Construction has many, diverse partners

Vermont Business Magazine, Jul 01, 2005

Construction projects in Vermont are vividly apparent throughout the summer. Road projects are always the most visible. Motorists are slowed or stopped to ensure that they have a first-hand look at what's being done.

Second on the eye-catcher list are tall skeletons destined to hold future roofs and sidewalls. New construction grabs attention.

Less obvious is the construction of houses, and almost unnoticed are interior renovations - the flurry of activity that takes place behind closed doors and facades in residential and commercial buildings.

The roadwork that everyone sees is the smallest piece of the industry.

Even though residential construction is falling far short of demand, it still accounted for a full one-half the value of all building projects last year.

The remainder is non-residential - commercial, industrial, educational, recreational, governmental, and others.

Construction is a significant force in the Central Vermont economy. The Barre-Montpelier Labor Market has more than 300 construction-related companies employing more than 1,700 residents. Some of those firms are among Vermont's largest in the field; many are among the smallest. A few are very visible. Many are nearly invisible. Some are household names. Others are virtually unknown outside the industry. But all contribute to the industry in their own unique way.

The four companies profiled here are typical of the mix and variety of the region. A common thread is that they are all locally owned. They started in Central Vermont and "grew up" just down the street. Another is that big or small, they have clients and customers throughout the state - and beyond.

As you come to know them better, remember that there are hundreds of similar firms just like them. Together they take someone's vision from dream to reality.

Everybody knows their name

Best know is EF Wall & Associates, a stalwart of Central Vermont for decades. Since its founding in 1970 by Frank Wall and Bob Lord, Sr, the Barre firm has grown to become one of the larger construction companies in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Specializing in commercial, industrial, and institutional construction, the company enjoys a reputation for providing quality construction service through negotiated design-build, construction management, and hard-dollar-bid markets.

EF Wall experienced its busiest year ever in 2004 with sales of over $26 million. The projects spanned the state and the spectrum of uses. They included major renovations and expansion of the Enosburg Falls Middle School, the new Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge Center in Swanton, and additions and renovations to the Northwest Medical Center in St. Albans.

Projects for some of the many repeat clients included the design-build expansion of Walker Motors Ford Jeep in Montpelier, the new Northfield Savings Bank branch at Taft Corner in Williston, renovations to the Winifred Raven House at Dartmouth College, and numerous projects for Vermont State Buildings and General Services.

According to Bob Lord, Jr., company president, "The cornerstone to the company's continued growth and success has been consistently providing the highest level of service and best built product possible while providing rewarding work opportunities to the many employees who dedicate themselves to making this possible."

Continuing a very strong schedule; the company began 2005 with the biggest backlog of work ever. Current projects include the design-build construction of the new Barre public safety building, major renovations at Norwich University, an upgrade and modernization at Central Vermont Hospital in Berlin, the historic restoration of the Gray Building in Northfield, and another phase of office renovations for Vermont Mutual in Montpelier.

"The last few years have seen a consistently high level of activity in the institutional sector, including hospitals, K-12 schools, colleges, and governmental entities at all levels. For the last couple of years, and certainly for the rest of 2005, commercial and industrial construction activity has been very strong for EF Wall.

"I believe the current strengthening of the dollar, benign inflation, and the relatively attractive cost of borrowing portend well for the national, regional, and Vermont economies as well as the construction industry within our market area" said Greg Lord, Director of Marketing and Business Development.

Seen but not known

Every home has a kitchen and countertops. Each has several baths.

Builder Specialties has created the kitchens and bathrooms in hundreds of area homes. It is part of the household, but hardly a household name.

Although the company's projects have included high-end, very intricate, custom kitchens in multi-million dollar homes and topof-the-line resort area condominiums, the main focus continues to be on the mid-range local homeowners and contractors who want solid value for their money. The company's typical project is widely seen and appreciated, but not the center of attention.

Established in 1988, Builder Specialties, Inc., was originally a wholesale outlet that supplied kitchen and bath products to contractors. In 1991, current owner and president, Matt Grundy, purchased the company and decided to expand into the homeowner, commercial and multi-family markets as well as contractor sales.