharkey strongly feels that personal involvement in associations, such as the AGC, are necessary for the overall good and betterment of the industry, from which many have gained so much. In addition to his involvement with the AGC, he also held the Electrical Contractor seat on the Palm Beach County Construction Industry Licensing Board from 1997 through 2003.
Current Connections, Inc. Electrical Contractor
Quality – Professionalism – Safety Current Connections, Inc is an electrical contractor that partners with our customers, employees and suppliers to create relationships that result in quality, professionalism and safety. (Simply put, we will do anything for good people as long as it’s good for all parties.)
One of Sharkey’s greatest concerns over the next several years is the economy and a lack of quality young people coming into his industry for careers. “My strategy for the economy is hard work,” he explains. “Focus on service, quality, professionalism, and hopefully this will allow us to be less focused on price.” As far as the dearth of talent expected in the industry, Current continues to participate in apprenticeship training. “However, in a down economy, we simply are not currently training the number of people we will need in the future, plus most of the employees we are retaining are older, as they have earned our loyalty due to their years of past serCurrent Connections, Inc. 1620 Hill Avenue | Mangonia Park, Florida 33407 P (561) 863-0010 | F (561) 863-5380
www.currentconnections.net
electrical contractors
Jeanie O’Donnell, CEO.
DK ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Maintaining a competitive edge in electrical systems with expanded markets by kimberley banjoko
a small company with a huge impact, dk electrical contractors is growing to become one of the leaders in professional electrical contracting in Southern California by catering to consumer demands. Regardless of the sluggish economy, the company continues to garner work, recently completing projects at educational institutions, including the Cate School, Cal Lutheran University, and Thomas Aquinas College, and even finishing a 125-unit Hampton Inn. “We do our work aesthetically well and technically correct, as quickly as possible,” says Jeanie O’Donnell, CEO of the Ventura, California-based electrical contractor. “When leaving a job, we want the general contractor to be happy that they had DK on the job.”
at a glance location: ventura, ca employees: 15 area of specialty: electrical-systems installation, design, and maintenance average annual sales: $2–3 million
DK Electrical Contractors was an existing firm that Jeanie’s husband Kenneth O’Donnell decided to buy out and improve in 1984. “I was getting my teaching degree when my husband decided that he wanted to get into this,” she
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explains. “Business really was booming in Ventura County, and the previous owner was retired and wanted out of the company. So we bought it for $2,500.” With their money well spent, the new management increased revenue and offered a large range of services to customers. DK Electrical Contractor’s tradesmen are skilled electricians who have extensive experience in the electrical industry. The company provides a full range of electrical, data, and cabling services, including commercial, residential, industrial, communications/data, universities and schools, renovations, lighting design, solar paneling, and high-voltage work. An impressive development for the company involved work on a chapel at Thomas Aquinas College, a religious university in Southern California. Modeled off of majestic European cathedrals, the chapel featured a lighting and sound system. “It was a $30 million chapel with a lot of
electrical dk electrical contractors contractors
We do our work aesthetically well and technically correct, as quickly as possible.” —Jeanie O’Donnell, CEO
complexity,” says Gary Cowles, president. Having joined the firm three months after it was founded, Cowles’ familiarity and experiences made him suitable to succeed Kenneth O’Donnell, who passed away in 2008. “The biggest challenge with the chapel I saw was integrating the lighting into the architectural portions of that project,” he says. DK Electrical Contractors installed all the communications, fire-alarm, lighting-control, and sound systems, successfully making modifications to fit the architectural features of the chapel. “Thomas Aquinas College gave us a lot of praise for that,” Cowles says. Already an active participant in the emerging industries of solar and high-voltage power, the company wishes to delve into other sectors. “Our projected goal is to expand,” Cowles says. “Right now we’re in a tough market, with people’s finances really tight. But that’s going to turn around, so I want to continue to expand in renewableenergy and public projects. We’ve dabbled in public housing in Santa Barbara, but we wish to do more to expand DK Electric.” As a company with a small workforce, DK Electrical Contractors has learned to work together as a team and to overcome challenges. This includes flexing with the economy and working with limited resources. “I want the company to survive, my employees to stay employed, and DK to continue with the same high standards that my husband had,” O’Donnell says. “All of the employees here are very important to DK. They’re like extended family.” DK Electrical Contractors continually raises the bar to remain competitive with new firms entering its numerous markets. “We strive for excellent workmanship with all our installers,” Cowles says. “Our work ethic is to do a really clean job and produce a well-working system.” abq
The interior entryway of the Thomas Aquinas College administrative facility, a DK Electrical Contractors project.
DK
Electrical Contractors
1785 East La Loma Avenue | Somis, CA 93066 Phone 805.656.4541 | Fax 805.650.6816 State License Number 495243
electrical contractors
ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS, INC. Electrical contractor utilizes big-picture approach to business with strong employee and supplier relationships by james askew
Electrical Construction Systems has completed 10Walgreens pharmacies and has two more under contract. In addition, the company has made various improvements to 90 percent of theWalgreens stores in Kansas and Missouri. ronald f. cazares is the type of businessman who sees the big picture. As president of Electrical Construction Systems, Inc. (ECS) in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Cazares founded his company just more than 10 years ago—working then on his own as a sole-proprietor—and has since built the business into a $2.8 million a year electrical contractor. ECS employs 32 people and has worked with such national companies as Walgreens, CVS, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Nike, and Pulte Homes—the largest homebuilder in the country, according to USA Today.
at a glance location: shawnee mission, ks employees: 32 area of specialty: installation of large-scale commercial and residential electrical systems; maintenance and repair 2008 revenue: $2.8 million
For instance, to keep overhead low to remain competitive in the marketplace and help maintain consistency in work coming in, Cazares says that he relies on employee satisfaction. “I believe that the way you treat and deal with your employees is important for less-turnover,” he explains, “and if you have more experienced electricians, you don’t have rework and you don’t have problems that eventually come out of your bottom line.”
Equally as important, Cazares says, is working closely with trusted suppliers and maintaining those relationships, which keeps material prices low, insuring competitiveness, Like most successful businesspeople, Cazares knows the client satisfaction, and a good reputation. “We’ve had the importance of high-quality customer service, low oversame suppliers since I opened the accounts in ’99,” he says, head, top-rate employees, loyal clients, trusted suppliers, “and we think we get a better price on materials because and always staying ahead of the game. Where Cazares differs, however, is that, rather than seeing each of these as we have those relationships.” unrelated parts of the business, he sees each as an integral Previously employed as an industrial electrician and supart of the whole, where the success of one depends enpervisor, Cazares started the business in 1999 working for tirely on that of the other.
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electrical electrical constructio systems, inc. contractors
If you have more experienced electricians, you don’t have rework and you don’t have problems that eventually come out of your bottom line. —Ronald F. Cazares, President
Kansas City realty companies, acting as a liaison between the buyer and the seller and repairing electrical issues in the property to help facilitate the sale. From there, Cazares says, “it just exploded.” Through connections in the industry, ECS moved into small- to mid-sized homes, then custom homes, and finally commercial work. By 2006, the company had landed a 184-home subdivision contract with Pulte Homes, and was building its reputation in the commercial sector. Today, ECS is a preferred electrical contractor with Walgreens, having wired a dozen stores in Kansas and Missouri. In 2005, Jim Dudley—a well-regarded commercial electrician and supervisor—joined ECS and took control of the company’s commercial division. Since Dudley joined the company, ECS’ commercial division has grown into a leading source of revenues, and in 2006, Dudley became vice president.
Electrical Construction Systems staff members work on the electrical system for a newWalgreens store.
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Cazares says that during the recession, the housing market took a severe hit, but the commercial sector has remained strong. Now, he says, one of ECS’ specialties is large-scale commercial projects that range in price from $150,000 to $500,000 and higher. As for the future of the business, Cazares says that he is also working to further develop the company’s service contracts, expanding the division from its current 15 percent to an anticipated 25 to 30 percent. Through these contracts, ECS provides a scheduled maintenance service to restaurants, churches, schools, and others. And in true big-picture fashion, Cazares says that not only does this build a loyal customer base and provide a consistency of work, it also helps strengthen the business, securing its future and the retention of its top-notch, experienced employees. abq
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At the University ofWisconson’s Green Bay Sports Center, Elmstar installed the exterior light poles, as well as several interior sport-court lighting systems.
ELMSTAR ELECTRIC CORPORATION Multiservice electrical contractor advocates education, technology, and client satisfaction by daniel casciato
in 1979, gus fosick was running a satellite office for a now-defunct electrical-contracting company in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With the company faltering at the corporate level, Fosick realized that his livelihood was at stake. So he took a handful of electricians with him and started his own firm, Elmstar Electric Corporation.
at a glance location: kaukauna, wi founded: 1979 employees: 38 area of specialty: preventative maintenance; tele-data communications and technology; underground services average annual sales: $6 million
Currently headquartered in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, 30 minutes south of Green Bay, the company is still going strong and is now run by Gus’ daughter, Carmen Fosick. Elmstar provides preventative maintenance, tele-data communications and technology, and underground services for commercial, industrial, institutional, and municipal customers throughout the state of Wisconsin as well as parts of Michigan. “We really strive for complete customer service,” says Carmen, who also serves as vice president. “It brings us great joy that we are the ones our customers choose to rely on for their needs.” Although Carmen has been involved with Elmstar since she was a small child, she began working at the company full time in 1997 as the general manager. One of the most significant changes she made right away was to concen-
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trate on making all areas of the operation more efficient. “In doing this, though I held out longer than I should have, I was able to streamline the company in 2004 and 2005 by reducing and eliminating positions that were no longer necessary for our operation,” Carmen says. Over the years, Elmstar’s key strategies have also changed. In the 1980s, as the company was coming into its own, the strategy was growth—growth in sales by finding a niche in large ICI and municipal projects; growth in services offered and in equipment by adding its underground division; and growth in its office and warehouse size. Today, Elmstar’s strategy is diversity, technology, and topnotch customer service. “We’re unique because we are so diversified,” Carmen says, adding that Elmstar is the only electrical contractor in northeast Wisconsin that offers electrical contracting, tele-data communications, TEGG preventive maintenance, and underground service all under one roof. And the company’s offerings extend beyond the advertised services; its commitment to clients shines in each and every project and request. “Our customers make one phone call and know they can get all their questions
electrical elmstar electric cporporation contractors
Our customers make one phone call and know they can get all their questions answered or any of the work they need done. —Carmen Fosick, Vice President
answered or any of the work they need done, whether it be adding a jack for a computer, reconfiguring the layout of their entire office, adding a sign out by their entrance, upgrading their service, or performing preventive maintenance,” Carmen says. “The fact that we are the ones accountable for all the work and the fact that we really do take pride in our work leaves everyone happy.” Elmstar has performed work on a variety of small and large projects in the area, such as The Resch Center in Green Bay, where many international touring concerts are held, as well as the home for the University of Wisconsin Green Bay (UWGB) men’s basketball team. It was also contracted to do electrical work for the Phoenix Sports Center at UWGB, where the women’s basketball team plays. Another notable project is the Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, where Elmstar completely replaced the runway-lighting system on one runway and added weather-sensing equipment and pavement sensors for all runways.
company advocates education and brings new apprentice electricians into the company. And with its skilled, knowledgeable workforce, Carmen sees a bright future ahead for Elmstar, with its commitment to improving jobsite efficiencies and to giving clients the most value for its services. Elmstar is also investing in new pre-project-planning technology and is exploring renewable energies. “We’re constantly working to expand the services we can provide to our customers,” Carmen says. abq
An Elmstar employee uses state-of-theart testing equipment to perform TEGG preventative maintenance for a client.
For its preventive-maintenance division, Elmstar invests in state-of-the-art electrical-test equipment so it can keep its customers’ operations moving forward. It is also a member of the TEGG Service Network, an international organization developed exclusively for maintaining and protecting electrical-distribution systems. “We continue to build close relationships with our customers as well,” Carmen says. “We assist them in all of their needs and try to learn what they are about and what they are trying to accomplish, not just today, but in the future so any small change or repair they do today will transition seamlessly into their future plans.” One of Carmen’s greatest concerns right now is the continued decline in the quality of workmanship of many contractors. “Let’s face it,” she says, “times are tough and you see contractors beating each other up to get a job. Sometimes these contractors are cutting corners. The owner is not getting the product they specified.” Elmstar’s solution is education. The company assists owners and recognizes problems as it encounters them. With many disparities being a result of an untrained electrician, Carmen says, the
american builders quarterly may/june 2010
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electrical contractors
INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC. Staying small allows electrical contractor to offer personal attention to every project by laura judy
The Gilmer County Courthouse in Ellijay, GA, an Industrial Control Systems project.
since its opening in 1988, industrial control Systems, Inc. has been providing consistent high-quality work and great customer service to keep clients coming back. “The personal attention we give each job is the most important thing we do to keep our reputation sound,” says Gary Maney, president of the electrical-contracting firm.
at a glance location: dalton, ga founded: 1988 employees: 20–25 area of specialty: electrical contracting for commercial, educational, and municipal buildings average number of projects annually: 10–12
the Murray County jail, the Gilmer County courthouse, the Lumpkin County courthouse, and numerous schools, including Cedar Ridge Elementary in Dalton.
While Industrial Control Systems does work on remodeling projects, its focus is usually on new construction. “At least 60, maybe 70 percent of our projects are new Based in Dalton, Georgia, Industrial Control Systems serves construction,” Maney says. The company currently has approximately 20-25 employees, down from the larger all of northern Georgia. “Most of our work is close to the workforce it had during stronger economic times. And for Whitfield County area,” Maney says. In the past, however, the last 16 years, the company has operated its business the company has traveled as far as southwest North Caroout of the same office in Dalton. lina and southeast Tennessee to complete projects. Because Industrial Control Systems has a longstanding reputation in the community and focuses on commercial, municipal, and educational projects, it does very little advertising. “We don’t really budget for advertising since we don’t do much service work,” Maney says. “We work Some of the larger, well-known projects the company has worked on in recent years include the Gordon County jail, mostly on bid jobs.” Industrial Control Systems focuses on the commercial, educational, and municipal sectors of the construction industry. It currently completes an average of 10–12 jobs each year.
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electrical industrial control systems, inc. contractors
The personal attention we give each job is the most important thing we do to keep our reputation sound. —Gary Maney, President
Industrial Control Systems completes each project with its own employees instead of hiring subcontractors to do the work. “This way we have total control of what, how, and when things get done,” Maney says. Maney says that the personal attention that the company offers “shows in the details” of its projects. “We stay on top of things by manning each job properly,” he says. “We look for problems before they have a chance to occur, and we do things in a timely manner.” This means paying attention to every step of the process, including things such as making sure all supplies are ordered in time to ensure that each phase of the project is completed on schedule. Maney also points out that it is extremely important to respond to customer requests as soon as possible. Industrial Control Systems has experienced steady growth over the years, but it is still focused on keeping the company at a reasonable size. “We’re not a volume builder,” Maney says. “More is not always better. If you get too big, it’s hard to provide the same high level of service.” However, some growth is vitally important. “If you’re not growing some, you’re going out of business,” Maney says. “You just don’t want to expand too fast, or you won’t have the people to keep up with the projects.” While staying steady in a tough economy has been difficult for the entire industry, Industrial Control Systems is pushing through and looking forward to better times ahead. “We’re doing the same thing in this economy that we’ve been doing all along,” Maney says. “We’ve changed our product margin, but not the way we bid jobs. In fact, we’re bidding more jobs than ever.” The company’s reputation has helped ensure its success, and the employees at Industrial Control Systems stay informed by keeping up with trade magazines and new innovations within the industry. “We’re able to do bigger jobs now because of our experience and resources,” Maney says. “Some of our employees have been around for almost 20 years, which helps everyone know what to expect when working together on projects.” abq
Dalton City Hall in Dalton, GA, an Industrial Control Systems project.
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electrical contractors
MEANY, INC. Third-generation electrical contractor outshines competition with affordable, quality work by daniel casciato
life safety, maintenance, 24-hour emergency call service, and design-build. The firm was started by Dominy’s father, Jack, an IBEW Local 134 electrician who turned 93 years old in 2009. Jack started the business in 1955, the year that Dominy was born. The company was named after Dominy’s mother’s surname as her father, Leo Meany, was very active in Local 134 activities and had a respected name in the industry around Chicago. Out of name recognition and respect, Jack decided to call his company Meany. As a new company in 1955, the business took baby steps to grow larger. Over time, Meany has grown to bring in annual revenues exceeding $20 million. Dominy says that technology has made a huge difference in the estimating and administrative aspects of the company. And as a larger company, a lot of responsibility rides on the estimator and project managers. “Micromanagement can’t work on a company of this size,” Dominy says. “Estimators and project managers have a lot of decision-making power, which tends to expedite the whole electrical process.” Founder Jack S Dominy, circa 1962. at a glance location: east hazel crest, il founded: 1955 employees: 50 area of specialty: commercial and industrial electrical-system design-build, installation, and maintenance average annual sales: $20 million+
building superior customer relations and repeat business have been crucial tools to the success of Meany, Inc. since its founding in 1955. Now, in a slow economy, the electrical contractor relies heavily on developing and maintaining solid, long-term relationships as it enters a new decade. “To continue working for a customer for years, it is imperative that Meany’s pricing is competitive, the workmanship is of excellent quality, and the respect and trust towards each other is a given,” says Dan Dominy, president of the East Hazel Crest, Illinois-based firm. As an electrical contractor working in the greater Chicagoland area and northwest Indiana, Meany provides electrical services including high-voltage industrial installations, commercial construction, control and instrumentation, lighting systems, emergency power and generators,
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By being very customer oriented and offering the very best customer service that it can, Meany has found this strategy to be the most effective means of maintaining and growing the business. “We keep the customer satisfied by insisting on quality, always being timely, and always looking for ways to support their needs,” Dominy says. “Another uniqueness of our firm is the strength of our field forces. Not only do we promote and expect quality workmanship, but we instill an attitude with our field supervisors. We stress that they are our best salespeople and that their customer-care approach is of great importance every day. It always comes back to the old adage that people like working with people they like.” Dealing with his customers and employees is the part of his job that Dominy enjoys the most. He tries to be available at all times and values knowing their needs, a knowledge that he says helps keep everyone satisfied. As for his own satisfaction, Dominy is “most satisfied knowing Meany is a welloiled machine working hard and successfully every day.”
electrical meany, inc. contractors
Of course, like many sub-contracting businesses, Meany’s biggest concern right now remains the economy. While facing this economic downturn, it learned how to get lean and mean pretty quickly to minimize the effects on its size and sales efforts. As a third-generation business, Dominy also strives to ensure that the integrity and values of the company are upheld. “I always have a concern about the third-generation family business,” he says. “I have a nephew and a son in the business now. Sometimes the transition to the third generation gets muddled. My goal is to keep the attributes that have made Meany successful to be passed on to the next generation, while ensuring success.” Still, Meany’s future bodes well, he adds. “I think [the fact that] some of the younger talent here has seen boom times and the economic struggles of today, it puts them in a position to deal with adversity down the road,” Dominy says. “The two Dominys in line for succession are very bright, talented guys. I’m confident the Meany’s future
will shine bright. We believe in hard work and tradition, and we will be an electrical-construction force for many years to come.” abq
Industrial electrical work at a Chicago quarry.
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electrical contractors
Capitol Valley Electric, Inc. Proactive electrical contractor thrives in the commercial and industrial sectors despite, and partly because of, the recession by frederick jerant
at a glance location: sacramento, ca employees: 50 area of specialty: commercial and industrial electrical contracting average annual sales: $6.5 million
david reis, ceo of the sacramento, california-based Capitol Valley Electric, Inc., describes the company as a “proactive contractor” in all aspects of its business, from projects to day-to-day tasks. Instead of waiting for things to happen, the company makes them happen. For example, when the recession began, “We knew there’d be quality people out there,” Reis says. “We didn’t scale our operations back—we went after other firms’ laid-off workers, and then went after more work.” And the strategy paid off. Sales in 2008 hovered around $5 million, and in 2009, they hit $6.5 million. While its
The Dolphin Filtration System at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom inVallejo, CA, a CapitolValley Electric project.
office staff has held steady at 10 people, field workers have increased from 30 in 2008 to 40 in 2009. The secret? There are two, Reis says. “Because of the economy, our bid success rate fell from 30 percent to just 10 percent, so we simply issued many more bids to compensate.” In addition, Capitol Valley expanded its targets. Formed in 2000 as a private-sector contractor, it secured $1.5 million in bonding in 2008 and partnered with financial professionals to qualify for public-sector projects. The company is a subcontractor for new-construction projects in commercial and industrial markets, and about 20 to 30 percent of its business is design-build work. “When we sign up with a general contractor, we make it clear that we’re going to work together; it’s not usagainst-them,” Reis says. Approximately 90 percent of Capitol Valley’s overall revenue comes from repeat business, and one of its longstanding customers is the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom amusement park in Vallejo, California. Despite the corporation’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in June 2009, “We’ve had a strong relationship with that particular park since 2000,” Reis says. “In fact, Capitol Valley Electric is one of the few contractors that will come back on board [when Six Flags’ reorganization concludes].” Capitol Valley handles all electrical maintenance for the park’s electrical and data communications infrastructure, and provides 24-hour emergency repairs. The company’s ongoing work there often involves upgrading high-voltage distribution routes throughout the park, and adapting or changing existing electrical capacity. An ongoing Six Flags project that showcases Capitol Valley’s work ethic is the park’s annual display of a 260-foot Christmas tree. In 2007, the tree required 600 amps of power. The following year, the draw was reduced to 400 amps. In 2009, the park used an artificial tree with LED lights requiring only 200 amps. “That’s an example of how we hit moving targets on a regular basis,” Reis says.
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electrical capitol valley electric, inc. contractors
Capitol Valley Electric, Inc.’s Project Categories • Electrical design-build projects, such as “Ocean Discovery” (installation of electrical infrastructure and power distribution, with upgrades to existing 12 kV systems) and “Thomas Town” (the ride itself and supporting retail/food-service buildings) exhibits at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California.
Thomas Town at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA.
[When the recession began], we knew there’d be quality people out there. We didn’t scale our operations back—we went after other firms’ laid-off workers, and then went after more work. —David Reis, CEO
• Industrial, including a natural-gas cogeneration officebuilding project at Emeryville East in Emeryville, California; Tolland Landfill, a methane-gas and bio-energy cogeneration project; and a 12,000-volt temporary power system for a 15-foot-diameter tunnel-boring machine in Sacramento County. • Hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn in Elk Grove, California; the Hampton Inn in Yuba City, California; and the Courtyard Marriott in Fairfield, California. • Cold storage/refrigeration for retailers and restaurants, as well as service/maintenance contracts.
Reis envisions solar power as an emerging market. “LED technology is improving so much that solar energy is becoming more applicable and practical,” he says. One hurdle is that LED manufacturers “can claim just about anything, with no need to prove it,” he says. But he sees that situation changing; when standards are more secure, utilities will likely offer more rebates for LED usage, thus driving more solar projects. What else is in the future? “Our goal at this point is to survive the recession,” Reis says. “Afterward, we plan to keep growing and improving our reputation. When things get better, we want to be in a position where we can roll right into major projects without ramping up and hiring new people.” abq
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electrical contractors
Young Electrical wired secondaries, fire alarms, the interiors of 350 townhouse units, two mail kiosks, and a clubhouse at Lenox Farms, a $2.5 million project in Braintree, MA.
YOUNG ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. Electrical contractor’s values of continued education, networking, and community involvement lead to 24 years of success by kelly crost
now certified to supply, install, and maintain standby a multi-million-dollar company, young elecgenerators. He uses this new certification to reinforce the trical Services, Inc. builds its business through its ability to be versatile in all areas within the electrical industry. Found- idea that his company is trying to market itself as a busiat a glance er BobYoung started the business in 1986 in Taunton, Massa- ness that offers an array of electrical services to different chusetts. As a well-known, licensed electrician,Young want- companies and business owners—ultimately, developing location: new relationships with other professionals and beginning ed to establish a company of his own that would implement taunton, ma new service contracts. his ideas, methods and expertise. Twenty-three years later, founded: the company is still performing impeccably and continues to 1986 A vast majority of Young’s business is generated through improve its business by simply remaining innovative. employees: word of mouth and the 21 company trucks that are seen 30 throughout the southern New England area. This reputable “Our ability to transform our company to whatever the area of specialty: company has also been acknowledged as the “Best of the commercial, indus- market is demanding allows us to become experts in all Best” by the Taunton Daily Gazette in 2008 and 2009, an three areas of commercial, industrial, and residential wirtrial, and residenhonor bestowed upon local companies by the community ing,”Young says. tial wiring acknowledging the businesses that exhibit excellence in average annual customer service and workmanship. Young Electrical works throughout Massachusetts and sales: Rhode Island, servicing customers in all areas of electri$5 million cal work. Currently, the company is expanding by finding “Our staple for success is treating our customers and emmembership: ployees fairly,”Young says. “Along with superb customer new ways to better its business. For example,Young is osha, abc, bni
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electrical young electrical services, inc. contractors
Our ability to transform our company to whatever the market is demanding allows us to become experts in all three areas of commercial, industrial, and residential wiring. —Bob Young, Founder
service, we believe in establishing and maintaining strong relationships with our suppliers and vendors.”
projects that we were awarded and were put on hold are coming back alive.”
Young Electrical has completed many successful projects throughout its history. One project in particular is the New England Recycling Plant in Massachusetts, a 34,000-squarefoot plant, valued at $325,000. The plant is used to grind up construction materials and separate them for reuse. The firm wired the whole plant and, since then, continues to participate in projects that support eco-friendly building.
Young proudly supports veterans, cancer societies, youth sports, and charities. The company has donated labor to install lighting at a new, youth ball field, as well as for small jobs at the local library, church, and school. Currently,Young Electrical is excited to be donating labor for a new home in Middleboro, Massachusetts to house an injured soldier in the “Homes For Our Troops” program. As evidenced in these efforts,Young believes in giving back to the community that has supported him for more than 20 years. abq
In 2009,Young Electrical completed Lenox Farms in Braintree, Massachusetts, a $2.5-million project where Young wired a 350-unit apartment complex. Currently, the company is working on four lighting-retrofit projects for AMF Bowling Centers throughout Massachusetts. The firm supports and encourages all aspects of green building—it is currently training in solar-photovoltaic installations, and has created a partnership with Munro Energy to supply equipment and leads for solar installations.“We see solar [photo] voltaic as an area for future growth,”Young says. Young puts a huge emphasis on safety, as evidenced by the company’s achievement of 358 days accident free. All employees also are required to have 10 hours of OSHA training. To qualify and support Young Electrical’s expertise in the electrical industry, the company is affiliated with several organizations. Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OHSA), Business Network International (BNI), Guardian Generac, Hilti, and the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Apprenticeship Programs are all reputable organizations that allow Young Electrical staff to network with other working professionals and provide them with the skills they need to succeed. Looking to the future,Young anticipates an increase in residential work throughout Massachusetts. The company has seen a five-percent increase in residential-electrical work and is looking forward to taking advantage of this anticipated workflow. “This year, we are going to do more residential construction,” Young says. “The market is starting to change and a lot of
Congratulations
Bob Young
on your achievement. It is a pleasure to do business with Young Electrical Services. Bristol County Electrical Supply is a local family owned independent lighting and electrical supply located in Taunton Massachusetts. Our business includes a full service lighting showroom, commercial and industrial lighting, energy efficient products, and a complete line of electrical supplies. With our high level of expertise we can meet all the requests and demands of our many customers. Our dedication to customer service has kept us in business for nearly forty years.
www.bristollights.com info@bristollights.com Tel 508-823-6371 Fax 508-823-9737
department company
A Nevada BKD crew installs conductors on a 66kilovolt transformer rack. in Monolith, CA.
NEVADA BKD CORP. High-voltage electrical contractor uses small-business approach to handle large projects for utility giant by frederick jerant
at a glance location: fontana, ca employees: 8–12 area of specialty: high-voltage electrical contracting
imagine combining a 220-kilovolt power sta- substation switching yards. Depending on the job specs, tion with a corner grocery store. This is the kind of proj- Nevada BKD will assemble and erect: ect Nevada BKD Corp., an electrical-construction and -maintenance company in Fontana, California, specializes · steel bus-support structures; in. Founder and president Kenneth Escajeda attributes · steel equipment-support structures; his success in this work to running the firm “like a mom · industrial conduit systems and grounding using exother’n’ pop shop.” mic welding systems; · high-voltage equipment; “My fingers are in everything, every day,” he says of the · transformers; minority-owned, SBA-certified company, “and the · circuit breakers; buck stops with me. If there’s a question or problem, · capacitor banks; I’m the guy who resolves it. I don’t need anyone else’s · hook-stick and group-operated high-voltage switches; approval.” · associated control wiring.
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Most of Nevada BKD’s contracts are for Southern California Edison’s (SCE) high-voltage (up to 500 kilovolts)
american builders quarterly may/june 2010
Despite the company’s relationship with SCE, there’s no guaranteed workflow. “We know how much they are bud-
electrical nevada bkd corp. contractors
We start with a strong game plan; we know where everyone is, and what they’re doing, all the time. —Kenneth Escajeda, Founder & President
Nevada BKD’s SCE Project geting for construction projects each year, but we don’t know how much will go to outside firms,” Escajeda says. That’s part of the reason sales in 2009 slipped. Another is the economy itself. Although the company also works in the 600-volt markets, including commercial, light industrial, and residential wiring, “It’s tough to generate new sales when no one wants to build at a particular moment,” Escajeda says. “When funds are tight, they may pull back [on planned work].” However, even with sales down in 2009, he still sees a bright side. “We chose to stick with infrastructure projects,” he says. “There are still ups-and-downs, but not like in the commercial end. Those guys are getting pounded. I constantly have electricians calling me, looking for work.” Despite its small size, Nevada BKD doesn’t shy away from large or complicated jobs. Employees are thoroughly trained and evaluated, and pre-preparation is a highpriority item. “We start with a strong game plan; we know where everyone is, and what they’re doing, all the time,” Escajeda says. “We follow that plan every step of the way, and always emphasize safety. With these high-voltage installations, a bit of horseplay could lead to a tragedy.” Because it serves a niche market, the company doesn’t have an aggressive marketing plan. Instead, it pre-qualifies with local governments, and scours “green sheets” and other business publications for promising leads. And given
One of Nevada BKD’s standout projects is a new 66- to 12-kilovolt substation at SCE’s facility in Monolith, California, which replaced another that was going offline. For the $380,000 project, Nevada BKD installed, erected, or modified the following: • 66-kilovolt steel bus rack • 66-kilovolt IPS bus • New 66-kilovolt circuit breaker • Steel dead-end structures for two transformers • Two 66/12-kilovolt 14MVA transformers, including 66kilovolt disconnects and aerial bus spans • 12-position 12-kilovolt distribution rack • 12-kilovolt circuit breakers • Miscellaneous steel erection • 3.5-inch IPS, 1590 ACSR, 1272 SAC and rope-lay bus • All above-grade conduit, grounding, and field wiring for power, lighting, and controls • More than 100 multiconductor cable pulls and their field termination
the burgeoning interest in alternative sources of energy, it’s no surprise that Nevada BKD is gearing up to move in that direction also. “Right now, we’re attending relevant courses at local schools,” Escajeda says. “Eventually, we’ll go after that kind of business. There are plenty of big warehouses and similar buildings around here [that would be suitable for solar-panel installation].” abq
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Established 1946
• Commercial Risk Management Established 1946
• Employee Benefits • Personal Risk Management
One Resource ... Endless Solutions CA License No. 0E83670
Bill Davis P: 909.795.5090 F: 909.795.5280 P.O. Box 729 Calimesa, CA 92320 E: cdcorp@eee.org
Congratulations Southern Contracting Company
CA LIC. #242086 A HAZ C10
Bill Davis ph: 909.795.5090
Building outstanding relationships, fax: 909.795.5280 P.O. Box 729 one client at a time. Calimesa, CA 92320
email: cdcorp@eee.org
Proud to support our long-time client, Southern Contracting Company.
CA LIC. #242086 A HAZ C10 For more information about how California Bank & Trust can help you, contact: Larry O’Malley Senior Vice President (760) 471-3011 Member FDIC
www.calbanktrust.com
electrical contractors
Southern Contracting’s crew works on the Colorado River aqueduct switchyards and head gates rehabilitation project.
SOUTHERN CONTRACTING COMPANY Heavy-industrial electrical contractor emphasizes in-house assets for outside work by daniel casciato
at a glance
timothy r. mcbride has continued to build Southern Contracting Company upon the same core values of safety, quality, and leadership that the original founders—his father and his business partner, George Bryant— established in 1963.
location: san marcos, ca At a young age, McBride started in the trenches at his founded: father’s electrical-construction company. “I remember 1963 high-school summers hitting the trench before the sun employees: came up and coming out when the sun was down,” he says. 195 “Heck, who said construction guys were supposed to be tan? area of specialty: Today, I contribute that work ethic to my parents, Richard electrical conand Darlene McBride, as well as my high-school football struction; design coaches, Mike Dolan and Bill McAllister. These people built build; developer the foundation by which our company lives today.” services; utility McBride hasn’t strayed away from these founding princonstruction; emergency services ciples. The only major change to the company since its founding four decades ago was taking its business model sales growth from a micro-management company to a macro-managein past year: ment company. 28% employee growth “We have evolved into a company that competes on largerin past year: scale electrical projects eliminating a lot of competition,” 18%
McBride says, crediting the success to Southern Contracting’s banking (California Bank & Trust), bonding (Maloney & Associates/Travelers), and insurance companies (SullivanCurtisMonroe/Seabright & Travelers), all of which are “solid professionals and a great resource to our company.” As a union electrical-construction and general-engineering contractor, Southern Contracting is located in San Marcos, California. While most of its work is in the Southern California area, it also extends outside the state. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the company opened an office in downtown San Diego to cover military installations. With the growth of the company and the geographical area of work expanding, McBride says that it will be need to set up satellite offices in Northern California and the Central Valley of California. While its core business is in heavy-industrial electrification, Southern Contracting has also performed work for major utility companies, both in overhead- and underground-distribution and transmission systems, gas distribution, power plants, and, lately, renewable-energy projects, such as photovoltaics, biomass, hydro electric, and geothermal. Peaker plants are also becoming a mainstay for the company.
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electrical contractors southern contracting company
Our in-house resources make it easier for the owners to deal with one contractor rather than multiple subcontractors in the same trade. —Timothy R. McBride, President & CEO
Southern Contracting’s key to success has been building long-term relationships with its customers, and guaranteeing all of its work. McBride says that the company is licensed, bonded, and insured, and dependable for the highest-quality work. “Southern Contracting Company has always prided itself of being a one-stop shop,” he says. “Our in-house resources make it easier for the owners to deal with one contractor rather than multiple subcontractors in the same trade. On renewable-energy projects, we are offering design, build, and financing to owners and the best and shortest, most economical paybacks possible.” Two of the challenges that have McBride most concerned in the long run, however, are the economy and the generation-Y workforce. “In dealing with the economy, our company strategies must remain in place, and only detouring off of them when long, slow growth opportunities present themselves,” he says. “We have a motto here. Bid work for what you can build it for. Don’t let down times drive the The Olivenhain-Hodges ESP Pumped Storage Project’s pump house and inlet/outlet structure outcome of our business.” in Escondido, CA, a Southern Contracting project. As for the new generation of workers, McBride says that a message from sullivancurtismonroe insurance services, llc for business owners, the generation-Y workforce poses the greatest challenges as companies must find out “what SullivanCurtisMonroe Insurance Services, LLC is a privately held, full-service insurance agency makes these kids tick, work efficiently, and become a true offering commercial-property, casualty, employee-benefits, and personal-lines coverage. SCM asset to our corporations.” The company, in conjunction services a wide range of clients and has enjoyed a long-term relationship with Southern Conwith Electri International, has sought out some of the tracting Company. SCM has 200 employees, with offices in Irvine, Pasadena, and Corona, CA. strongest universities in the nation to find the answers to a message from california bank & trust this complicated but delicate issue. The relationship a company has with its banker is integral to its success. Southern Contracting At the end of the day, however, McBride says that the Company has enjoyed a prosperous relationship spanning over 20 years with Larry O’Malley success of Southern Contracting lies in its people. “As an of California Bank & Trust (CB&T).“Understanding our business, Larry directs us only to owner, you must surround yourself with most educated the products and services that will help us achieve our goals. As we have grown, so too has and talented people in the electrical industry, and you our relationship with Larry and CB&T,” says Tim McBride, owner and president of Southern know what? We’ve done it,” he says. abq Contracting Company.
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LIGHTFAIR International 2010
by Ruth E. Dรกvila
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Lighting trade show leaves white-hot impression across the industry
Nearly 20,000 professionals from every segment of the industry—architects, contractors, engineers, designers, specifiers, manufacturers—attend LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) each year.
L
as Vegas shines even brighter May 12–14 for the world’s largest architectural- and commerciallighting trade show and conference. Nearly 20,000 professionals from every segment of the industry— architects, contractors, engineers, designers, specifiers, manufacturers—attend LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) each year for an illuminating look at technical and design trends.
“We are open to the trade only, and the exhibitors we have on our trade-show floor are the best, the brightest, and the most well-known manufacturers in the US and internationally,” says Rochelle Burt, LFI’s managing director. In 2009, while much of the trade-show circuit flickered and dimmed, LFI held its most acclaimed show to date, drawing a record-breaking audience. “We’ve consistently increased our numbers on an annual basis due to the professionals who attend and the value they see in our trade show,” Burt says. “That’s based on our consistency to deliver an exceptional program.” Expectations for the 2010 show run high, as the Las Vegas Convention Center will house 475 of the most recognized manufacturers unveiling products in 1,600 booths. Prominent companies—including Contrast
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“The exhibitors we have on our trade-show floor are the best, the brightest, and the most well-known manufacturers in the US and internationally.” Rochelle Burt, Managing Director, LIGHTFAIR International
Lighting, Schréder Lighting, EnOcean, Tech Lighting, and DIAL GmbH, to name a few—have designed stateof-the-art displays for the event. Good news for green builders: This year, energy efficiency is the centerpiece of the trade show and conference. On the exhibit side, the Building Integration Pavilion makes its debut, featuring cutting-edge companies that champion integration. Attendees can preview—up close—some of the industry’s most inspiring sustainable projects. Three additional pavilions make for a comprehensive 21st edition of LFI, which launched in 1989. The Daylighting Pavilion showcases exhibitors that fuse natural light and artificial light to maximize economical benefits and eco-efficiency. The Design Pavilion leads the way with upscale and fashion-forward product. For international flair, the Global Light + Design Pavilion highlights light manufacturers from abroad. Rotating annually between New York City and Las Vegas, LFI boasts a long tradition of honoring creative leadership. The LFI Innovation Awards celebrates the latest designs and groundbreaking companies, setting the bar in lighting. “Our attendees are not just here to purchase an item,” Burt says. “It’s about product launches, new details of what our exhibitors are presenting, and futuristic products, as well as a look at where the industry is leading.” A learning experience
Beyond world-class exhibits, one of the primary attractions of LFI is its didactic component, which is open to students, as well. The LIGHTFAIR Daylighting Institute
The Rundown on LFI Why you should go: LFI is the world’s largest commercial and architectural lighting-technology trade show and conference. It is an essential show for the lighting industry where attendees have the opportunity to view new products and technologies, learn from any of the 68 educational courses offered, and network with other professionals. What you should prepare before leaving: Visit LFI’s Web site at www.lightfair.com, register for the conference courses of interest, and map out your plan to easily navigate the LFI trade-show floor. There are so many dynamic companies to see, it’s important to leverage your time and be sure to explore the entire floor, including the four innovative pavilions. What you should bring to the show: Come with the intent to connect to a world of possibilities, and bring plenty of business cards. Who you should send to represent your company at the show: The majority of companies attending elect to send representatives from various divisions within their organizations. Our statistics show principals, C-level executives, engineers, product-marketing specialists, and many other levels represented at LFI. What you will take away: A robust discovery of innovative lighting technology and solutions and an unparalleled wealth of information, inclusive of the trade-show-floor experience as well as the conference offerings.
department company
LIGHTFAIR Innovation Awards The LIGHTFAIR Innovation Awards are held annually during LFI to honor the industry’s newest product designs and to recognize the best and most innovative companies and products in the lighting industry in the previous 12 months. As an exciting preview to the most cutting-edge products in the industry, this entertaining awards presentation kicks off the trade show each year, then displaying winners in the Exhibit Hall. Eligibility: Current LFI exhibitors with innovative and forward-thinking products Awards: Design Excellence Award - Recognizing outstanding achievement in design and application Technical Innovation Award - Recognizing the best leap forward in lighting technology Judges’ Citation Award - Special recognition at judges’ discretion Most Innovative Product of the Year Award Highest award presented by the judges, recognizing the best, most innovative, new product How are winners selected? Each product is judged by an independent panel of renowned lighting professionals 2009 Winners: Design Excellence Award - kite by PEERLESS from Acuity Brands Lighting Technical Innovation Award - LUXEON Rebel ES from Philips Lumileds Lighting Company Technical Innovation Award - SST-90-W by Luminus Devices Judges’ Citation Award - LM-80-08 Approved Method for Measuring Lumen Maintenance of LED Light Sources from the Illuminating Engineering Society Most Innovative Product of the Year Award Calculite Solid-State Downlights by Lightolier/Philips
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“Our attendees are not just here to purchase an item. It’s about product launches, new details of what our exhibitors are presenting, and futuristic products, as well as a look at where the industry is leading.”Rochelle Burt, Managing Director, LIGHTFAIR International
and LIGHTFAIR Institute, which take place May 10–11, form a comprehensive educational program. To boot, LFI courses serve as continuing-education credits toward professional accreditations. “Professionals who come to LFI say this is the best trade show to capture and gather technical information,” Burt says. To make sure LFI is packed with information and opportunities for attendees to grow their knowledge, a cohort of experts come together to brainstorm, plan, and run LFI. Produced and managed by AMC, Inc., the largest global trade-show company—and co-owned by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)—LFI is considered the nation’s powerhouse for light sourcing and learning. “The IALD and the IES help us to take a look holistically at the show and what our ultimate goals and objectives are,” Burt says. Conference-advisory and exhibitoradvisory committees scan the market to produce quality in those arenas, “covering LFI from a best-practice viewpoint,” she adds. Producing informed decision-makers
One of the leading education providers on site at LFI is the US Department of Energy (DOE), offering up-todate, unbiased, vendor-neutral information. “Training sessions are focused on helping lighting professionals sift through the hype accompanying the large number
company department
of LEDs entering the market,” says James Brodrick, the DOE’s Solid-State Lighting (SSL) program manager. In Brodrick’s experience, the growing presence of lightemitting diodes (LEDs) can be confusing for builders, creating the need for impartial instruction. “Rampant interest in LED lighting and increased pressure to be ‘more green’ can lead buyers to leap into unproven, untested waters,” Brodrick says. By reviewing product test results from DOE’s CALiPER program, as well as winners of DOE design competitions, buyers can make informed decisions, Brodrick says. For LED lighting, he recommends referencing the Lighting Facts label for a quick summary of product data.
exhibitor booths. Osram Sylvania, for example, plans A LFI attendee observes the latest to unveil its latest in LED, fluorescent, high-intensity lighting product on the trade-show discharge (HID), halogen, and compact-fluorescentfloor. LFI 2010 will feature 1,600 lighting technologies. “We will only be promoting booths and 475 of the most recogenergy-efficient products and systems,” says Colleen Ap- nized manufacturers in the industry. plebaugh, public-relations and communications specialist for Osram Sylvania. Her company’s special promotions at LFI 2010 include smart-ballast technology, controls, recycling, and lighting choice by application demands. “Technology itself is the future of lighting, but it isn’t the solution for every application yet,” Applebaugh adds.
To ensure that technology and trends are matched to appropriate applications, she suggests that builders “Luminaire manufacturers who take the SSL Lighting stay informed on LED efficiency, power and controllaFacts pledge agree to use the label to disclose perforbility, cost factors, and heat-sinking solutions. LFI is mance results in five areas—lumens, efficacy, watts, cor- an ideal destination to learn about all these issues, related color temperature (CCT), and color rendering she says. index (CRI),” Brodrick says. “In my opinion,” Applebaugh says, “LFI is the industry premiere of the next best thing in lighting.” abq Cutting-edge technology introductions In addition to a wealth of information, LFI attendees For more information about LFI, visit www.lightfair.com. also get a first-hand look at the newest releases in the
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lightfair international
LFI’s Featured Pavilions The four pavilions at LFI spotlight nearly 50 key exhibiting companies
3 2 1
New
4
1. Building Integration Highlights: companies with enterprise-system technologies used to maximize and form energy-efficient buildings • General location: Near East Concourse (adjacent to Daylighting Pavilion) • Key exhibitors include: DIAL GmbH, US Department of Energy Net-Zero Commercial Building Initiative
2. Global Light + Design Highlights: the world’s finest and most unique decorative-lighting designs from globally recognized manufacturers headquartered outside the United States; newly expanded since its 2008 debut as a European-only pavilion • General location: Near Central Exhibit Hall Concourse (adjacent to Design Pavilion) • Key exhibitors include: Cantalupi USA, TMS Lighting, Patinas Lampa Kft., Contrast Lighting, Inc.
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3. Daylighting Highlights: products from world-renowned lighting manufacturers who have incorporated natural and artificial lighting into their designs, while improving overall efficiency and economic and environmental benefits; counterpart to Daylighting Institute • General location: Near East Concourse (adjacent to Building Integration Pavilion) • Key exhibitors include: Encelium Technologies, Enocean, Solatube, Mechoshade Systems, Inc.
4. Design Highlights: upscale decorative designs with a creative edge; wide range of lighting styles, innovation, and fashion-forward products • General location: Near Central Exhibit Hall Concourse (adjacent to Global Light + Design Pavilion) • Key exhibitors include: OCL, Jesco Lighting Group, MP Lighting, DMF Lighting
company department
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This Newport Beach, CA home sports Access Lighting’s Safari Italian Glass Pendant hung from an aircraft cable.
Access Lighting Family-run manufacturer utilizes LIGHTFAIR to enter the commercial industry and market its eco-friendly product designs by Karina Timmel a 20-year-old, family-owned and -operated lighting manufacturer, Access Lighting prides itself on offering exclusive yet affordable contemporary lighting along with excellent customer service and timely shipping. “These are our three core ingredients: cost of goods, high-quality customer service, and fast shipping,” says Janine Segal, vice president. “We realize that so many companies have similar things and products
that are wonderful, but we try to bring great-looking contemporary lighting that is really affordable, which differentiates us from the rest.” Based in Tustin, California, the company distributes its products through lighting stores, consumer showrooms, and online retailers. “Recently, we have moved a lot of product into the hotel industry, light commercial, and
Location: Tustin, CA • Area of Specialty: Contemporary and modern indoor and outdoor lighting • Employees: 50
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lightfair access lighting international
“Initially, we weren’t moving into the commercial and hospitality industry as much. LIGHTFAIR was one of the vehicles we used to move ourselves into another direction. It offers us incredible exposure to designers, architects, and sales reps in the commercial/hospitality industry.” Barry Kirstein, National Sales Manager
hospitality, including McDonald’s,” Segal says. The company’s most successful markets are those that embrace its more contemporary style—including Los Angeles, New York, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington, DC. A major component to Access Lighting’s marketing plan is its participation in the annual LIGHTFAIR International trade show. This will be the company’s seventh with a booth at the show. “We think it’s a fabulous show,” says Barry Kirstein, national sales manager. “Initially, we weren’t moving into the commercial and hospitality industry as much. LIGHTFAIR was one of the vehicles we used to move ourselves over into this next area. It offers us incredible exposure to designers, architects, and sales reps in the commercial/hospitality industry—these are the people attending LIGHTFAIR.” Access Lighting is developing a customizable track-lighting series that will launch this year, featuring hassle-free installation. “Usually, you would buy a piece of track, then heads, etc. On this series, the mounting mechanism is very simple, so it’s more about making design and product choices as opposed to putting the whole system together,” Kirstein explains. In addition, the company is looking at cold-cathode technology, which falls somewhere between a fluorescent and an LED fixture. A cold-cathode light is up to five times brighter than neon lighting, and, at about 50,000 hours, it has one of the longest lifespans of any lighting fixture. Unlike incandescent bulbs, the longevity of these lights is not shortened by the repeated action of turning it off and on, and unlike most LED fixtures, they can be dimmed and are flicker-free. For architectural and design purposes, cold-cathode lights are ideal—the tubes can be curved to follow any exterior or interior design. “Our goal is to have many fixtures that will incorporate this technology by spring,” Kirstein says. In the past, energy-efficient lighting products were stylistically limited, but Access Lighting is making
Access Lighting products to be featured at LIGHTFAIR 2010 This year, Access Lighting’s booth (476) at LIGHTFAIR will showcase its newest eco-conscious products, including: The Challenger Wall Fixture Series, model No. 20359. The company’s newest outdoor light fixture, this product features a unique energy-saving switch system. It combines both compact-fluorescent and LED lights and is supplied with a motion detector and a photocell to offer ambient light throughout the night, as well as a beacon of light when motion is detected. The Tungsten LED Series, model No. 70012LED. This LED pendant utilizes an efficient LED lamp and emulates the light of a 50-watt halogen fixture with 10 times the energy savings. It comes in brushed steel or bronze, with more than 20 different glass options from which to choose—including the Access Italian Glass collection and iridescent glass—and including 10 feet of coaxial cable.
it a priority to release a wide range of customizable green products with a clean, contemporary style. “The majority of energy-efficient products in the past have been ugly and weren’t anything to write home about,” Kirstein says. “Now, we are taking a lot of our cuttingedge fixtures that can accommodate a compact-fluorescent lamp and offering customers a custom product that has the wattage, voltage, etc. that they want.” Segal adds, “The industry trend right now is all about LEDs—from week to week, there is something new coming out. We believe in LEDs and that they are the future. This is a big focus for us.” abq
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LuxSpot Installation at Burberry, Brit and London retail space in New York, NY featuring LedEngin, Inc’s Amerlux two- and three-light combo units. Lighting Designer: Lighting Management, Inc.
LedEngin, Inc. LED-lighting innovator presents high-efficiency solutions with lux-on-target approach by Julie Edwards as a solid-state lighting company specializing in ultra-bright, ultra-compact LEDs, LedEngin, Inc. brings a new focus to energy-efficient lighting solutions and is quickly becoming an industry leader in the LED field. LedEngin started in 2004 when its founder, Dr. Xiantao Yan, saw a gap in the LED-lighting market. “We started LedEngin to create the most efficient, high-power-density LED light sources with the best thermal designs,” says
Dr. Yan, CTO and founder of the Santa Clara, California-based company. “Our company mission is to create LED products that deliver quality, reliability, superior flux density, and heat-management innovations.” In less than five years, LedEngin has achieved its goal, and is recognized by vendors, suppliers, and distributors as an LED-lighting expert. The company’s products include its own independently developed ultra-bright, ultra-compact LED emitters and solid-state light-source
Location: Santa Clara, CA • Founded: 2004 Area of Specialty: The design and manufacture of advanced LED lighting
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ledengin, inc.
LedEngin’s LIGHTFAIR 2010 Booth Highlights At LIGHTFAIR 2010, LedEngin (Booth #2855) will present its full range of LED-lighting products for general-lighting, retail, hospitality, museum, and custom-lighting applications. “Visitors to our booth will be able to talk to LED-lighting experts about their lighting project or application, and we will advise them on which LedEngin products will provide the best lighting, while realizing the energy and cost savings of a high-quality LED-lighting solution,” Livschitz says.
modules based on the company’s patented, state-of-theart, LED-packaging technology. The company also offers LED-replacement lamps that provide superior-quality directional light, equivalent to 35- to 90-watt halogen lamps. It also develops LED custom solutions and provides expert application support on optical, electrical and thermal management. “What sets us apart is our extensive technical expertise in thermal management, stress management, optical design, materials compatibility, and automated manufacturing processes,” says Leonard Livschitz, vice president of marketing and business development. “This expertise means our emitters have achieved industry-leading lumens per area, with up to 10 times the advantage over competing solutions. As a result, LedEngin emitters are bright, compact, thermally efficient, and especially suited for applications requiring maximum light output in limited space.” In the LED-lighting world, most manufacturers make claims about directional-lighting strength based only on the lumens per watt. Dr. Yan and LedEngin believe that this is misleading. “Lux on target—the quality and amount of light reaching the targeted area—is the most important factor in assessing the effectiveness of directional-lighting applications, rather than simple lumens per watt,” Livschitz says. “Lighting experts know this, and this is why products with high lux on target are our focus and key differentiator.” In addition to the company’s LED emitters, its products include LuxSpot lighting modules, a LuxDot MR16 product line, and the newly introduced LuxPAR family of PAR lamps, including the line’s first products,
LuxDot LED MR16
LuxPAR PAR38 and PAR20. Livschitz notes that the company’s PAR38 lamp represents the industry’s first truly dimmable LED lamp with “smooth dimming to one percent light levels.” “Our mission has always been delivering directional-lighting solutions with high efficiency, high brightness, and high reliability for general lighting, retail, hospitality, museum, and custom lighting applications,” Livschitz says. Quata Ocano, LedEngin’s senior product-marketing manager, helps customers select the right emitters, lamps, and lighting solutions to deliver optimal performance for their specific application, whether it is for retail, hospitality, general commercial illumination, or for architectural needs. “We offer the widest range of color temperatures and beam distributions of any LED-lighting manufacturer, allowing our customers to provide the best lighting experience for their end users,” Ocano notes. In the architectural segment, LedEngin offers superior color mixing with its 10- and 40-watt RGB, RGBA, and RGBW LEDs, creating the most brilliant, uniform, colored light in the shortest distance. The company also features highly specialized product lines for the medical, dental, curing, and horticulture industries. Throughout its short history, the main challenge LedEngin has faced has been how to position the company and create its own space in the industry. “We’re a start-up technology innovator, and in the crowded LED-lighting space, our challenge is to demonstrate our quality and reliability—and the credibility of our performance standards—so customers can readily recognize and differentiate our value and products from other LED-lighting providers,” Livschitz says.
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lightfair international
“Lux on target—the quality and amount of light reaching the targeted area—is the most important factor in assessing the effectiveness of directional-lighting applications, rather than simple lumens per watt.“ Leonard Livschitz, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development LedEngin differentiates itself by educating customers as they consider the myriad of LED-lighting options on the market and by providing consistent support. “In today’s green-tech market, we’re seeing a proliferation of claims for high-efficiency lighting that do not meet the Department of Energy or ENERGY STAR standards,” Livschitz notes. “We use third-party verification so customers can be confident of the product performance when they purchase LedEngin lamps and modules.” For 2010 and beyond, LedEngin plans continued expansion of its availability (products are currently available in the United States, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea) and product portfolio with a goal of providing a complete
range of LED solutions with superior lux on target, from modules to lamps. Since its debut at LIGHTFAIR International in 2007, LedEngin has gained worldwide recognition as an LED-lighting innovator among vendors, suppliers, and distributors for its lux-on-target approach. “We knew our debut at LIGHTFAIR was crucial to immediately raise our profile among key lighting decision makers around the world,” Livschitz says. “We are here again this year in Booth #2855 because LIGHTFAIR is a solid venue to establish and expand relationships with other trusted experts and reputable innovators in lighting.” abq
Industrial Lighting Products, Inc. Developing cutting-edge, energy-efficient products for the industrial-lighting industry by Laura Judy when jason hendren founded his company, Industrial Lighting Products, Inc. (ILP), more than seven years ago, he wasn’t sure how quickly the company would grow. “When I started, it was just me in a warehouse by myself, with three or four products to sell,” Hendren says. Since then, the company has expanded significantly, and now has approximately 50 employees. As it has grown, the company has changed locations nearly every two years, and is now in a 15,000-squarefoot manufacturing plant in Sanford, Florida. “We plan to move again in the next year or so,” Hendren says.
ILP designs and manufactures high-efficiency industrial lighting, such as high-quality fluorescent T5HO and T8 high bays. “We want to replace old fixtures, saving people money,” Hendren says. “Starting seven years ago, we were pretty far ahead of the curve on this. We were green before it was fashionable.” Most of the lighting that ILP designs is for warehouses, factories, parking garages, gymnasiums, and schools. While approximately 95 percent of the company’s sales and distribution is in the United States, it has also shipped to Indonesia, American Samoa, Central and South America, and Canada.
Location: Sanford, FL • Founded: 2002 • Employees: 50 • Area of Specialty: Designing and manufacturing energy-efficient industrial-lighting products
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“We want to replace old fixtures, saving people money. Starting seven years ago, we were pretty far ahead of the curve on this. We were green before it was fashionable.” Jason Hendren, President
ILP is based just outside of Orlando, Florida, and all of the company’s products are produced at the manufacturing facility where the company headquarters its business. “We have absolutely no desire to outsource, even though we’ve been approached with opportunities.” Hendren says. “Our core values are to be energy efficient and to always be manufactured and made in America.” Also, as a graduate of the University of Central Florida, Hendren loves the area and tries to hire locally. “It makes people feel good about what we do when we stay close to home,” he says. Because it has produced high-efficiency products exclusively, ILP is known as a leader in the market. “We pride ourselves on having specific expertise in the market we work in,” Hendren says. “We often start with just a sketch, and design the whole project from there. And as the market has expanded, we can do a lot more than we did five years ago.” The company’s expertise and innovation are what has kept its numbers rising. “We started at around $500,000 in sales our first year, and now we’re up to about $10 million in revenue,” Hendren says. Even in the current economy, the company has experienced 15-percent growth in the past year. “We are trying to keep things reasonable,” Hendren says. “We want to grow as fast as we can, but we still want to make sure our customers are getting their projects completed on time.”
This May, ILP will have a booth at LIGHTFAIR International, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial-lighting trade show and conference. As an exhibitor, the firm plans to debut at least two brandnew products.
This focus on timeliness is one of the reasons that ILP has earned the trust of many high-profile customers over the years. “We do thousands of projects per year, and receive at least 20 new requests and opportunities each day,” says Dave Weinberg, national sales manager. “Recently we’ve done some big projects with Arm & Hammer and Chrysler, and we also have many smaller clients that we work with every day.” Just a few of the other companies
ILP does not rely on advertising, but instead has agents all over the country helping the firm break into new markets. As it continues to grow, ILP is always looking at new technologies—most recently, it has starting working with induction-fluorescent technology. “Over time, sales have expanded, and I’m now more focused on developing the next generation of products in order to stay ahead,” Hendren says. abq
ILP has worked with include Mack Truck, WilliamsSonoma, 3M, and Black & Decker. “We really work hard to help give clients whatever they want, even if we have to design something brand new,” Hendren says.
ILP Products Debuting at LIGHTFAIR Wet Location Fixture Suitable for mounting on a parking-lot pole or on an exterior wall, this new ILP product will use standard fluorescent lamps. Architecturally Distinct Housing Designed for retail applications, this new 2’ x 2’ housing product by ILP offers an aesthetically pleasing way to incorporate fluorescent technology into a space’s lighting design.
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Arcalux Corp. Lighting manufacturer develops energy-saving product and offers first 10-year fixture warranty in industry by Sandra Guy
Arcalux’s SmartFixture is an energy-efficient lighting system that reduces labor and electricity costs, and comes with a 10-year warranty.
six years ago, houston, texas native mark Welker noticed a business niche just waiting to be filled: innovative designs for light-fixture housing. Soon after, he founded Arcalux Corp. with the purpose of bringing energy efficiency, labor savings, and technological advancement to lighting systems. The result of Welker’s brainstorm, Arcalux’s SmartFixture product, offers an energy-efficient lighting system that provides dramatic cost savings in labor and electricity expenses. “The SmartFixture is the first and only [fixture] on the market that enables people in the field—without the use of tools—to reconfigure a [lighting] fixture from one lamp up to four lamps, from T8 to T5 to LED, direct or indirect—all in a matter of minutes,” says Tim Smith, vice president of sales. “The SmartFixture also comes with a 10-year warranty that includes 10-year coverage on the ballast, another industry first.”
The system’s revolutionary plug-and-play technology and modular design allow the SmartFixture to be field-converted without the need for tools, allowing it to replace today’s 2’ x 4’ fluorescent-light fixtures, which have remained largely unchanged since the 1930s. This flexibility enables more than 3,000 different configurations. Arcalux’s ATA Installer offers direct access to a lamp, lamp holder, and ballast by rotating the lens frame and housing from the ceiling. Because the SmartFixture has snap-in, snap-out access, a lamp can be replaced in 25percent- less time. Since the SmartFixture’s ballast is mounted outside of the lamp area, it can operate at lower temperatures, enabling better light output over a longer period of time when compared to conventional lighting systems. These
Location: Houston, TX • Founded: 2003 • Employees: 37 Area of Specialty: Sales and design of energy-efficient fluorescent-lighting systems
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The SmartFixture is the first and only [fixture] on the market that enables people in the field—without the use of tools— to reconfigure a [lighting] fixture from one lamp to up to four lamps, from T8 to T5 to LED, direct or indirect—all in a matter of minutes.” Tim Smith, Vice President of Sales
efficiencies put the SmartFixture at the head of the class in terms of sustainability—a top priority among companies aiming to demonstrate their building’s environmental friendliness. Indeed, due to its portability and reusability, the SmartFixture is the only luminaire in its class to qualify for accelerated depreciation under an IRS tax code. Because of its plug-and-play technology, the ballast-replacement procedure is also efficient, saving 75 percent of the usual time and allowing maintenance workers— rather than highly paid electricians or technicians—to quickly change ballasts when needed.
SmartFixture by Arcalux Corporation SmartFixture by Arcalux Corporation is a paradigm in how fluorescent lighting is controlled, illuminated, maintained, and operated. With revolutionary “plug-n-play” technology and innovative modular design, the environmentally friendly SmartFixture can be field converted without tools for lens or louver. The SmartFixture energy-efficient light fixture will also provide the lowest life-cycle cost in its class through energy savings and lower operational costs.
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The Arcalux Web site, www.arcalux.com, provides an example of the system’s cost savings, as well. For instance, a $150,000 investment in a conventional lighting system, depreciated over 39 years, results in a 17.92-percent ROI. With SmartFixture, the investment would represent a 95-percent savings (net of salvage value), depreciated over seven years, taking into account the accelerated depreciation. Arcalux already is racking up success stories, such as the government facilities in Howard County, Maryland. The circuit courthouse—the oldest courthouse in Maryland—showed energy savings of 50 percent after being retrofitted with the SmartFixture. The county intends to retrofit more buildings with a two-lamp, T5, direct SmartFixture, with projected energy savings of at least 50 percent over the previous system. Arcalux began shipping the fixtures to Howard County flast year in what will be an ongoing project. The company is also shipping fixtures to Biloxi, Mississipppi for the rebuilding of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Located approximately 1,000 feet from the coast shoreline, the Coliseum sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is funding more than $2.4 million in repairs there, including interior walls, ceilings, floors, electrical, heating and air-conditioning systems, and fencing and lighting repairs, specifically a combination of two- and three-lamp T8 SmartFixture systems. “The goal is to maximize energy savings and reduce ongoing maintenance costs,” Smith says. abq
building in minnesota
REGIONAL FOCUS: Building in Minnesota For Bergerson-Caswell, Inc., innovation and business as the nation’s economy begins to rebound, opportunities that lie in the company’s founding princonstruction companies in Minnesota remain hopeful cipals have helped it survive the economic downturn. that their industry will experience a similar recovery. Although Minnesota is one of the communities hardest-hit “We’re one of the most experienced geothermal contractors in the country,” says Jack Henrich, president. by the recession, top companies have persevered and developed intuitive ways to survive the depression-like waves Opportunities to expand into greener construction rippling through their region’s construction industry. projects abound for many of Minnesota’s established contractors. In addition, federal credits and funding Minnesota contractors have developed realistic ways to for energy-efficient windows and building materials are keep themselves afloat in both the residential and commercial sectors. As such, companies are relying more and creating favorable circumstances not only for company expansion, but also for stability and improvement. more on self-insurance groups (SIGs) for their workers’ compensation plans. The Builders and Contractors WorkAs the contractors in this section demonstrate, it is er’s Compensation Fund of Meadowbrook, in particular, capitalizes upon this need. President Jeff Bressler affirms, the ability to gauge the trends of a recovering industry, “SIGs have become a real force in the construction industry. a strong dedication to their clients, and an inherent flexibility that ensures their success during challenging Banding together with other companies like your own economic times. who share a common interest is a powerful idea.”
68 Self-Insured Worker’s Compensation Funds 72 Jaeger Construction LLC 75 Bergerson-Caswell, Inc. 77 First Street Construction
79 81 83 86 88
Builders & Remodelers, Inc. Great Lakes Stone Supply, Inc. Heartwood Construction Orfield Design and Construction JE Dunn Construction
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SELF-INSURED WORKER’SCOMPENSATION FUNDS HOW SMALL AND MID-SIZED BUILDERS ARE CAPITALIZING ON SELF-INSURANCE GROUPS BY DAVID HUDNALL
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o
o insurance companies, providing worker’s-compensation insurance to the construction industry presents a financial dilemma. It’s a classic high-risk/highreward scenario: there’s much money to be made, but after taking a few too many consecutive hits, many insurers will decide they don’t like the added risks after all, and they either hike up their premiums or move on to a different, safer species of customer. As a result, construction companies often find themselves in the position of having to find a new provider every few years. Besides being a hassle, it’s an impediment to making long-term strategies for the business.
a senior vice president at the Bloomington, Minnesota-based Meadowbrook Insurance Group and a committee member for the Self Insurance Institute of America, the lobbying arm of the industry. “Before the creation of these groups, it was only very large companies that pursued self-insurance; SIGs give smaller entities the benefits by pooling together. And on top of that, there’s the opportunity for dividends.”
Ken Bressler, president of Builders and Remodelers, a Minneapolis-based specialty contractor, has been the chair of a Minnesota-based SIG called the Builders and Contractors Worker’s Compensation Fund for the past six years. The concept of a SIG was first brought to his attention back in It is because of this that an increasing numthe mid-nineties by his insurance brober of small- and mid-sized construction ker. Bressler expressed interest, the broker outfits are turning to self-insurance groups brought in a SIG rep, and Bressler was soon (SIGs). Though not a new development (the on board. “SIGs have become a real force first such groups were authorized in 1982, in the construction industry,” Bressler says. but they have been more widely utilized in “Banding together with other companies like the past 10 years), SIGs are still somewhat your own who share a common interest is a unknown in certain regions of the US—and powerful idea.” are legal in only 33 states. But for the right company, belonging to a SIG can solve a When a SIG forms, it selects a board of great deal of business woes—financial and directors that then chooses an insuranceadministrative. specialty company to provide the administrative services that would traditionally “In standard markets, being a part of a selfcome from an insurance provider. “In our insurance group costs about 10 percent less fund, for example, we pay Meadowbrook than traditional insurance,” says Jim Leroy, a percentage of our premiums,” Bressler
“rather than the kind of adversarial relationship you’d have with a private carrier, [a sig] is more cooperative, because we’re all working together to try and control losses and keep premiums down.” joel nystrom, president
&
owner of pinnacle roofing systems
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“in standard markets, being a part of a self-insurance group costs about
10 percent less than
traditional insurance. before the creation of
these groups, it was only very large companies that pursued self-insurance;
sigs give smaller entities the benefits by pooling
together. and on top of that, there’s the oppor-
tunity for dividends.” jim leroy, senior vice president at meadowbrook insurance group
& committee member
for the self insurance institute of america
he has received an education on the differsays. “They are not operating under a risk/ ences between the ways traditional insurance reward situation, and have no stake in our companies and SIGs approach their business. claims—they’re wholly fee based.” The “Most insurance is written at little to no profit, fund holds quarterly meetings where each and the insurance companies make their of Meadowbrook’s department heads give money by taking the premiums and investing reports. This includes marketing reports them,” he says. “So it’s top-line driven. But (new or exiting members, businesses in in a soft market like we have right now, when consideration), financial reports (property the investment money isn’t there, they have and law), claims reports (all new claims to raise their rates. In our fund, we run it like that have taken place), and loss-control reports (identifying and evaluating companies businesspeople. We only allow the strongest of members, and we set the premium to be experiencing high losses). profitable on the bottom line.” “It’s our job to question everyone at MeadBy being industry-specific and localowbrook and make sure they’re on top of ized, SIGs can streamline; when a group things,” Bressler says. (Leroy also notes that is comprised exclusively of contractors, it some SIGs will eliminate the third-party fosters quicker and more-efficient hanadministrator and hire their own claims dling of claims and loss control. “You get people and underwriters, which is also somebody working for you who understands legal.) Premiums are based on payroll; in Bressler’s fund, which includes 85 members, the complexities of what you do,” Leroy the average company pays $70,000 a year— says. Also, the expense structure is lower than with traditional insurance companies: but some pay as much as $200,000, and some as little as $15,000. Vital to successful you’re only paying the company for what you need, not for the things a national insurance worker’s-compensation plans, SIGs have a company needs for its other customers in strict return-to-work program. “We don’t other industries. let our guys sit around watching Oprah all day,” Bressler says. “We bring them in and have them take care of administrative tasks, Joel Nystrom, a member of the Builders and Contractors group, is president and or any kind of light work we need done that owner of a 15-employee roofing company they’re still capable of doing.” called Pinnacle Roofing Systems in Rockford, Minnesota. “Rather than the kind of Bressler knew little about the insurance adversarial relationship you’d have with a market before joining his fund’s board and eventually becoming chair, but in recent years private carrier, [a SIG] is more of a coop-
STATES THAT ALLOW SELF-INSURANCE GROUPS Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Illinois Kansas Kentucky
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Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico
New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington
building in minnesota
member companies contribute to a fund.
how self-insurance groups work the surplus and investment income is returned to the members who participated that year.
the fund is conservatively invested and tracked each policy year.
the group pays expenses (administrative, loss prevention, claims, reinsurance, etc.) from the contributed funds.
erative attitude between the fund and us, because we’re working together to try and control losses and keep premiums down,” he says. And because the possibility exists for return-on-premium dividends, participating members actually have a financial incentive to institute better safety practices and procedures. The Builders and Contractors group, for instance, has returned 18-percent dividends the past five years. “Instead of those benefits heading out of state, they come right back to the contractors,” Leroy says. “The excess belongs to the group.” Still, SIGs are not for everyone. A company inclined to shop its insurance every year pursuing the lowest possible rates makes a bad candidate for a SIG, because groups want long-term participation. Also, in certain situations, risk exposures might not be similar enough to be worth it: a contractor with an extreme specialty (tunneling, say) might not be a good fit for a group made
up of residential home builders. And some executives and businesses simply feel more comfortable paying a fixed premium and being done with it, and not subject to the irregularities—beneficial or detrimental—of other businesses in a group. “You’re subject to the risks as well as the rewards,” Bressler says. “In a bad year, with too many claims, each member of the fund is responsible for making up that extra money.” But for an increasing number of construction outfits, the decision is easy. “Would you rather get worker’s-compensation insurance by paying a fixed price with a carrier, who is responsible for other risks unrelated to your business and who provides you with generic service,” Leroy says, “or would you rather handle it with people who you know, who understand your business, and who share the common purpose—bolstered by financial incentives—of keeping claims and losses down? ” abq
JOINING A SIG Self-insurance groups are promoted and marketed in a variety of ways. Many groups have their own web sites and marketing arms, and generally, each SIG will have a marketing plan aimed at the industry it serves. In terms of recruiting new members, Bressler cites the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with insurance brokers as a high priority, because of their access to new clients. “We set certain criteria for what we’re looking for in new members, and when we come across a company we think might be a good fit, we’ll gauge their interest and then send someone from Meadowbrook over there to explain it to them.” The Builders and Contractors fund requires a review of financials for new members, which can cost around $4,000 a year - and thus excludes certain smaller companies. But The Builders Group, another Minnesota SIG (www.tbgmn.com) doesn’t require such a review.
SIGs BY THE NUMBERS For Self-Insurance Groups, the combination of at-risk member capital, as well as joint and several liability, is a strong incentive to control losses, minimize expenses, and detect and control fraud. To this note, Self-Insurance Groups have monetarily outperformed both Commercial and Captive Insurers. Sixteen SIG entities analyzed by A.M. Best wrote $686 million in premiums in 2003, whereas other insurance groups wrote $630 million in premiums. In addition, the 16 SIGs had $1.8 billion in admitted assets and membership ranged from 20–7,700 members. Also, aggregated net written premiums grew almost 95 percent from 1999–2003, and SIG surplus funds grew over 70 percent for the same period.
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The Carleton Lofts, a 171-unit apartment complex in a historic district of St. Paul, MN, was designed to the historic requirements of the area, which significantly influenced the design. Jaeger is slated to complete construction in June.
department company
Jaeger Construction LLC General contractor maintains small size for a stronger personal touch on its multisector projects by karen gentry
at a glance location: mendota heights, mn area of specialty: general contracting year incorporated: 2005
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“Relationships are everything for us,” Barry adds. “That’s with family roots in the construction industry dating back more than 50 years, Jaeger Construction why we’re really busy—we have strong connections with a lot of great clients.” It’s these strong bonds with clients, LLC offers the experience of a larger firm, with the persubcontractors, and employees, and the exceptional ofsonalized customer service of a smaller firm. Barry Jaeger, fice and field-construction personnel, that are key to the president of Jaeger Construction, and Barb Jaeger, vice company’s success. president, honed their skills while working for their father, Bill Jaeger, who at the time was president of a major general contractor in the Twin Cities area. “He taught us everything As a general contractor, the company has completed we know about construction—that it’s the relationships that many types of projects, including office, retail, education, worship facilities, entertainment centers, multimatter most,” Barb says. Barry adds that they’ve tried to unit housing, warehouses, and storage facilities. Howtake that philosophy to heart. ever, even with such a large scope, Jaeger Construction maintains a personal feel. “We have a lot of experience, Since it was incorporated in 2005, Jaeger Construction has doubled its sales every year. Despite challenging eco- but the size of our company is relatively small compared to our competitors,” Barb says. “We have the knowledge nomic times, 2009 was its best year since the company’s and capability to do virtually any size project.” Projects founding. “Our goal is not to be the largest contractor,” range in size from $30 million developments to hanging Barb says. “We’re much more focused on quality and clia door. ent relationships.”
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building in jaeger construction llc minnesota
Our goal is not to be the largest contractor. We’re much more focused on quality and client relationships. —Barb Jaeger, Vice President
Jaeger Construction’s inaugural project was an eightscreen movie theater for Mann Theatres located 200 miles north of the Twin Cities in Hibbing, Minnesota. The project broke ground in late November of 2005, and, despite the challenges of winter construction, it was completed two weeks early and under budget in the summer of 2006. Another project the Jaegers are proud of is Seventh Street Storage, a 125,000-square-foot three-story storage facility—one of the largest in the United States. The storagefacility site is on a piece of property not conducive to many building types, as the elevation drops off more than 20 feet from front to back. Jaeger Construction came up with the self-storage idea that allows for an entrance to the building on grade from two levels. “We helped our client develop the project all the way from pro forma to design through final construction,” Barry says. The company also recently completed a variety of retail centers, at times under severe time constraints. Victory Village, located in Blaine, Minnesota, was built from footings to completion in less than three months. To handle construction in the coldest of early winters, Jaeger Construction completely enclosed the building with scaffolds and completed the work under an improvised tent. “We ended up cutting six to eight weeks off the schedule,” Barry says.
Barry Jaeger, president of Jaeger Construction and a registered industrial engineer, grew up in the construction industry. He worked for a major Twin Cities contractor for 24 years before starting his own company in 2005 with his sister, Barb Jaeger. Barb holds a doctorate in structural engineering from Cornell University, has previous engineering-design and project-management experience, and now serves as vice president of Jaeger Construction.
Currently, its largest project under construction is Carleton Lofts, a six-story 171-unit apartment complex with underground parking. The project is located in a historic district in St. Paul. The historic requirements significantly influenced the final design to ensure this new building blends in with the character of the surrounding structures. The underground parking and first floor are precast concrete with five stories of wood framing above. Phase I of the project was scheduled to open in March, with final completion slated for June. Barry commends the work ethic and productivity of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, saying that the Twin Cities are fortunate to have many good construction companies— one being Jaeger Construction, which hopes to continue building its own reputation on the principles of integrity, quality, and personal attention. abq
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Contractors & Construction Managers
“Building Relationships for Success”
2317 Waters Drive, Mendota Heights MN 55120 651-389-3377
WELDING SUPPLIES GASES AND EQUIPMENT
Phone: 804-644-4521 Fax: 804-788-8904 www.arcet.com
building in minnesota
Bergerson-Caswell, Inc. Full-service water-well contractor thrives with its experience in geothermal services by karen gentry
“Our last expansion was into closed loop, geothermal drilling,” Henrich says. Bergerson-Caswell drills the loop fields that are hooked up to heat pumps—which are 300–500 percent more efficient than standard HVAC systems— inside the building. Bergerson-Caswell’s geothermal-loop fields are constructed of high-density polyethylene piping that includes a 25-year warranty and is expected to last 50 years. As more attention is placed on the energy costs and efficiencies of geothermal systems, that portion of BergersonCaswell’s business is booming with projects far and wide, from Pennsylvania to Colorado. “We see geothermal as just skyrocketing right now,” Henrich says. “Five years ago, it was about 20 percent of our business, and now it’s over 50 percent of our operation.” He says that Bergerson-Caswell will continue to expand in geothermal by adding new drill rigs and implementing employee-training programs.
Workers drill a well for a geothermal heat pump.
at a glance location: maple plain, mn founded: 1948 area of specialty: water-well contracting, municipal- and residential-well drilling, and pump repair average annual sales: $8 million
with the downturn in the economy coupled with the advent of the green movement, many contractors in the drilling and HVAC industries are now seeing business opportunities and bidding on work in geothermal heat pumps. But for Minnesota-based Bergerson-Caswell, Inc., geothermal projects have been part of the firm’s repertoire for the past 20 years.
Henrich works alongside his wife, Roberta, who owns UMR Geothermal, an HVAC company that completes interior work for residential and small commercial projects. Bergerson-Caswell has three additional sister companies: Thermal Dynamics (run by Henrich’s son, David), which sells and supports geothermal-design software to assist in properly designing loopfields for commercial and residential projects; Precision Geothermal, which builds and sells thermal-conductivity units, which are used to perform in-situ testing of the earth’s ability to store and supply heat to the ground loop; and Geothermal Training Institute, which trains individuals in the proper installation of geothermal systems.
The company’s geothermal projects vary in size, from a small two-ton system up to a 950-ton system. One recent large Bergerson-Caswell project was for a school system in Lincoln, Nebraska, where more than 600 loops were installed 300 feet into the ground. The project began two years ago, during one of Nebraska’s wettest winters. “We Bergerson-Caswell, a full-service water-well contrachad anticipated that drilling in Nebraska in the winter tor, has offered well and pump repair for municipal and would be easier than drilling in Minnesota, but we were residential customers since it was founded in 1948 by wrong,” Henrich says. The drill rigs weigh just under Ray Bergerson and Tom Caswell. In 1950, Henrich’s fa55,000 pounds, so driving through saturated ground tendther, Ed, joined the company, and the business has since ed to rip up the soil and make it almost impossible to move expanded into environmental drilling, water conditioning, around in the muck and mire. Despite these conditions, and lawn irrigation. Bergerson-Caswell completed the project successfully.
“We’re one of the most experienced geothermal contractors in the country,” says Jack Henrich, president. “We’ve always provided top-notch customer service and strive for 100-percent customer satisfaction.”
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bergerson-caswell, inc.
We see geothermal as just skyrocketing right now. Five years ago it was about 20 percent of our business, and now it’s over 50 percent of our operation. —Jack Henrich, President
The company is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota, a western suburb of the Twin Cities, with a geographic reach centered around Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana, Illinois, and Nebraska. The company has six rigs dedicated to geothermal projects, and employees can juggle approximately 10 other projects in the areas of conventional-water-well drilling and pump repair at any given time. GEOTHERMAL CLOSED- LOOP SYSTEMS Bergerson-Caswell began installing vertical geothermal systems in 1987. Since then, the company has diversified its operation to include horizontal and lake systems, as well.
The company’s building, which was erected in 1976, was retrofitted with a geothermal system eight years ago. “So when a customer comes in, they get a firsthand view of what the geothermal system does,” Henrich says. The vast majority of Bergerson-Caswell’s employees receive on-the-job training. Employees must have a Class A commercial driver’s license and be able to work outside, even in frigid conditions. Although there are drilling schools in the United States and Canada, Henrich says that it is hard to train drillers for conditions throughout the country, as most of the geothermal sites are about the size of a football field with varying geologic conditions. abq
Licensed & Bonded Since 1948
Specialties: • Geothermal Systems • Well Installation/Sealing • Pumps & Repair • Water Conditioning • Lawn Irrigation Systems
“Equal Opportunity Employer/Contractor” 5115 Industrial Street Maple Plain, MN 55359
Ph: 763.479.3121 www.bergersoncaswell.com
building in minnesota
The Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home in Chaska, MN, a First Street Construction project.
First Street Construction Small-town family-owned builder and remodeler undertakes projects of all sizes by james askew
for nearly 40 years, jerry weiland has been building homes in Waconia, Minnesota. His wife, who runs the business side of First Street Construction, was born and raised in town, as were the couple’s children. And despite all the hubbub often extolled about the importance of business efficiencies, bottom lines, and competitive-bidding practices, for some construction companies, the true secret of success still depends on good, old-fashioned, small-town values. “Courtesy and customer service,” Weiland says, are the secrets to his company’s success. at a glance location: waconia, mn founded: 1990 employees: 7 area of specialty: residential remodels; new-home construction; commercial construction
Founded in 1990, First Street Construction is a familyowned and -operated construction company that specializes in high-end residential remodels and new construction. Over its nearly 20 years in business, the company’s projects have ranged from $20,000 kitchen remodels to $1 million new homes to commercial projects, including banks, a library, a medical clinic, and, most recently, The Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home for Waconia’s Ridgeview Medical Center. When it comes down to it, First Street Construction does what its customers need to have done. Weiland is so committed to customer service that, now at 60, he still fields all the company’s customer-service calls, occasionally going out in the middle of the night to handle a problem. “I like working with the customers,” Weiland
says. “You become friends with the customers. They call me up and ask me if I can be out there. I have their keys and their security numbers…and that’s what they like.” And with a population of just more than 10,000—hemmed in to the north by Waconia Lake and to the south by Minnesotan farm fields—Waconia, Weiland says, is no place to neglect your reputation. “Eighty percent of our customers are either repeat customers or [referrals],” he says. “Everybody knows us by name, and we keep a good reputation.” In fact, some of its customers have been working with Weiland since before he started the business. One client, an elderly couple, has been working with him since he was doing side jobs while working for another contractor. When Weiland then started First Street Construction in 1990, that same couple hired him to build an 11,000-square-foot addition and indoor swimming pool for their home. Now, nearly 25 years later, they are in their mid-80s, and still call on him to help with everything from updating their heating system to trimming doors that have begun to stick. “They won’t let anyone else there unless I am there,” Weiland says. Along with Weiland’s wife, Chris, running the finances, his son, Adam, heads the remodeling side of the business, while his son-in-law, Jeff Grengs, manages the company’s
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building in minnesota first street construction
One of my subcontractors is an older gentlemen and he always told me to never turn anything down, because someday you are going to need those little jobs, and he was exactly right.” —Jerry Weiland, Founder & President
custom cabinet shop. “Everything we do is custom built,” Weiland says, “so when you are doing custom, they want custom everything.”
4,000-square-feet, the second at around 11,000-square-feet, and the last, just two years ago, at around 5,800 square feet, with a cost close to $800,000—for the same customer.
In late 2009, First Street Construction had just completed a 10-month project, building the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice home. The project, which cost roughly $3 million, included a commercial-sized kitchen, dining rooms, and a laundry, as well as a geothermal heating and cooling system. Weiland describes the finished structure as a beautiful place that the staff enjoys.
Typically, Weiland says, the company does approximately 50-percent remodels and 50-percent new-home construction, with one good-sized commercial project a year. In 2009, however, remodels played a far more significant role. But, in the end, First Street Construction has remained successful during the recession mainly because of its willingness, through the years, to take on any job, big or small. “One of my subcontractors is an older gentlemen,” Weiland says, “and he always told me to never turn anything down, because someday you are going to need those little jobs, and he was exactly right.” abq
For another customer, whom Weiland has worked with for more a decade, the company started with a home remodel and later went on to also build three new homes—one at
Congratulations, Ken Bressler
and Builders and Remodelers, Inc., on your outstanding 57 years of success!
Meadowbrook Insurance Group A premier administrator of workers’ compensation group self-insurance funds and proud supporter of cost-effective, member run workers’ compensation programs for contractors. For Information on working with Meadowbrook:
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building in minnesota
This home’s exterior, installed by Builders & Remodelers, features a maintenance-free mock-cedar shake vinyl siding.
Builders & Remodelers, Inc. Twin Cities specialty contractor gets a bump from tax credits on windows by david hudnall
at a glance location: minneapolis, mn founded: 1952 employees: 40 area of specialty: installing windows, siding, roofing, and doors average annual sales: $6 million
2009 stimulus package, offering consumers a 30-percent minneapolis, minnesota-based specialty refund (up to $1,500) on purchases of windows with a contractor Builders & Remodelers, Inc. began to feel ripple effects of the financial crisis in December 2008. Its .30 U-value. “That was a shot in the arm for us,” Bressler window manufacturer, Republic Windows, made national says. “I’m still offering 40-percent discounts on roofing and siding to keep my crews busy, and I can do that beheadlines when its workers staged demonstrations after not being paid. Republic Windows closed abruptly, posing cause of the revenues from windows.” a serious problem for Builders & Remodelers. “We had Builders & Remodelers was founded by Bill Woods in two days’ notice,” says Ken Bressler, president. “It put a 1952. Bressler, who previously worked as the general huge strain on us.” manager of flooring at a Twin Cities department store, has been with the company for 26 years, during most Builders & Remodelers found a new manufacturer and survived the scare—until the new manufacturer went out of which he has been running the firm. He eventually bought Builders & Remodelers from Woods in 1995. The of business just two months later, in February 2009, and company specializes in windows, siding, doors, and roofBressler had to find yet another supplier. “It was a rocky ing for residential single-family homes, supplying custom few months,” he says. products and working directly with homeowners. Interestingly, the company doesn’t work with subcontractors, And yet, Builders & Remodelers finished 2009 five peropting instead to keep a large, well-trained staff on hand. cent ahead of 2008. This is largely—if not entirely—due “The advantage of using subs is that you don’t have to offer to the windows side of its business, which has benefited benefits,” Bressler says. “But nobody ever quits here. We greatly from tax credits included in the government’s
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builders & remodelers, inc.
If you’re going to spend $20,000 on custom windows and doors, you don’t want to sit across from some 25-year-old kid who can’t answer half your questions.You want a seasoned professional who knows his stuff. —Ken Bressler, President
Builders & Remodelers has benefited greatly from federal and state tax credits for installing energy-efficient windows.
advantageous for us to be able to provide that for them. Which is why we carry triple-pane windows, and why we carry a window with the lowest U-value that I’m aware of on the market—a .19.” He also notes the way the business has drastically changed over the years in terms of product variety. “It used to be [that] everybody had white windows; there were no bay windows, and there were no other colors available,” he says. “Now, there are 10 different colors for the interior, 25 for the exterior, different designs like low-E, argon, and triple pane. Doors used to be steel and fiberglass. Now we do decorative glass, all-new colors, hardware, brass, nickel. There [are] so many options for the client, and we’ve had to stay on top of that so we can offer the very best.”
have so little turnover and less of those costs because we don’t have to constantly train new guys.” One byproduct of this situation is that the company’s salespeople tend to be older, possessing an expertise about the business that much of the competition lacks. “The fact that we’ve been around for 50 years is a huge competitive advantage,” Bressler says. “But it also helps that our sales reps are in their 50s and 60s. If you’re going to spend $20,000 on custom windows and doors, you don’t want to sit across from some 25-year-old kid who can’t answer half your questions.You want a seasoned professional who knows his stuff.” Having an older staff hasn’t prevented Builders & Remodelers from keeping up with new opportunities and innovations in the industry, though. Energy efficiency plays significantly into its current approach. “When people want to replace their windows, they want a lack of maintenance, ease of operation, but increasingly they’re also looking for efficiency,” Bressler says. “And as consumers become more educated about things like U-values, it’s
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Referral and repeat business make up approximately 40 percent of Builders & Remodelers’ customer base. A $6 million company, it spends 12 percent of its annual budget on advertising (mostly print). Bressler also strives to keep overhead low. “That’s something [founder] Bill Woods always stressed: the economy is cyclical, and you don’t want to get caught with too much [overhead], or else you might sink,” he says. In terms of expansion, Bressler says that decks are a possibility down the road, citing the fact that they would fit nicely into what the company already offers. But he is also wary of bringing in a new product line. “When you bring something new into the business, it sometimes just trades sales with your existing products, and you don’t really see the profits you want,” he says. “If you want to offer a new service or product, you have to add new salesmen to sell it.” Whether or not the company will expand remains up in the air. But what seems clear is Builders & Remodelers’ resolve in the face of difficult external economic pressures. “It seems like the distant past now, but it was really just a year ago,” Bressler says. “We’ve been fortunate. And we’re going to keep adjusting and fighting.” abq
building in minnesota
Great Lakes Stone Supply, Inc. Family-owned business sets its sights on becoming the go-to source for stone throughout the Midwest by megy karydes
Great Lakes Stone Supply provided the veneer and landscape stone for this lake home built by Bruckelmyer Brothers Construction.
at a glance location: duluth, mn founded: 2002 employees: 4 area of specialty: supplier of stone and masonry products for residential projects 2009 sales: $950,000
touting itself as “the largest stone yard in the Northland,” Duluth, Minnesota-based Great Lakes Stone Supply, Inc. has become the go-to source for masons and landscapers in need of stone for their projects.
says. The company must be doing something right, as it is slated to pass the $1 million mark in sales in 2010 and is projecting double-digit increases for 2011.
Stone doghouses and even stone candles are among the newest ideas coming out of the seven-year-old stone, masonry, and landscaping firm. Clint Massie, owner and president, helped a third-generation stonemason start the company, then purchased the business from him in February 2009.
Having its own inventory is attractive to many customers, since Great Lakes Stone Supply has immediate stock for projects. “We have a lot of material in stock,” Massie notes. “Not only is that beneficial for customers who need material quickly, but it’s particularly helpful if a customer runs short and needs more product—we can usually supply the added material the same day.”
Working with four employees, Great Lakes Stone Supply sources its stones from the mines of Minnesota to the quarries of New York and the mountains of Montana. Its goal is to supply the best stone to its customers on time and within their budget every single time, Massie
Massie considers lead times important when sourcing his material. “We often choose material based on shorter lead times, because if we find we need to order material for a customer, the wait time to get it here is usually only a few days, not several weeks,” he says.
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great lakes stone supply, inc.
We have a lot of material in stock. Not only is that beneficial for customers who need material quickly, but it’s particularly helpful if a customer runs short and needs more product—we can usually supply the added material the same day. —Clint Massie, President A recent customer came to Great Lakes Stone Supply when the he learned the order he placed with another stone company was not only late, it was never ordered. “With this particular client, we received the business because our competition did not deliver the stone when they said they would since it was never ordered. We consider this to be unacceptable,” Massie says. “Most of our work comes from referrals, so we strive to deliver stone on time, on budget, every time. Our goal is to meet our customer’s needs and having immediate inventory, or the ability to access inventory quickly. This has served us well.”
Great Lakes Stone Supply focuses on the supply side, but will consult with homeowners who are choosing the stone to install themselves or have hired contractors to do the work for them. “We often work with architects, builders, and masons to help the customer design their project, and coordinate products on the job,” Massie notes. Typically, a customer comes in, sees all the different styles and colors available from which to choose, and then decides if he or she wants real stone or a manufactured product. “Sometimes the customer will bring in a roofing color, siding and trim color, so they can try and coordinate colors as much as possible,” Massie says. To make it even easier for customers to visualize the stone within the scope of the project, Great Lakes Stone Supply has a sample board that customers can take with them, lean it up to the house, and visualize what it may look like when it’s finished. “We try to determine if there will be landscaping stone on the project that the customer may want to coordinate with the veneer, or if there may be stone on site that they want the veneer stone to match to, and maybe steer them towards a different stone to bring the whole project together and in budget,” Massie explains. To keep their name and brand in the community, Great Lakes Stone Supply advertises in local phone books, print magazines, and on billboards, also using online searchengine advertising. It is also in a local home show, which has become a very important part of its marketing scheme, since the show allows the team to interact with potential customers and to show them the range of products available in the marketplace.
Great Lakes Stone Supply provided the fieldstone for this custom fireplace, built by Johnston Masonry of Duluth, MN.
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Great Lakes Stone Supply prides itself on being more than just a stone yard. While it can help its customers choose the right stone for projects that range from a small, interior fireplaces to large commercial projects, it makes sure that each customer is happy with the stone selection and service. Making customers happy with the process and final result will allow this family-owned business to continue to grow, with it sights set on opening multiple locations throughout the Midwest. abq
company department
One of Heartwood Construction’s lead carpenters installs and weatherizes windows with house wrap, wrap flashing, and caulk.
Heartwood Construction Creating a seamless insurance-restoration process for water- and fire-damaged properties by zach baliva
at a glance location: duluth, mn founded: 2005 employees: 15 area of specialty: new construction, remodeling, insurance restoration
although his formal education was in architecture, Lonny Anderson has construction in his blood. Anderson, who owns and operates Heartwood Construction in Duluth, Minnesota, grew up working for his father and grandfather, both of whom were contractors. “I enjoyed the carpenters my dad worked with because they were good craftsmen who worked hard and were polite,” Anderson recalls.
Anderson started his own business in 2005, and employs 15 skilled carpenters and workers who do kitchens, bathrooms, windows, siding, floors, drywall, painting, additions, basements, and decks. “Anything a carpenter does in a house, we can do,” Anderson says. Having carpenters on company payroll helps Anderson ensure quality and customer satisfaction because direct employees have more accountability than subcontractors.
Those are the same traits Anderson looks for when hiring at his own company. Politeness and compassion are especially important because although Heartwood completes remodeling and new construction, at least half of Anderson’s business is insurance-restoration work.
Most of the time, Anderson and his employees work to restore and rebuild homes damaged by fire or water. “Our attitude is important because we are usually dealing with homeowners who have experienced something tragic and are under a lot of stress,” Anderson explains. Heartwood
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heartwood construction
We try to show [customers] there is a solution to their problem and a roadmap to get to the end. —Lonny Anderson, Owner
carefully walks each customer through the process of insurance restoration, setting up purchasing appointments, helping contact insurance companies, and explaining the different players to make the ordeal as painless as possible. “We try to show them there is a solution to their problem and a roadmap to get to the end,” Anderson explains.
mouth. His architectural background helps, too, because insurance restoration is a computer-heavy and technical market. Heartwood works with 75 percent of the insurance companies in the greater Duluth area. Damaged homes are often more than 100 years old, and Anderson stresses the need for a problem-solving mentality. “When you build a house from scratch, you know exactly what should happen from start to finish, but insurance restoration requires flexibility,” he says. Although clients are likely to be under stress, Anderson says that many of them take advantage of an opportunity to change other aspects of their home during the restoration process. Heartwood is currently finishing a project on a fire-damaged home that was built in the late 1940s. A faulty dishwasher ignited the home, which had to be stripped to its structure and rafters. Heartwood then had to wire, plumb, and insulate the entire house to bring it up to code. “We had to do almost everything on the house, but there is a rainbow at the end of the storm for a homeowner, because they get a more modern and efficient house,” Anderson says, adding that the clients decided to change their master bathroom, add closet space, and alter the kitchen layout. The project lasted five months and is valued at $215,000.
Heartwood builds at least one new home every year and completes several traditional remodels, but insuranceThe first step in remediation is to accurately examine restoration projects represent a growing part of the and identify the damage. Heartwood works with Service Masters of Duluth/Superior to inspect wall cavities, attics, business. The key to insurance restoration is having the patience to work with troubled clients, and helping them basements, electrical systems, and other elements. “With view the situation as an opportunity. Targeting skilled and fire and water damage, we need to make sure it’s done right the first time so we don’t run into problems,” Ander- friendly workers helps Anderson ensure success in those areas. “I want people who enjoy what they do, because son says. With nearly five years of experience completing that comes across to customers, especially ones who just approximately 400 remodels, Heartwood has learned to lost part or all of their home,” he says. “You’re going to diagnose problems. spend a lot of time at work, and your success depends Anderson has developed a bit of a niche business for him- upon how much your customers like and trust your employees.” abq self, and benefits from a good reputation and word of
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AR Masonry 218.729.7249 5250 Highway 53 Saginaw, MN 55779
Blesener Heating & Air Conditioning
218.728.2339
4085 East Calvary Road, Duluth, MN 55803
Campbell Lumber
www.campbelllumber.com 715-394-7721 3107 Tower Avenue Superior, WI 54880
218.590.0599
22 S 64th Avenue W, Duluth, MN 55807
www.jasperduluth.com
T & C Hardwood Solutions
Of Superior , Duluth & Cloquet, Wisconsin
SERVING THE AREA SINCE 1960
(715) 398-6096
218.590.6600 4418 Haines Road, Duluth, MN 55811
Tri Star Electric Co. 7972 E US Highway 2 South Range, WI 54874
218.348.0890
Serving Contractors with Wholesale Professional Products since 1954
800-727-3602 2701 Courtland Street, Duluth, MN 55806
building in minnesota
Orfield Design and Construction designed and built this screenporch addition to a Minneapolis, MN home. Constructed of cedar and Trex Brasilia Cayane decking, the porch features a small recessed, covered area for waste bins, as well as storage below the porch. Photo: JoyWatson, Momento Images.
Orfield Design and Construction Residential design-build contractor paints clear picture for each client, ensuring on-time, on-budget projects by julie edwards
while orfield design and construction may not be the least expensive design-build firm in the Twin Cities area, what the company does bring to the table is a level of service, experience, and expertise that more than makes up for any difference in cost. at a glance
The company started in 1978 when Ron Orfield, after working as an architect for 10 years, launched his own residential remodeling company with his brother, Henry (now deceased), in Edina, Minnesota. The team began by working with historical properties in St. Paul and, over the years, expanded within the Twin Cities and surrounding area.
location: st. louis park, mn employees: 6 area of specialty: residential designbuild, additions average annual sales: $1.5 million+
the company staying at the size it is now. “We like our size because we’re not too small nor too big; we’re able to give our clients the personal service and dedication that we’ve become known for,” Orfield-Skrivseth says. And, after 30-plus years serving the Twin Cities area, this family-owned, award-winning firm has made its mark among homeowners, with almost 100 percent of its business coming from client referrals. Orfield-Skrivseth says that the feedback it receives from clients underscores why the company has remained successful. The company even posts testimonials and useful financial-resources information to assist clients as well as a portfolio of its work on its Web site, www.orfielddesign.com.
Laura L. Orfield-Skrivseth, co-owner, designer, and project manager for the company, decided to partner with her father in 2000 following several years working in the cor- “Our clients say the two things they appreciate the most is our commitment to communication and our level of porate world. With Orfield-Skrivseth on board, the compersonal attention,” she says. “We are in contact with our pany continued to grow. However, she is adamant about
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building in orfield design and construction minnesota
Our goal is to always put our clients first—we look at the big picture and the details and figure out the best way to recoup the client’s investment. —Laura L. Orfield-Skrivseth, Co-owner, Designer & Project Manager
customers several times a day during a project so we can tell them what’s going on before they need to ask; we want to manage and fulfill their expectations so there are no surprises.”
base. “When you’ve been in business as long as we have, you have established procedures and a solid customer base, and those factors become vital to helping you survive during tough times,” she says.
Orfield-Skrivseth adds that client interactions are honest right from the start. The firm consults with potential clients and compiles an in-depth bid for each project, “right down to the exact type of doorknobs we will use and their cost,” she says. “We won’t lowball or suggest unrealistic timelines. We are as upfront and exact as possible in our promises and projections.”
For 2010, the company already has five projects that were slated for February, and plans to grow by remaining current on new codes and laws; keeping abreast of new trends, materials, and products; and educating its team and clients on new energy-saving opportunities.
“Our goal is to construct beautiful projects while, at the same time, being aware of budget, timelines, code/construction constraints, and resale values,” adds Amy Brogan, a member of the company’s all-female design team. “We want to be helpful both in our tasks of designing and in project management, keeping clients informed so they can make good decisions.”
But at the end of the day, “our goal is to always put our clients first,” Orfield-Skrivseth says. “We look at the big picture and the details and figure out the best way to recoup the client’s investment while making their home as unique and functional as possible.” abq
With its many years of experience, Orfield Design and Construction is willing and able to take on remodeling projects of any shape and size—from whole houses to a simple bathroom remodel—and works closely with homeowners to ensure their satisfaction. “We take into consideration the style of the existing house as well as the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget to create a design that is unique to their vision,” Orfield-Skrivseth says. “We believe each project is a team effort between our client, our team’s contractor and designer, and each sub-contractor or employee working on the project.” The firm’s work has been recognized numerous times throughout the years by both local and national publications and industry organizations. Most recently, the company was awarded a 2009 Regional CotY (Contractor of the Year), 2008 Minnesota CotY, and a 2008 Chrysalis, to name a few.
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The company also wins by overcoming less-than-ideal financial environments. During the recent economic downturn, the company held its own, a fact which Orfield-Skrivseth attributes to its longevity and loyal client
Visit us at three locations: BLOOMINGTON 9201 Penn Ave. S,. Suite #36 Bloomington, MN 55431 Phone: 952-881-7388
PLYMOUTH 14330 21st Avenue N. Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 763-390-9700
american builders quarterly may/june 2010
ST. PAUL 6866 33rd St., Suite #140 Oakdale, MN 55128 Phone: 651-482-8700
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JE Dunn Construction National construction company provides local presence and service by jennifer kirkland
when a large construction company with national reach provides local presence and attention to its clients efficiently and effectively, it is bound to succeed. Such is the case with JE Dunn Construction, which works primarily in the higher-education; healthcare; retail; gaming, hospitality, and entertainment; cultural; and institutional markets. The backbone of its solid performance—spanning more than eight decades—is a strong technology core, ample planning and budgeting experience, and an unflinching commitment to the highest level of construction quality and service to its clients.
at a glance headquarters: kansas city, mo north central office: eden prairie, mn offices nationwide: 20 founded: 1924 year north central office established: 1990 annual sales: $2.7 billion+
Tapping technology “The future of construction management will require the use of Web-based collaboration software, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and integrated projectdelivery methods,” says Ken Styrlund, president of JE Dunn Construction–North Central. “We use technology to communicate and collaborate with design teams, subcontractors, and owners.” JE Dunn used BIM technology to support the project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and field coordination for its work on an addition to the University of Min-
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nesota’s existing Weisman Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, and preconstruction work for the repositioning of Northrop Auditorium, an icon of the institution. With the BIM technology, the company completed one project six weeks early so the client could hold a major shareholder meeting, and completed another two months early so the client could consolidate move-ins from other remote offices. “We have also used BIM and virtual mockups to review window-flashing details before we got into the field,” Styrlund says. “We found gaps and corrected them early, found rough openings that would not have been large enough for the windows, and determined and solved some dimensional problems early on.” Planning the particulars JE Dunn carefully manages each project’s budget with a single summary of all accounted costs, including construction and soft costs. “Our cost models are very accurate and reliable,” Styrlund explains. “We are able to predict and maintain the budget from concept to guaranteed maximum price.” The North Central division has the mobility and flexibility to travel to its clients across the nation, and has been traveling from its core
JE Dunn performed complete exterior restorations, code upgrades, and select auditorium enhancements for the famous Northrup Auditorium in Minneapolis, MN. All of the stone, entry-wing walls were rebuilt and the historicWest canopy was restored to last another 80 years.The firm is now working on a complete renovation of the interior.
building in minnesota
je dunn construction
NOTABLE PROJECTS University of Minnesota Northrop Auditorium Exterior Stabilization, Minneapolis, MN JE Dunn performed complete exterior restorations, code upgrades, and select auditorium enhancements for this famous Minnesota building. All of the stone, entry-wing walls were rebuilt and the historic West canopy was restored to last another 80 years. The firm is now working on a complete renovation of the interior.
Carleton College Student Residence Halls, Northfield, MN The first dorms the College has erected since 1967, the four-story Cassat and Memorial Halls opened to students in August 2009. Both halls, with exteriors of durable brick, stone, and clay tile, are of an environmentally sustainable design and feature a real-time energy-use monitoring system to illustrate the impact of individual behavior on energy consumption. Meeker Memorial Hospital. Litchfield, MN This critical-access hospital features new radiology, surgery, emergency, and physical-therapy wings; a birthing center; and a data center. JE Dunn executed the addition of an 86,000-square-foot inpatient facility, added on a lower level plus a three-story concrete-frame building connected to the existing building at each level, and selectively renovated the existing hospital. It also constructed a new stand-alone mechanical and electrical structure to support the hospital. Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar, MN JE Dunn upgraded the 2,000-square-foot, Tier 11, 24’ x 7’ data center and associated mechanical and electrical infrastructure, as well as renovated a 6,000-square-foot diagnostic and treatment cancer center, and a 3,500square-foot hospital-information-systems area, business office, and sleep lab. Sibley Medical Center, Arlington, MN JE Dunn completely replaced the HVAC mechanical infrastructure in this 1947 hospital, and selectively remodeled the physical-therapy, administration, and hospital-information-systems wings.
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The future of construction management will require the use of Web-based collaboration software, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and integrated project-delivery methods. —Ken Styrlund, President, North Central office
geographic area of Minneapolis–St. Paul for almost 25 years. With 20 offices across the country, the firm is now able to leverage specialized expertise for projects regardless of their location. Constructing quality JE Dunn was founded in 1924 by John Ernest Dunn, and the third and fourth generations of the Dunn family are actively involved in managing the company today. With offices in 20 cities and 85 years of experience as a solid construction-industry player, providing the highest level of quality is a given. The company regularly surveys clients to measure performance, and receives consistently high customer-satisfaction and loyalty ratings. To maximize the value of each project, the company utilizes sustainable-construction methods even if the owner is not expecting a LEED-certified project. “These days, many owners have the expectation that buildings will be sustainable, even if the project will not seek LEED certification,” Styrlund says. “LEED certification of key staff ensures that sustainable construction practices are realized.” Just a couple of the company’s projects that have been LEED certified are those for Carleton College and the University of Minnesota’s Morris Campus. In addition to its sustainable-construction methods, the company recycles construction waste consistently, regardless of LEED-certification aims.
The University of Minnesota’s Northrup Auditorium.
Securing safety “We are highly proactive in planning for project safety,” Styrlund says. “Our work in the healthcare area, for instance, requires comprehensive infection control planning, an effective training program, and interim lifesafety measures. This high level of technical planning can be used on remodeling projects for other market segments, as well.” JE Dunn’s contractor-controlled insurance program is also evidence of its safety measures. The program provides maximum protection to clients and projects, and it client-, subcontractor-, and vendor-prequalification program minimizes risk. To sustain its success, JE Dunn will continue to lead the market by adhering to innovative business practices, implementing emerging technologies, and ensuring the highest level of quality. abq
It’s What’s Inside That Counts
MMC—a fully-integrated mechanical contractor. Our single-source capabilities mesh brilliantly together. We would like to congratulate JE Dunn on their 80 years of building!
Metropolitan Mechanical contractors, inc.
7340 Washington Avenue South w Eden Prairie, MN 55344 w www.metromech.com
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cover story
This vacation home exemplifies the luxury lifestyle of Kiawah Island residents.
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cover story
Kiawah Development Partners Building island communities that offer lifestyles available nowhere else in the world by megy karydes
location: charleston, sc • employees: 500 • area of specialty: second-home community and lifestyle developer • average annual sales $385 million
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One of two private golf clubs on Kiawah Island, the Cassique clubhouse is part of the TomWatson-designed 18-hole championship golf course and home to Voysey’s restaurant, where Tom Colicchio is the consulting chef.
K
iawah Island has a varied history. Located 21 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina, the 10,000acre sea island has seen a lot of activity since the late 1600s, when the land originally was occupied by Kiawah Indians. Since then, the island has been used to raise cattle and grow cotton, was occupied by Confederate troops during the Civil War, and was used for logging and timber.
“Perhaps the biggest growth for us comes from an extremely brand-loyal group of owners and members that trust KDP has the vision and expertise to develop great products. Many of our Christophe Harbour and Doonbeg owners are from Kiawah.” —Charles Pinckney “Buddy” Darby III, Chairman and CEO
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Fast forward to the summer of 1988, when a man named Charles Pinckney “Buddy” Darby III came into the picture. Darby is chairman and CEO of Kiawah Development Partners (KDP), which was formed to buy Kiawah Island and develop a lifestyle for those seeking a second-home community—one that is second to none. When KDP was formed, the team was committed to building a community in which decisions would be guided by one overarching objective: To create an enduring quality of experience for every Kiawah Island property owner. As a result, Darby and his team of 500 have created a community on Kiawah Island that offers a resort lifestyle with members-only access to private clubs, incorporating eco-friendly aspects and a natural environment wherever possible. “For the past 20 years, we’ve built low-impact, low-density housing that respects and pro-
company department
tects the natural habitat, preserving the beauty of each development,” Darby says. Being mindful of the environment and natural habitats surrounding the land is of paramount importance. “When we started developing Kiawah Island, the intention was to build responsibly and allow people to experience the natural beauty without doing any permanent damage,” Darby says. “We’ve done that by making sure that half of the island’s 10,000 acres will never be developed. We’ve donated it to Ducks Unlimited and the Kiawah Natural Conservancy to be held in their trust as green space. Another way is, during our first development agreement, we were zoned for 7,000 residential units, which we voluntarily reduced to 5,600.”
christophe harbour Launching in 2012, Christophe Harbour will be a luxury resort that is expected to propel St. Kitts to the forefront of high-end tourism in the Caribbean. Christophe Harbour Development Company, Limited (CHDC), a venture led by KDP, is the master developer for Christophe Harbour. CHDC, Fazio Golf Course Designers, and several prominent hotel, real-estate, golf-design, architecture, environmental, and engineering companies have joined forces to create an incomparable master-planned resort. Located on the more than 2,500-acre southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, Christophe Harbour is planned to include a mega-yacht harbor and marina as well as an impressive collection of restaurants, shops, boutiques, five-star hotels, oceanfront and hillside homesites, villas, and a must-play Tom Fazio championship golf course. Learn more at www.christopheharbour.com.
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cover story kiawah development partners
“We cater to a fairly affluent market. Many of our homeowners are CEOs and people who are very active in their lives. Living [on a kdp property] is very much a lifestyle decision.” —Charles Pinckney “Buddy” Darby III, Chairman and CEO
Darby is quick to point out that KDP is not a developer that does multiple projects. Rather, his company’s goal is to create a lifestyle and community, which is why amenities play an important role in the development plans. “Amenities are important to our developments because we see them as a great way to build a community,” Darby explains. “Our homeowners gather at the golf courses, clubhouses, and spas to spend time with one another and, in turn, develop lifelong friendships.” Those who choose to have a home in a KDP community expect best-in-class products and services, and KDP is committed to giving them just that. “Our target market has proven to be people who want to invest wisely in their future and purchase a second home for pre-retirement or vacation, but we’re not a retirement community,” Darby says. “We cater to a fairly affluent market. Many of our homeowners are CEOs and people who are very active in their lives. Living here is very much a lifestyle decision.” KDP communities feature golf courses designed by Greg Norman, Tom Watson, and Tom Fazio; a restaurant where the famous Tom Colicchio is the consulting chef; and a spa with the stamp of world-famous Irish designer Clodagh, who consulted on the design. There is a demand among the affluent consumer to provide a product that is financially viable and creates a sense of security in a place that is naturally beautiful, well-maintained, and responsibly managed and developed, Darby says. And while current economic conditions may have softened, the company still is experiencing tremendous growth, with recent projects taking their team to Doonbeg in Ireland and the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. KDP’s average sales for the last five years have been roughly $385 million annually.
Above: A vacation home on Kiawah Island, the 10,000 acre sea island in South Carolina developed by Kiawah Development Partners. Right: Members of The Kiawah Island Club have access to the private beach club designed by Robert A.M. Stern.The beach club offers two dining options, a heated junior Olympic pool, an adults-only lap pool, and a children’s wading pool, as well as access to the beach.
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kiawah development partners cover story
“Based on the overwhelming success we have at Kiawah, it allows us the opportunity to look at sites that are truly unique and can offer the lifestyle people at Kiawah enjoy in other parts of the world,” Darby says. “Christophe Harbour in St. Kitts is a geographically unique site that no other place in the Caribbean can offer. Its easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, along with natural protection for a mega-yacht marina, was another opportunity we saw to be successful. Doonbeg in County Clare, Ireland, is possibly the last piece of land in the United Kingdom for Ireland to have a true links golf course. When we saw the site, it was breathtaking and knew we had something very special.” Christophe Harbour will be set on 2,500 acres and will include a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a Mandarin Oriental hotel, and a 200-acre marina that will accommodate super yachts in a naturally protected harbor unlike any in the world. “Perhaps the biggest growth for us comes from an extremely brand-loyal group of owners and members that trust KDP has the vision and expertise to develop great products,” Darby says. “Many of our Christophe Harbour and Doonbeg owners are from Kiawah.” abq
The lodge at Doonbeg A five-star resort in West County Clare, Ireland, The Lodge at Doonbeg is home to the Greg Norman-designed links golf course. Owned and developed by KDP, Doonbeg offers residential real-estate properties in one- to four-bedroom suites and cottages.
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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Void where prohibited by law. An offering statement has been filed with the Department of State of the State of New York. A copy of the offering statement is available, upon request, from the subdivider. The filing of the verified statement and offering statement with the Department of State of the State of New York does not constitute approval of the sale or lease or offer for sale or lease by the Department of State or any officer thereof, or that the Department of State has in any way passed upon the merits of such offering. This project is registered with the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. Registration does not constitute an endorsement of the merits or value of the project. Obtain and read the NJ Public Offering Statement and read it before signing anything. (NJ Reg #89/15-175).
department company
Alan Jackson Pools built this infinity-edge pool for a property in Acton, CA, providing a natural backdrop and magnificent views from the home.
ALAN JACKSON POOLS INC. Southern California swimming-pool designer creates a focal point for home exteriors by russ klettke
at a glance
a swimming pool does not add to real-estate values in most markets in the United States. However, according to the National Association of Realtors, a pool does add value to homes in the Southwest—an additional 11 percent more than all other regions, on average, and double the added value when compared to homes in the Northeast.
location: palmdale, ca founded: 1979 employees: 28 area of specialty: swimming-pool design and installation average annual sales: $6.6 million
The 30-year-old firm, run by president and founder Alan Jackson, installs custom-built pools that cost anywhere from $35,000 to $275,000, with an average price tag of $52,000. Aside from being a smart enterprise in the right geographic location, the work seems highly enjoyable.
Several Alan Jackson Pools projects feature stepped waterfalls spilling from elevated rock gardens. One is a moat-like pool with an island holding a built-in spa, conA major hub for the swimming-pool industry, Southern nected to the patio by a footbridge. Infinity-style pools California is a region where in-ground pools are almost also are popular in Southern California, where mountains, required for homes, often considered a negative if there isn’t one. Which is probably why Alan Jackson Pools Inc. has canyons, or natural bodies of water (including the Pacific designed and installed approximately 1,600 sculpted, land- Ocean) can provide a backdrop to romantic, midnight swims. Functional and sleek rectangular pools might be scaped, and thoroughly sumptuous swimming pools within a 90-mile radius of the company’s Palmdale, California base. favored by avid swimmers, many of whose homes are
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alan jackson pools inc. pools & spas
Customers have told me we were the only ones who captured what they were thinking. —Marc Nagel, Chief Designer
perched on hillsides with million-dollar views. It’s the real-life stuff of Hollywood.
Post-construction
As with any form of construction, earth settling and other issues may require follow-up attention. “We take care of Remember, these are worksites. Marc Nagel, whose job is it right away,” Nagel notes. The firm also provides maintenance, renovations, decking, repairing, and resurfacing chief designer with Alan Jackson Pools, has had the pleasure of working on at least 700 pools over the past decade. services. “A lot of homes are really like resorts,” he notes, explaining that geography, existing architecture and lot configurations require each design to be unique. The company gets much of its work—90-percent residential, the remainder commercial—by referral. Nagel believes that customer satisfaction boils down to the following four factors.
The human instinct to live on the water clearly goes beyond simple real-estate valuations; Feng Shui practitioners consider water that is in close proximity to a residence as fundamental to health, wealth, and happiness. All such issues aside, the question is: With pools like these why would anyone ever move? abq
Great designs
“Customers have told me we were the only ones who captured what they were thinking,” Nagel says. Some homeowners have very specific thoughts on what they want, such as a dolphin-shaped pool or a patio cantilevered over the pool. Others need every bit of the designer’s inspiration. Almost all feature one or several of the following: a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, a barbecue, a swim-up bar, ceramic and porcelain tiles, dramatic lighting, and slides. The firm’s designs have won accolades in annual reviews from Signature Pools & Outdoors magazine. How the job is executed
Alan Jackson Pools has successfully proven that buyers in the Southern California market segment prefer a one-stop shop to design, build, and maintain their pool. The company only subcontracts approximately five percent of its work, instead working with its own engineers, foremen, and crew who have the specialized capabilities and knowledge necessary to construct what are sometimes 30,000gallon, 120-ton containers of water—often on hillsides— with the required infrastructure and permits. Quality
Craftsmanship is the responsibility of the company’s installers, but it selects components from top-of-the-line manufacturers (Pentair and Paramount, to name a few), including computerized variable-speed pumps, heaters, in-floor cleaning systems, and low-chlorine ozone-technology filters that clean the water using UV light.
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This country home features a pool, spa, and wading pool with a spacious deck—all built by Grimes Pools.
GRIMES AQUATECH POOLS & SPAS
Grimes Pools focuses mostly on residential work and employs approximately 16 full-time staff members, with as many as 30 employees during the summer. “We’re in a snow-covered area, so we definitely do the majority of our work during the warmer months,” Grimes says.
Bringing families together with complete outdoor living spaces
As the company has grown over the years, its focus has changed. “We started out with about 90 percent of our business being pool construction, but we’ve built up our other services over time,” Grimes says. “Now, we do about 30-percent pool construction and the other 70 percent includes the store, maintenance, service, and repair.” Grimes Pools’ portfolio showcases projects ranging from $20,000 to $400,000.
by laura judy
at a glance location: bloomington, in founded: 1974 employees: 16 full-time, 14 seasonal area of specialty: construction and maintenance of pools, spas, and outdoor living spaces average annual sales: $2.5 million
by unifying homes and families through its outdoor living spaces, Grimes Aquatech Pools & Spas has built a strong reputation over the years. Despite its name, the 36-year old Bloomington, Indiana-based company offers more than only pool and spa services. “We do in-ground and above-ground pools, and design and construction of everything from gazebos and outdoor kitchens to landscaping and water features,” says Richard Grimes, president. In 1987, Grimes Pools moved to its current location, a 4,600-square-foot building that is half store and showroom, half office and warehouse space. The store and showroom, as well as its service, maintenance, and repair departments help make Grimes Pools a well-known business in its hometown. “We’re located in a small, college town, and we cover about a 50-mile radius,” Grimes says. “We like to stay fairly close so we are able to continue our chemical service with our clients.”
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Keeping customers happy is a top priority, and Grimes works hard to ensure satisfaction. “I am personally on every job everyday to keep a close eye on things,” Grimes says. “Everything we do is focused on quality and service.” While there are three competing businesses in town, Grimes Pools does more than double the business of the next-largest company. “We’ve been in the business the longest,” Grimes says. Currently, the company generates approximately $2.5 million a year in sales. In 2008, it won eight design awards, one of which was international. The past year has been tough for business, but Grimes is confident that things will pick up again over the next few years. “One of the problems right now is that even if people have money, they are afraid to spend it,” he says. “Pools and outdoor entertainment are not their first priority.
grimes aquatech pools & spas pools & spas
There is nothing equal to a pool and an outdoor living space as far as bringing a family together. They have a place to gather on weekends, holidays, and evenings, and it’s hard to put a monetary value on that. —Richard Grimes, President
On average, we’ve been doing about 15–20 projects each year, but [in 2009] we completed eight total projects, two carrying over from 2008 and six sold in 2009.”
Grimes Aquatech Pools & Spas transformed this challenging backyard into an oasis, complete with wading pool, waterfall, and spa.
Fortunately, Grimes Pools stays strong by focusing on the other aspects of the business, such as the store and the maintenance division. “Maintenance sales are down very little,” Grimes says. “And when things start to get more comfortable with the economy, I think we’ll bounce back at a pretty good rate.” For the time being, the company has cut back on its advertising budget. “It just doesn’t feel like a good investment right now,” Grimes says. “People know who we are and what we do, so the advertising we do is just to refresh their memories.” The company also thrives by keeping up with the latest technology. To be as eco-friendly as possible, it puts automatic covers on most in-ground pools, which cover up to 70 percent of all the heating for the pool, saving money on pool-furnace and -pump costs. It also uses a system of minerals, which, in lieu of chlorine, is much more environmentally friendly. And as business continues to grow, so does the company’s mindset. “When we started, we were just putting in a pool, a fence, and a concrete deck,” Grimes says. “Now we think about whole environments that people can use yearround. When we started, it would have been unheard of to spend $400,000 on an outdoor space, but now people want spas, outdoor kitchens, TVs, large slides, and more.” All these components combine to create family togetherness. “There is nothing equal to a pool and an outdoor living space as far as bringing a family together,” Grimes says. “They have a place to gather on weekends, holidays, and evenings, and it’s hard to put a monetary value on that.” abq
Water slides built by Dolphin are a step above other residential slides available on the market today. The quality of our slides reflects the commercial water park standard, providing a safe and durable product. Dolphin’s water slides are manufactured using the highest quality composites available. From the first layer of marine quality gel coat (with UV additives to prevent fading), through every layer of chopped fiberglass and 100% resin to add strength to the product, we promise not to cut corners or use cheaper materials to increase our profit margin. There are many pool slide companies available on the market today, but there’s only one company devoted to Quality! PO Box 486 Adamsville, TN 38310 731-632-1407Fax: 731-632-3739 w w w. d o l p h i n w a t e r s l i d e s . n e t “Done by Grimes Aquatech Pools”
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department company This infinity pool, by UltimateWater Creations, Inc., is located 60 feet above ground, overlooking the city of Los Angeles, CA.
ULTIMATE WATER CREATIONS, INC. Artistic talents and creative problem-solving allow swimming-pool contractor to create amazing backyard retreats by megy karydes
don goldstone knows pools. as founder and president of Los Angeles-based Ultimate Water Creations, Inc., his 26-year-old company creates some of the most breathtaking pools in the Los Angeles area, catering primarily to wealthy, high-income clients who want more than a standard swimming pool.
at a glance location: los angeles, ca founded: 1983 employees: 25 area of specialty: high-end, residential swimming pools
Goldstone started the business after he moved to Los Angeles from Long Island, New York. His father once was in the pool business, so he decided to merge both his father’s experience and the perfect West Coast climate to build a business creating unique, unusual, and jawdropping outdoor-living spaces. “Our clients tend to be people who have had a pool previously, want something better, and are willing to spend the
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additional money to create something fabulous as opposed to a plain, vanilla pool,” Goldstone says. Ultimate Water Creations’ target market is wealthy homeowners living in Los Angeles. Clients get referred to his company through their landscape architect or an architect working on other parts of their home. The company also does some print advertising in local, high-end, color magazines, as well as online advertisements. Ultimate Water Creations does most of its design work in house, with Goldstone personally overseeing the design. “Once someone decides they want to have one of our creations in their backyard, we begin the process by showing them examples of our work, including photos and an
ultimate water creations, inc. pools & spas
We can do almost anything relating to pools. Many of these projects are so unique that even experts in the industry are surprised at what we have accomplished. —Don Goldstone, Founder & President
occasional trip to the actual sites of our work,” Goldstone says. “After we have established a general idea of what they like, we will discuss a ballpark price for the work. If the budget meets their approval, we will then draw a concept plan of the proposed work which will be [in color].”
This project was a remodel of an existing rectangular pool that viewed an alley and other homes in Beverly Hills.
The overall process continues with a printed estimate of costs for the work, followed with a formal contract. After all of that is complete, Ultimate Water Creations begins filing for permits. “We also discuss timing of the project so our clients know what to expect,” Goldstone adds. “Completion of our projects range from four months to one year, depending on the scope of work.” Managing expectations is important to any relationship, but Goldstone also notes that his company works on many projects that other companies may not be able to do at all or, artistically, can’t pull off. “We landed a recent project because the client was told by another company that they couldn’t construct any pool in their backyard due to limited access to the yard and the size of the yard,” Golstone says. “By the time we were done, which took about a year to complete at a cost of $400,000, we not only had an amazing pool built with a real backyard the client could enjoy, but we also built a complete upperlevel backyard that was tied to the master bedroom. The upper level allowed for access directly from the bedroom to an elevated spa, which was 10 feet higher than the lower yard. The company also incorporated a swim-current device so that the client could swim against the current and get some exercise from the 15‘ x 30’ pool, and a vault that concealed the pool equipment underneath a waterfall.”
m. preciado m P.O O LpP r eciado LASTERING, INC. POOL PLASTERING, INC.
M. Preciado Pool Plastering, Inc. has been in business for 30 years serving Southern California. We take pride in providing professional quality work. In doing so, we have been blessed to work with elite pool builder/designer Ultimate Water Creations. Our company is an authorized applicator for Pebble Tec, Hydrazzo, Beadcrete and more pool finishes. For more information, call (800) 528-7170 or visit our website at www.mppoolfinish.com.
Goldstone loves the fact that his boutique-style company creates incredible beauty from areas that, before construction, most would never imagine could have the ambience that he and his team create. From wealthy and well-known celebrities to those who appreciate what his company can do, Ultimate Water Creations is known as a company that makes it happen. abq
12700 Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar, CA 91342 | Phone: 818.361.1600 | Fax: 818.361.1661
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remodelers
CANYON CABINETRY & DESIGN Taking cabinetry design, manufacturing, and installation to a new level of innovation and beauty by daniel casciato
since 1995, canyon cabinetry & design (ccd) has eliminated the hassle from home-remodeling and new-construction projects. With a team of qualified designers, it assists clients with creating a timeless and functional design that they’ll enjoy day after day. Whether the project is a kitchen, bath, entertainment center, library, home or business office, or any other project requiring cabinetry, CCD’s design team and professional installers are focused on results and satisfaction, with projects culminating in a beautiful transformation of a client’s home.
at a glance location: tucson, az founded: 1995 employees: 7 area of specialty: cabinetry design, manufacturing, and installation
CCD believes there are never problems, only solutions. All projects, regardless of size, are met with discriminating vision that keeps the taste and wishes of its clients in mind, says Bob Harvey, a partner with the Tucson, Arizona-based company. “Our designers are excited to experiment with fun, nontraditional designs out front but never forget that it’s the client’s home, not theirs, and in the end always believe in giving the homeowner exactly what they want,” he says.
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As a licensed general contractor, CCD assists clients with as little or as much of the project as they would like, from a self-installation option to a full remodel. It believes in working within a client’s budget and offers a variety of cabinetry lines that make it possible to achieve that goal. Using the client’s existing space, CCD’s designers and contractors work together to create a new look that is both beautiful and functional. The family-owned company was founded more than 10 years ago with a mindset to provide good service and a quality product at an optimal price point for customers. CCD puts customer service as its highest priority. “People know that they are going to get a fair deal from us,” Harvey says. “There are many good companies here. Obviously we are different from a box store that sells the product and basically has nothing to do with service or installation. [Furthermore,] since our installers are all craftsmen, when we install a kitchen or bath, they pay a great deal of attention to the details.” Harvey is one of four partners, along with his wife, Joan, Harvey’s sister, Susan, and her husband, Tom Grimes.
canyon cabinetry & design remodelers
We love working with the clients and watching their faces as you transform their house into something they didn’t think they could have or afford. —Tom Grimes, Partner
Grimes and Harvey started the company in 1995. They got a general-contracting license and started to do spec homes in Tucson and surrounding areas. When working on the kitchens for the spec homes, they decided to start a cabinetry line, and discovered that it was a niche that they enjoyed immensely. Today, CCD offers a wide selection of manufacturers of fine cabinetry to fit any style, from Old World European, to classic, to contemporary. Its 7,500-square-foot showroom houses many displays, and with a warehouse and a workshop, the company can both receive product and customize cabinetry—all under one roof. However, CCD hasn’t been immune to the downturn in the economy. To position itself for growth during these tough times, it had to become leaner and even more competitive in pricing than it already was. “Our pricing has always been fair—that hasn’t really changed for us,” Grimes says. “We always maintained a reasonable price. We realize that if people bought from us they will come back and buy again, and that has been proven true to us tenfold. Customer satisfaction and service is of the utmost important to us. No one wants to see a customer that is unhappy.”
Canyon Cabinetry installed cabinets in the bath (above) and, in the same home, designed this kitchen (opposite page).The project features Dura Supreme cabinetry in a cherry finish.
Congratulations
Canyon
Cabinet & Design
Andrew Lauren Interiors -FLOORING & GRANITE-
w w w. A n d r e w L au r e n . c o m
And for the principals of the firm, working with their customers is one of the greatest joys in their business. “We love working with the clients and watching their faces as you transform their house into something they didn’t think they could have or afford,” Grimes says. “Knowing that they are happy is incredibly rewarding. For me, it’s the best thing we do.” abq
2843 N. Alvernon Way Tuscon, AZ 85712 Phone: (520) 327-5669 Fax: (520) 327-6121 american builders quarterly may/june 2010
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remodelers
Dover Home Remodelers designed this dramatic, award-winning addition for a home in Avon Lake, OH.
The business has roots dating back to the late ’70s, when Orr started in the industry as a carpenter. Soon after, Orr and his wife combined their talents in construction and management to form a winning team. In 1979, Orr and his wife started a carpenters’ framing business called Dover Home Builders, which eventually evolved into Dover Home Remodelers in 1984. It has since been comprised of skilled designers, carpenters, tradesmen, electricians, painters, plumbers, and any other kind of specialists associated with home improvement. In the 1990s, Orr decided to renovate an old home and move his business into the home to display the company’s craftsmanship. “It was a way to show our customers our work,” he says. “Our company is a long-term type of thing. We would never think about us being in this for the short term. We’re in this because we stand behind our work, and our clients know this.”
DOVER HOME REMODELERS, INC. Residential renovator creates award-winning remodels, expansions, and additions
Orr and his team have gained lots of recognition for their work, winning dozens of Contractor of the Year (CotY) and Professional Remodeler of Ohio (PRO) awards since 2004, for many impressive, large-scale additions and complete renovations of basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. An astonishing project for the company was the creation of a large art room, in order to expand the artist’s home. Orr and his group also enjoy national acclamation through being featured in magazines such as Woman’s Day. A challenge Dover Homer Remodelers has met in the past is trying to market a quality product while managing growth. “We had to learn how to balance growth with production,” Orr says.
by kimberley banjoko And despite the success of the business, it has not been invincible to the recent economic issues. “The market of Cleveland presently is awful,” Orr says. “The downturn 0ne of the most trusted names in home in the economy has forced us to make a lot of cuts, like renovation, Dover Home Remodelers, Inc. has been the in staff. Since last year in October, we have done everyleading reconstruction firm in northeastern Ohio since thing and anything we can to cut our overhead expenses.” 1984. The company’s dedication, cost effectiveness, artistic at a glance Experiencing some revenue growth would be a harbinger creativity, and sheer talent in improving the appearance of of a brighter future, at least for the market economy, homes have won it this title, as well as dozens of awards. location: Orr says. “We’re trying to grow our revenue back,” he “We’re a design-build firm, which means that we consult north olmstead, with our clients and obtain information to design their proj- says. “With 25 years of experience, we will accomplish oh ect,” says James C. Orr Jr., president of the North Olmstead, this goal.” founded: Ohio-based firm, located near Cleveland. “We then go to 1984 Nonetheless, these complications have not deterred the designing stages of the project, which allows us to proemployees: Dover Home Remodelers from living up to its high standuce a computer-generated proposal, and finally construct 16 dards of quality and professionalism, as it continues to the project. We’ve done a lot of magnificent projects.” area of specialty: win awards annually. large-scale remodDover Home Remodelers, Inc.’s specialties lie in, but are eling and home not restricted to, renovations and expansions in kitchens, Customer satisfaction is one of the important factors of expansion running a successful company, and it is undeniable that bathrooms, basements, fireplaces, exterior remodeling, average annual Orr and his team strive to achieve this at every level. entire-home remodeling, outdoor construction, and sales: With a design center at both the company’s Columbus large-scale home additions. $3.5 million
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and Cleveland (North Olmstead) locations, clients are encouraged to work as much as possible with designers to harness a truly unique, custom, and personal design.
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Realty Restoration’s 2009 entry in the Austin NARI Tour of Remodeled homes (pictured here) won the firm the Contractor of theYear (CotY) award in the “Best of Tour” category—for a second time. Clean lines and smooth, honed travertine floors and wall tile highlight this elegant master-bathroom suite.
REALTY RESTORATION Family-owned renovation business keeps client communication at the foundation of its growth by jennifer kirkland
renewal and growth are second nature to Realty Restoration. Founded in 2002, Realty Restoration is a growing remodeling and renovation firm based in at a glance Austin, Texas. From its modest beginnings, the company expanded rapidly, developing its reputation for quality location: work and customer service that has spread beyond Austin austin, tx and into the broader Central Texas region. For Realty founded: Restoration, its success is a matter of pride. “People want 2002 to perform; they want to do a good job; they want to be employees: proud of what they do,” founder David Davison says. “If 4 you provide that environment for them, it makes the area of specialty: residential renova- whole company great.” tion average annual sales: $2 million
Davison has building in his blood. He grew up immersed in the construction trade. His grandfather was a carpenter for many years, building and renovating homes. “I grew
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up under his feet and learned to be a pretty decent craftsman at an early age,” Davison says of his grandfather, also noting the valuable business ideas he learned along the way. “My grandfather preached to me that no matter how great a jack-of-all-trades you are, you need one primary skill set.” After finishing school, Davison became an apprentice electrician, and then earned his master’s license in the early ’80s. With Davison’s skill and experience in the building business and in project management, he eventually began running large firms, overseeing 265 employees by 2001. But as the winds of corporate change blew, Davison found himself removed from what he loved doing. That’s when he struck out on his own and founded Realty Restoration. In the beginning, Realty Restoration primarily did
realty restoration remodelers
When I sit down with clients, I try to make sure that they understand exactly what to expect…The relationship between us should be just as solid as the foundation of the home. —David Davison, Owner
kitchen- and bath-renovation work. “I have a particular passion for building gourmet kitchens because I love to cook,” Davison says. “We’ve built some pretty incredible kitchens over the years.” The passion that Davison brings to his work has helped Realty Restoration grow from $215,000 in volume in its first year to $2 million today. In addition to the kitchen and bath work, Realty Restoration has expanded to whole-house renovations and design-build projects. Davison has produced this growth by developing Realty Restoration as a family. With a team of more than 20 subcontractors, including many that work for the company almost exclusively, Davison says, “The guys love their work, and I am very proud of the work they deliver.”
communication. “When I sit down with clients, I try to make sure that they understand exactly what to expect,” he says. “Frequent, open, honest communication is absolutely key. The relationship between us should be just as solid as the foundation of the home.” Realty Restoration is also utilizing green-building resources such as SIPs (structured insulated panels), concrete countertops, renewable flooring, and low-VOC paints and finishes. Davison’s vision for the future is simple: “We want to continue to grow at a controlled rate, have fun, and keep doing what we love to do,” he says. By combining customer service, the latest technological tools and materials, and genuine pride in craftsmanship, Realty Restoration has become a model of a family renovation company. abq
Directly outside the master bedroom and living room of Realty Restoration’s CotY Award-winning project, this outdoor living area—complete with a fireplace made of brick and massive slabs of visually floating concrete—was once a rotting wood deck.
The success of Realty Restoration was recognized by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in Austin, which awarded Realty Restoration with the Best in Show from the 2007 Tour of Remodeled Homes, and Contractor of the Year for Homes between $250,000 and 500,000. Additional awards for 2009 include Best in Show and Contractor of the Year for Exterior Specialty. Realty Restoration has recently taken the family business to the next generation. In January 2009, Davison’s son Christopher, a registered architect, joined the firm. Christopher’s architecture experience and eye for design have added a new layer of talent to Realty Restoration’s design-build services. Furthermore, Christopher’s experience with the AutoCAD program Autodesk Revit enables Realty Restoration to show its clients what a project looks like in 3-D, keeping the company at the forefront of today’s technology. All this bodes well for Realty Restoration going forward, but for Davison, the foundation of success and growth is
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remodelers
Lifetime Remodeling Systems remodeled the exterior of this Oregon home to include new cedar-skirl siding, cultured-stone siding, and copper accents.
LIFETIME REMODELING SYSTEMS, INC. Father-and-son siding-and-window-replacement company receives sales boost from online presence by joyce finn since 1997, lifetime remodeling systems, inc., installers of exterior siding and replacement windows in Portland, Oregon, has built a solid reputation for quality work. Gino Streano joined his father Ralph’s firm as general partner in 2003, and one of his first tasks was to design and build the company’s Web site, www.lifetimeremodeling.com. Streano says, “The first year, our Web site matched the lead generation we got from our Yellow Pages ads. The next year, it almost doubled the capacity for leads. Forty percent of our work now comes directly from the Web site. We also saw a strong shift in referrals when the Web site picked up.
at a glance location: portland, or founded: 1997 employees: 10 area of specialty: exterior remodeling (siding and window replacement) average annual sales: $2.5 million
before I come out to their house for our initial meeting. We also have a long list of customer testimonials.”
Lifetime Remodeling Systems completes approximately 60 to 80 high-end residential exterior-siding and windowreplacement projects each year. Its revenue in 2008 was $2.5 million. Streano says that the most prolific style of home in the Portland area is the Arts and Crafts style, made popular in the 1920s. “These homes are the meat and potatoes of our company,” he says. “They typically have old aluminum or vinyl siding over old-wood siding. Our most popular siding is HardiePlank with cedar trims to recreate the look of the houses when they were new, “I use the Web site as a consumer resource,” Streano contin- but now we’ve made them far more durable. We come in and do it right the first time so our customers don’t have ues. “I’ve got downloads for contractor comparisons and questions for our clients to ask when accepting bids. Many to remodel the house in their lifetime.” True to Portland’s reputation as one of the greenest cities in America, Lifeof our clients have done their research on our Web site
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lifetime remodeling systems, inc. remodelers
The first year, our Web site matched the lead generation we got from our Yellow Pages ads. The next year, it almost doubled the capacity for leads. Forty percent of our work now comes directly from the Web site. We also saw a strong shift in referrals when the Web site picked up. —Gino Streano, General Partner
time Remodeling Systems is sure to recycle more than 80 percent of all products removed before re-siding.
weren’t even paying for—so much so that we cancelled our Yellow Page ads.”
Although exterior siding has been the mainstay of the firm, Streano says that replacement windows have now become the fastest-growing division of the company. This increase is due to the push toward more energy-efficient housing and the 2009/2010 Energy Star tax credit. Lifetime Remodeling Systems also offers clients additional cash rebates through its program as Trade Ally of Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. Streano adds, “Windows have taken on a new importance and we’re trying to take advantage of this new trend.”
Lifetime Remodeling Systems has more than 200 positive reports on Angie’s List and no negative ones. The company also is a proud sponsor of Habitat for Humanity and National Public Radio. abq
Unlike its competitors in the region, Lifetime Remodeling Systems does not have a sales force. “Whoever deals with a customer initially is who they’ll be dealing with for the entire project,” Streano explains. “We’ve found this approach to be the most successful. It holds people accountable. I give clients an enormous packet of information outlining everything we do, how we do it—I want to educate them on the process and want them to understand the nuts and bolts of what we do.” This attention to detail and customer service has been the backbone of the company’s business practice, which results in a high percentage of customer satisfaction. In 2006, when Angie’s List, a national Internet clearinghouse for reviews and ratings of service companies came to Portland, Lifetime Remodeling Systems shot to the top of the list for exterior installers. Angie’s List has awarded the company the Super Service Award each of the past three years. “Angie’s List has 80,000 members in Portland,” Streano says. “If you do great work, and if people give you lots of great reports, then you’ll go to the top of their list. We started getting an enormous amount of leads from them—from a source that we
because life is worth living At Alside, we are proud to provide energy efficient, sustainable solutions for your home. Every one of our products is designed to combine a lifetime of beauty and performance with low maintenance. Alside siding and windows are designed to improve the enjoyment of your home, as well as its value. Whether you are remodeling, restoring a historic home or building a new one, you can create distinction and appeal with the colors, styles and features only Alside products can offer.
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remodelers
A Boyer & Pentek remodeling project, this woodland home features a front deck that overlooks a hillside and large pond.
BOYER & PENTEK, INC. Fire-and water-restoration contractor maintains a full staff to service four states on a 24/7, immediate-response schedule by joyce finn
at a glance location: McKeesport, pa employees: 60 areas of specialty: fire and water restoration, residential renovation average annual sales: $3.5 million
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disaster can strike anyone at anytime. when a house is engulfed in flames or submerged in floodwaters, the homeowners require professional help to restore their home, their belongings, and their peace of mind. Josh Boyer, co-owner of Boyer & Pentek, Inc., a disaster-restoration firm in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, says, “Whether at 2 a.m., or whatever time of the day or night I get called, I can dispatch crews out to the house within the hour to board up windows, sweep broken glass, and secure the site against theft or injury.” Boyer & Pentek, a family-owned and -run firm, has operated for more than 35 years in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. It is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with three emergency phone lines and a 911-contact phone line. Boyer says, “We’ll travel wherever we’re needed. If I have to have my crew stay over a week or a month or whatever time is necessary to
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accommodate the customer, we’ll make it happen. I’ve never turned a job down.” Boyer & Pentek’s experienced crews pack the contents of the house and move it to storage facilities. Clothes are dry cleaned and personal items are cleaned, sanitized, boxed, bubble-wrapped, and made ready for when the house is repaired. A second set of crews bring in dehumidifiers, as well as drying and cleaning equipment to treat mold and mildew in preparation for the rebuild. “We’ve got moving crews, moving equipment, big box trucks, and all the equipment to move people and their belongings out and back in again,” Boyer says. The firm retains on-staff painters, carpenters, plasterers, cleaning crews, electricians, and plumbers. Most of its 60 employees have been with the company for decades, and many of the new employees are family members of
company department
the firm’s long-term employees. “In the field, I have two brothers and four other family members working with us,” Boyer says. “We hire mostly through referrals. My dad has never laid anyone off and I don’t ever want to be in that position. We don’t hire subcontractors. If there’s a disaster, we don’t have to make calls to see if someone is available. We make it happen.” Boyer & Pentek completes approximately 1,500 restoration, renovation, and remodeling projects each year, and a full 70 percent of those projects are in fire- and flood-restoration work. The rest of the projects are in residential renovations such as remodeling and new additions. Revenue in 2008 was $3.5 million, and grew to exceed $6 million in 2009. “We’ve never been affected by the economy,” Boyer says. “As long as there are fires, floods, and other disasters happening, we’re not going anywhere. If you watch the news, there are at least five local fires a day, and we’re one of the largest restoration companies in the Pittsburgh area.”
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With the exception of Yellow Pages ads and the company’s fleet of 40 trucks with a distinctive logo on their sides, Boyer & Pentek does virtually no marketing, as 70 percent of its business is from referrals by insurance companies or word-of-mouth marketing from its clients. Although flood and fire damage is the bulk of Boyer & Pentek’s business, damage to property can come from many sources, including skunk smells that permeate a home’s interior. To remedy this, Boyer & Pentek uses Thermo Fog, which neutralizes skunk odor. If the chemical mist does not completely remove the noxious odor, a cleaning crew will complete the job. Among the projects completed by Boyer & Pentek is the Roam Investment Building in downtown Pittsburgh, where the firm restored the building after the waterfountain system flooded. Boyer & Pentek had to move offices to other sections of the building before replacing the carpeting, drywall, and interior fixtures. In 2002, the Giant Eagle grocery store in Clariton, Pennsylvania caught fire. The store closed for a month as Boyer & Pentek disposed of all the food and replaced the fixtures, refrigeration units, walls, flooring, and ceiling. In 2007, the pipes in the ceiling of Pipers Pub restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh burst when temperatures dropped below zero, flooding the entire restaurant. The company ripped up hardwood floors, restored walls, and replaced the tin ceilings and the electrical and plumbing lines. It completed the complete restoration within a month to accommodate the owner. In 10 years, Boyer forecasts that the company will not only double its number of trucks and employees, but also increase its number of offices. abq
McClure-Johnston Company is not only the oldest Western Pennsylvania roofing distributor, but also the BEST. As the largest stocking residential roofing distributor in the area, McClure-Johnston Company can provide a wider selection and a complete inventory. The Company sells commercial and residential roofing products, siding, soffit, gutters, replacement windows and other exterior building products.
www. mcclurejohnston.com american builders quarterly may/june 2010
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last word
NEW YORK CITY HEATING-OIL POLLUTION GARNERS NATIONAL ATTENTION Environmental Defense Fund Encourages New York City Heating Conversions a recent study by the environmental defense Fund (EDF) found that 87 percent of New York City’s heating-oil-soot pollution is created by one percent of the city’s buildings burning the dirtiest heating oils available (No. 4 and 6 oil). The study report shows that 9,000 large buildings in New York City burn No. 4 and No. 6 oil, which causes them to spew approximately 1,000 tons of toxic soot pollution every year, making the city’s level of airborne nickel (a heavy metal that is part of the pollution) nine times higher than other US cities. The pollution created by burning No. 4 and No. 6 heating oils aggravates asthma, increases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, exacerbates respiratory illness, and can cause premature death. The average number of New York City children ages 0–14 years that are hospitalized for asthma is 3.1 times higher than the national average, according to a 2004 study by the Centers for Disease Control. “Our government banned leaded gasoline in cars, and now requires cleaner diesel fuel used in trucks and construction equipment to protect human health—so by the same token, the city government should phase out the use of dirty heating oil,” says Isabelle Silverman, a co-author of the EDF report and an attorney for the EDF. “EDF stands ready to help city policy makers, building owners, and building managers to complete the job by 2020.”
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Number of buildings burning No. 4 and No. 6 oil per Zip Code in New York City
Manhattan
Bronx
Queens
Brooklyn
Staten Island
Source: Environmental Defense Fund To encourage conversion to cleaner heating fuel now, the EDF recently launched a Web site (www.edf.org/ dirtybuildings) that allows tenants to check if their building is burning dirty heating oil, and, if they find the building is burning No. 6 and No. 4 oil, offers advice on how to convert their building. Most burners that were installed during the last 15 years can burn any of the three heating oil grades, therefore allowing them to easily convert to burning No. 2 oil instead of No. 4 or No. 6. Low-
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income buildings can apply for boiler and burner replacement funding that is available from the US Department of Energy. Some of New York City’s most iconic structures burn No. 6 oil in their boilers, including the Flatiron Building (at 5th Avenue and 23rd Street in Manhattan), San Remo (at Central Park West between 74th and 75th Streets), The Dakota (Central Park West at 72nd Street), and The Beresford (211 Central Park West). abq
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