Case Studies July 2014

Amid the onset of the recession in 2008, Chris Tosdevin, now president of Santa Monica-based Chris Tosdevin Design & Consulting Inc. (Bulthaup Santa Monica), made a bold move. After 30 years of working for the German high-end kitchen manufacturer Bulthaup, Chris opened his own independent dealership of the acclaimed international manufacturer. Chris established Bulthaup Santa […]

For 72 years, Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing (CRA) has helped Phoenix survive the sweltering summer heat. Unlike most companies, CRA is a third-generation, family-owned business, founded in 1942 by Chas and Alice Roberts as a small air conditioning and appliance store. Today, the company is one of Arizona’s largest HVAC providers, offering mechanical […]

CEEPCO Contracting LLC (CEEPCO) was founded in 2003 by Harold R. Charles, who remains president and principal in charge of all aspects of the organization. Under his leadership, CEEPCO has grown steadily in size and scope over the years to become the industry leader it is today. Charles earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering […]

Since 1985, discerning homebuyers throughout Maryland and Virginia have turned to Caruso Homes (Caruso) for uncompromising quality and customer dedication. “Over the course of our history, we’ve developed well over 1,000 lots,” reveals Jeff Caruso, founder and president of Caruso. “We’re capable of taking a development from raw land through the homebuilding process and into […]

Few companies reach centennial anniversaries, even fewer see bicentennials; however, Bethel Mills Inc. (Bethel Mills) has far surpassed that milestone with 233 years under its belt. Based in the small rural town of Bethel, Vt., the family-owned company is one of the nation’s oldest and most trusted building material suppliers. Over the course of two […]

In 1975 David Craik established Avenir Construction LLC (Avenir). The business started out as a commercial builder, constructing shopping centers, stand-alone retail, restaurants and other establishments. In the late 1990s, David recognized an opportunity to take Avenir in a new direction, maintaining a strong reputation for construction and development quality while helping others. In 2008 […]

APC Services of New England (APC) has been serving the Northeast since 1931. Patrick Ronan purchased the business in 2012 after working with the previous owner for 26 years. Today, he operates the business with his father, Frank Ronan, who serves as sales manager for APC. With a team of 14, the family business has […]

Few companies have a four generation-strong family history, even fewer have been in business for 80 years; however, A.J. Padelford & Son Inc. (AJP) is an exception in the California construction industry. “This year, we’re celebrating 80 years and four generations running,” shares Diane Young, treasurer and secretary of AJP. “We are a general contractor, […]

In 1968 Stephen Smith Sr. hired three HVAC associates to help him start a small mechanical contracting business in Columbia, Md. More than 45 years later, and now-known as Smith Mechanical Inc. (SMI), the business has grown extensively. Stephen Sr., now a vice president, is still highly involved in the operation today, working alongside his […]

MacKenzie Door Company’s (MDC) 70-year history is a tale of how a young man’s dedication to hard work and customer service developed into an industry institution; it was founder Fred MacKenzie’s commitment to hard work that first landed the 19-year-old son of a traveling preacher a job in the door-closer business. Fred’s attitude and values […]