Bill Bridges Enterprises LLC

After 10 years in general construction, Bill Bridges Enterprises was established as an LLC in 2012. Since then, Bill Bridges Enterprises LLC (BBE) has become a leading mechanical contractor specializing in large-scale construction projects. Located in Baltimore, BBE provides mechanical and plumbing installations and service to the city and its surrounding districts. BBE’s knowledge of general construction allows conflict-free integration of its systems into every project. BBE also offers mechanical construction management and consulting services as well as union trained mechanical staffing services.

Bill Bridges, president and founder of BBE brings his 45 years of experience to every project the company takes on. “I’ve prepared for 45 years to do exactly what I’m doing with my life at this moment in time,” he says. “I have established the types of relationships within the industry that I have always desired. That’s how you become successful in the mechanical contracting business.”

A place in in the industry

Bridges entered the industry in 1971. Starting as an apprentice, he worked his way up through the ranks of several companies, working as a mechanic, foreman, district manager and superintendent. Bridges credits his experience, combined with the dedication and talent of his 20 employees, as the impetus for his company’s success. “I have a very dependable core staff,” says Bridges. “We are right on track to where we want to be.”

Bridges has been a member of the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) since 2012. He finds that there are numerous benefits of being involved, such as the educational and networking opportunities. “The biggest benefits for me right now are the contacts and relationships I’ve established,” he notes. “Most of my work is as a sub to prime contractor. People within the association are aware of how much experience I have, so we’re able to help each other out.”

In February 2016, BBE completed a project for the University of Maryland. The job involved the construction of a central utility plant for the health science department at the university. The mechanical system installed in the facility now feeds multiple buildings throughout the campus. BBE performed multiple installations including 36-inch piping, three 13-ton chillers, multiple pumps and heat exchangers. “This was a great project that gave us an opportunity to really showcase our abilities as a company,” says Bridges. “We established a relationship with the university and the prime contractor, who we as company were looking forward to working with.”

In spring 2016, BBE will start a project with Gateway Hotel, which is a part of the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Hospital. “The job is broken up into mechanical, sheet metal and plumbing,” Bridges explains. “We’re installing the complete mechanical system that will regulate all of the guest rooms.”

One of the biggest aspects of BBE that Bridges conveys to clients and strategic partners is loyalty. Bridges’ wife Corena is vice president of the company and the couple has been married for 44 years. “I believe this is a testament to how much loyalty means to us in both our professional and personal lives,” Bridges elaborates. “I still can’t wait to get home every day to see my wife.”

Giving back

In addition to his talent in the mechanical contracting industry, Bridges is passionate about giving back to his community, especially through his work with Patrick Allison House, which is a transitional housing program in Baltimore. Patrick Allison House works to integrate men who have been incarcerated for drug offenses back into society. Bridges is currently vice president of the organization. “It’s a very good program,” says Bridges. “We work with eight men at a time because we like the intimate setting. Many of these men have been in jail for 25 to 30 years. After they go through our program they are able to get jobs, go back to school and rent their own apartments.” The program is currently operating at a 95 percent success rate for people who complete the program.

Bridges also enjoys taking time out of his schedule to mentor and speak with children and young entrepreneurs. “I try to get young people to start thinking about their futures as soon as possible,” say Bridges. “I emphasize to everyone that I speak with that the three most important ingredients for life are preparation, preparation and preparation. Whatever choice you make in life, you are preparing for the outcome of that choice.”

Through years of experience and desire to give back to the community, Bill Bridges Enterprises LLC has raised the bar in the mechanical contracting industry.