KSW Construction Brochure

CONSTRUCTION

COMPANY OVERVIEW

12 YEARS AND GOING STRONG

IN WISCONSIN: KSW CONSTRUCTION

KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

YOUR COMMERCIAL

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

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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

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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.”

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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

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KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

STAGE 1:

DESIGN WITH YOUR VISION IN MIND

STAGE 2: BIDDING PROCESS

STAGE 3: CONSTRUCTION

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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

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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.

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KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

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KSW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

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