Staying true to your roots

Real Estate Weekly, Jan 15, 2003 by Carlos J. Silva

Founder and CEO Carlos J. Silva founded Silcon Inc. in 1992 and, within a relatively short period of time, the construction company was quickly building market share in the region. Silva's goal was to create a construction company that placed integrity, quality and customer service above all else. Today, Silcon is a leading general contracting and construction management firm with over 50 employees and a consistent record of growth--in fact, doubling its volume each year.

The company offers a complete "turn-key" approach from planning and design to construction and certificate of occupancy. Silcon utilizes its in-house resources' through the Silva Group of Companies for all phases of construction from site improvements to mechanical systems. Based in Elizabeth, N.J., with a newly-opened office in Philadelphia, Silcon specializes in the construction and complete renovations of commercial real estate for high-end corporations, municipal facilities and large-scale residential developments.

Silcon has constructed numerous projects throughout New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic on both private and public levels. Silcon has been involved in several high-profile construction projects including the historic restoration of Belleville City Hall, the renovation of the East Jersey State Prison and the rehabilitation of the Governors Mansion for the State of New Jersey. In addition, projects have been completed on behalf of such prestigious companies as Baxter Pharmaceuticals, Ethicon, Federal Express, PSE&G and Home Goods. Silcon has constructed facilities throughout the municipal, office, industrial, retail, residential and entertainment industry sectors.

"Our growth has been precipitated by the demand of our existing clients for our services," stated Silva. "Now, with the opening of our Philadelphia office, we're further strengthening our presence in an already established market. We had come to a point where we had to decide to grow or stay where we were. I felt that with our exceptional team, service platform and infrastructure, we were ready to jump to the next level with the addition of new people and our new branch office. We pride ourselves on the fact that we have one of the lowest turnover employee levels in the industry as well as a diverse service base to help serve our clients."

Silcon is the founding and general contracting division of the Silva Group of Companies. Acting as general contractor, Silcon provides a full range of in-house construction services such as excavation, demolition, concrete and masonry, framing, drywall, and ceilings. Silcon offers a wide variety of services through several divisions including: Silcon Air, a broad-based HYAC and mechanical system contractor specializing in the design, installation and servicing of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems with an emphasis on industrial, institutional and commercial applications; Silcon Floors, the floor covering division. Silcon Floors provides commercial and high-end residential, surface preparation and installation of all types of floor surfaces and trim such as wood, stone, vinyl, tile, resilient and anti-static; Silcon Management, the commercial real estate development and management division; and Silcon South, the new branch office for the Silva Group of Construction Companies, brining the compa ny's experience and expertise to the South Jersey and Philadelphia Market.

In addition to running the four Silcon companies, Silva is a leader of various professional and community organizations including the American Concrete Institute and the Lions Club. He is a founding member of the Portuguese Coalition For A Responsible Electorate, as well as a member of the Portuguese American Citizens Association. Silva serves as chairperson on the board of the Columbus Hospital Foundation and is a trustee for the Island Beach State Park Preservation Foundation. He was also appointed by Governor McGreevy as the chairman of the building and grounds commission for the Drumthwacket Foundation, where he oversees all the improvements and repairs to the New Jersey Governor's mansion.

Silcon continues to grow as a leading contractor in New Jersey providing full service construction services. As such, Silcon has grown considerably since its inception, but remains closely tied to the values and philosophy upon which the firm was founded. The firm's emphasis on quality and integrity, service to clients and concern for each individual within the organization remains primary.