Beard Integrated Systems Inc.: A History of Quality and Integrity

Beard Integrated Systems Inc. (Beard) is celebrating its 85-year anniversary in 2013. The Texas-based company offers mechanical, electrical and plumbing contracting services, executed by a well-diversified team. Beard hasn’t simply survived in a competitive market for 85 years; the company continually strives to be at the top of its game in hopes to be the contractor of choice. Beard has a unique niche due to the team’s immense capability to provide plumbing, process piping and HVAC services to support the microelectronics, biopharmaceutical and general industries.

“We do it all; we are completely turnkey,” explains Amanda Stafford, the marketing director at Beard. “The only thing we subcontract is insulation services, occasionally rigging and painting as well.” Even when it’s necessary to subcontract, Beard utilizes local businesses like Native Nations Procurement Systems, which is based in Dallas.

Stafford is an example of the variety of skill sets that Beard brings to the table. Boasting a background in the railroad industry and a mechanical engineering degree, Stafford joined the team at Beard over a year ago. “They found me, I sort of fell into the business,” laughs Stafford.

Although young talent like Stafford exists at Beard, many employees have served the company for decades. “I have worked for Beard for over 25 years,” says Buddy Edwards, superintendent at Beard. “This is mainly because of the people. This is an extension of my family and I come to work each day knowing that I do make a difference.”

Humble Beginnings

Beard emerged in 1928 as a residential plumbing contractor in Dallas. Claude C. Beard Sr. and son Claude Jr. founded the original Beard Plumbing Company, which sought to provide the essential standards that the company still adheres to today. Beard Sr. built the company around three key principles: Build a quality product with the finest union craftsmanship; establish and maintain a safe working environment; and develop a customer for life, not just one project.

Once established as a corporation in 1958, Beard began focusing on larger scale commercial and industrial clients. In 1970 Beard partnered with Texas Instruments in order to compete in the newly forming microelectronics industry. The company continued to grow, expanding its customer base as third-generation David Beard took over.

David took an aggressive out-of-the-box approach to increase the company’s business opportunities. In 2007 Beard experienced several changes, as the company reorganized into individual corporations to allow for more flexibility. Beard now encompasses four smaller divisions of the business: Beard Mechanical, Beard Electrical, Beard Design and Beard Service Group.

Beard has certainly made great strides since 1928, now employing over 200 well-qualified team members. The company’s management is no exception. Burt Wells, current president and CEO of Beard, is an industry veteran having been involved in the mechanical contracting business since 1986. As a born-and-raised Texan, Burt has managed to keep the company locally owned and operated. Mike Matthews, vice president of operations at Beard, has over 25 years experience in the pipe trades industry, again enhancing the company’s proficiency.

Beard maintains a high volume of business thanks to many locations in its home state, as well as neighboring ones. Though Beard’s corporate headquarters is located in Dallas, the company also boasts satellite sites in Ballston Spa, N.Y, Phoenix, Ariz., and Rio Rancho, N.M. In addition, Beard’s subsidiary, Brooks Plumbing and Mechanical Inc. (Brooks), has locations in both Phoenix and Dallas. Specializing in the HVAC and pipe fitting industry, Brooks allows for Beard to provide continued specialization.

Contractor of Choice

“It’s important to maintain good working relationships with subcontractors,” says Stafford. Beard provides construction services to all kinds of clients, ranging from healthcare to aerospace, transportation to higher education and everything in between. The company serves a broad spectrum of clients, including the Dallas Convention Center, Mary Kay, Nomura, Winstar World Casino, Vought Aircraft Industries, DART and many more.

“We are currently working with Samsung, providing process piping and fabrication services,” says Stafford. Beard is involved in Dallas’ $2 million Parkland Hospital project that will provide storm drains. Other project sites include the DFW International, the OMNI Downtown Dallas Hotel and the University of Texas Arlington.

According to Beard’s website, the company’s depth of experience comprises “a variety of public and private markets, including millions of square feet of office buildings, healthcare, research facilities, schools, manufacturing facilities, hotels and city, state, county and federal facilities.”

Terry Mosley, safety manager at Beard, says it best, stating, “It is rare to work for a company that has such a long history of quality and integrity. While the people have changed the company’s culture remains the same. I am proud to work for a company that cares and actually gives back to its people and its customers each and every day.”

The company predicts growth in the years ahead despite the recession. It is no accident Beard Integrated Systems Inc. remains a solid industry figure after 85 years of providing clients with satisfaction.