Case Studies March 2014

Since 1920, George G. Sharp (SHARP) has been setting the industry standard for the professional practice of naval architecture, marine engineering and design. The New York City-based company has pioneered the industry, developing first-of-a-kind designs and marine structures for commercial and military use. “We’re the oldest naval architectural firm in the country,” notes Allen Chin, […]

DeKalb Mechanical Inc. (DeKalb) began as a branch office of Illinois-based Miller Engineering Co. (Miller) in March 1991. The first shop and office occupied a small 2,500-square-foot corner of an existing rental building, where two full time and one part time employee began. The estimating and managing of the fledgling branch fell to Steve Doonan, […]

When Louis Caplan established Caplan Bros. Glass (Caplan) with brothers Ben, Aaron, Sol and Meyer in 1926, the commercial and residential glass company was founded on a simple principle: fast, reliable service. “My grandfather started the company about 87 years ago,” shares Mayer Gerstein, now co-owner of Caplan. “From the beginning, he built the business […]

Since its founding in 1962, multidisciplinary engineering firm Superior Engineering LLC (Superior) has remained stable and continues to grow over 50 years later. Superior incorporates a number of unique services, catering to clients in a wide range of market sectors. Today, Superior employs 185 people with an array of experience and training, allowing the company […]

The year 2013 marks 21 years in business for Islands Mechanical Contractor Inc. (IMC). Since 1992, the full-service general contractor has been supporting federal and private sector clients across the southeastern U.S., Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean. “We offer a broad range of design-build, LEED-certified construction, general construction and demolition services, but large […]

For decades, Fairfield Homes Inc. (Fairfield) has been supporting Ohio’s affordable housing through property management, development and construction. “There’s a desperate need in this area for more affordable housing,” reveals Jennifer Gorsuch Walters, president of Fairfield. The family-owned and -operated business has been meeting the community’s needs since 1947 when Jennifer’s grandfather, Frank L. Gorsuch, […]

Since 1985, Dees-Hennessey Inc. (Dees-Hennessey) has been one of northern California’s most trusted locally-owned and -operated shotcrete and shoring contractors. Based in San Carlos, Calif., the company serves a wide range of public and private clients, providing safer, more cost-effective building solutions. Dan Evans, now president of Dees-Hennessey, joined the company in 1986, gradually working […]

When Glenn Lege, now president of Glenn Lege Construction Inc. (GLC), started a little side dirt-digging business with a single dozer in 1979, he never imagined the company would morph into one of southern Louisiana’s top earth work and asphalt contractors. “I was raised on a rice farm and noticed other farmers needed earth work […]

Glen Nobmann founded Golden State Lumber (GSL) in 1954 as a single lumberyard serving builders in northern California. The family business began on the premise of treating clients as partners and embracing relationships. For nearly 60 years, the company has continued to grow by embracing its founding principles. Jessica Scerri, CEO of GSL, leads a […]