CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY OVERVIEW
12 YEARS AND GOING STRONG
IN WISCONSIN: KSW CONSTRUCTION
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
YOUR COMMERCIAL
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
CONSTRUCTION
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
CONSTRUCTION Brothers Dean and Doug Slaby grew up in the construction business, and now are operating a very successful commercial & industrial general contracting firm in southern Wisconsin. This trait is not uncommon in the construction industry, as we often speak to constructive executives who began in high school with a hard hat and a wheelbarrow.
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
CONSTRUCTION
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION Doug and Dean worked together off and
Doug Slaby, KSW’s Vice President who
on through their careers, and then in 2005
handles the majority of the day to day
established KSW Construction- focusing
operations, says the company has built a
on the commercial, industrial, and office
good core group of employees. The general
sectors. “We work well together; we both
contractor employs between 28-30 people,
focus on different aspects of the company
to manage its $20 million annual revenue
and we may do things a bit differently, but in
(via an average project size of between
the end it has been a great success. I value
$500k - $2 million).
his abilities,” explains KSW President Dean Slaby. Dean recently received his commercial
Both Doug and Dean admit that it is easier
real estate brokers license, which has helped
to hold onto a good employee than try to
the company with their clients/owners in
replace said person if they leave. KSW is
several ways- including site/pad selection.
just like most other contracting companies in 2017- struggling somewhat to have
Dean and Doug both admit that they are not
enough quality personnel (employees and
the first ones on a new technology craze
subcontractors) in order to meet its project
or fad, however they do use the practical
obligations and schedules.
softwares and technologies that can help
That core group of workers is treated with
them on a week to week basis.
respect, and is expected to act respectfully and with the company’s interest in mind.
These include Cloud access and storage for all Plans and Specs, Masterbuilder
Doug does not micro-manage his personnel.
estimating and accounting software, as well
Dean states it quite clearly, “We hire them
as installing livestreaming cameras on some
and compensate them as professionals in
projects. Dean comments, “We do implement
their field, and we expect them to act as
livestream cameras on projects with owners
such,”. That strategy has paid off thus far
that are out of state. Our client feels more
for KSW.
comfortable, while our project management team can also access the video. We find it can be helpful.”
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
CONSTRUCTION
The best marketing strategy often comes down to doing a great job. “We have a lot of repeat customers, and that has been a key to our success. We partner with a few developers in the area, and in the same waywe look at our relationships with our regular subcontractors as partners,” notes Dean. Included in their successful run over the past couple of years is their largest single project yet- a 4-story Hyatt Place hotel in Verona (WI), complete with restaurant/lounge and an attractive courtyard with gas firepit. KSW does a lot of business with many national chains, such as: Hyatt, Pet Supplies Plus, Budget Blinds, Great Clips, Verizon Wireless, and The North Face, Café Zupas, Toppers Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, Noodles, Freshii, Pets Supplies Plus. In each project, the construction team uses its 3-step project plan: (excerpted from company website)
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
CONSTRUCTION
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
STAGE 1:
DESIGN WITH YOUR VISION IN MIND
STAGE 2: BIDDING PROCESS
STAGE 3: CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
The Result: Projects completed on time
a good reputation (and profit) is what KSW
and within budget, reflecting the personal
exceeds at. “Our Willy Street Apartments
style and personality of your business, while
project was a 4-story mixed use building
meeting the needs of your company and
with 28 units. The timeframe on that one
customers.
was very tight, but we were able to get it completed in less than 9 months, even with
Each project is a little different, and they
the harsh Wisconsin winter,� details Doug.
each come with their own challenges. But
Being in the Madison area, many sites also
overcoming those challenges to still retain
have a very high water table to contend
CONSTRUCTION
with- as was the case on the $6 million
Some recent awards from another stellar
Weir Minerals project. Where a portion
project include the InBusiness Magazine
of the project was to install a test pit in
Commercial Design Award, and the
their existing facilities 12 feet below the
Project of Distinction- Silver Award, for
water table. “The Weir job was especially
The Graduate Hotel.
challenging, as the company operations were open and ongoing throughout the
As most noteworthy general contractors
construction process.”
show in 2017, safety is and must be a priority. “We want all our employees to go
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION home at night to their families,�.
already have a fairly diversified competency
KSW participates in the safety monitoring
in projects and sectors, and they may be
program via ABC (Associated Builders &
willing to step outside of their comfort zone a
Contractors), and also pays for a 3rd party
little further- if the right opportunity presents
safety inspection company to perform
itself. Most importantly, Dean and Doug
regular and unexpected site visits to their
wants KSW to continue to be known as a
projects. This tactic keeps everyone alert,
quality contractor and partner who is good
and prevents possible unsafe practices.
at what they do. In setting this as a goal, the revenue, profits, and industry awards are
This established contractor expects much of the same over the next 3-5 years. They
likely to continue as a natural result.
CONSTRUCTION
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
CONSTRUCTION
KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
WWW.USBUILDINGNEWS.COM