Case Studies

Devroux Paige established Paige Industrial Services (Paige) in 1996 after running a successful janitorial business for several years. “I decided I needed to broaden my customer base,” he explains of his transition into construction services. “Being in the Washington, D.C., area, I found some of the greatest minds I could afford. Together, we formed the […]

Brian McDonald established Outer Banks Heating & Cooling (OBHC) in 1987 alongside his brother, a former partner in the business. “I never wanted to go to a four-year college,” recounts Brian, president of OBHC. “I got into the trades instead. Throughout my career, I had worked in service and it was appalling how many companies […]

Harold Nowak and Jim Fraus founded Nowak & Fraus Engineers (NFE) in 1969 as an engineering and land surveying business (formerly known as Urban Engineering Services). For 45 years, the company has served the interests of private clients and public entities, offering diverse consultation services for a broad range of applications. Nowak and Fraus have […]

Since 1972, North Pine Aggregate Inc. (NPA) has delivered the full scope in excavation, grading and gravel products for homes and businesses in the Minneapolis St. Paul, Minn., Twin Cities region. “We’ve been family-owned for 41 years,” reveals Denny Jensen, founder and president of NPA. “We do heavy earthwork, grading, utilities and we own and […]

For 42 years Norca Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Corp. (Norca) has been trucking around south Florida, delivering complete residential and commercial air conditioning service and mechanical contracting. Norca’s on-time, friendly, respectful and professional technicians have grown the company’s reputation over the years and set the bar high for complete HVAC, as well as 24/7 emergency […]

Justin Hernandez and key members established New Generation Construction Group (NGC) in 2009 as a small, independent construction firm serving eastern central Nebraska. “It certainly was not the best time to start a construction company,” Hernandez laughs. “But, we built the business on relationships and by taking care of clients. Over the last five years, […]

The Michels Corporation has been delivering high-quality construction projects for more than 50 years. Dale Michels established the business in 1959 and operated the business until his death in 1997. Today, Dale’s son, Pat Michels, has taken over the family business as president. Alongside Pat, his three brothers serve as company vice presidents to ensure […]

For Norman Merlo, founder, chairman and CEO of Merlo Plumbing Company Inc. (MPC), business is more than a reputation for high quality commercial and industrial-grade plumbing and HVAC; business also revolves around employing some of the finest union tradespeople in the industry. Merlo founded his namesake company in 1983. “Being around for 30 years now, […]

Marvin Windows and Doors (Marvin) was one of the first companies in the U.S. to manufacture built-to-order windows and doors. Instead of stocking ahead, the company changed the face of the industry by building exactly to specifications as an order came in. This core philosophy remains the Marvin difference today. As a premier manufacturer of […]

In 1982 Mark Williams started out sweeping floors at Texas-based Malek Inc. (Malek). Fast-forward to Dec. 31, 2013, and Williams is now the CEO, managing director and vice president of one of the largest commercial, industrial, residential and marine HVAC providers in South Texas. “Malek was founded by Frank Malek in 1970; he built it […]