Constantine Builders Inc.

The ability to establish relationships based on trust, dependability, quality craftsmanship and integrity has been the impetus for the 15 years of success that Constantine Builders Inc. has experienced. Located in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Constantine Builders is a general contracting company that focuses on health care and assisted living facilities and specialty care units. The company also works in the commercial and industrial sectors, completing retail and manufacturing projects.

George Constantine founded Constantine Builders in 2001 after being involved in the construction industry for 15 years. “My dad was an immigrant who came to the U.S. and became a residential contractor,” recalls Constantine. “I grew up learning the trade from him.” Constantine would be the first in his family to graduate from college where he earned a degree in civil engineering.

Teamwork and building relationships are what Constantine believes sets his company apart from other general contractors in the area. As a family-owned business, Constantine Builders prides itself in providing the most value and looking out for its clients’ best interests. Through a philosophy of generating long-term clients, Constantine Builders has earned the endorsement of the Washington State Dental Association. “We are currently the only contractor in the state that has that endorsement,” says Constantine. “We have been their recommended contractor for all members to pursue.”

A niche market

With 25 employees, Constantine Builders performs numerous aspects of building such as new construction, shell and quarter, renovation and remodeling and tenant fit-outs. “Our goal has never been to be the biggest contractor in Washington,” says Constantine. “We have certainly had the opportunity to pursue some of the largest projects in Seattle, but we have made a business decision to be the best middle-market general contractor.”

Constantine Builders recently completed a four building complex in Edgewood, Washington, for Memory Care, an assisted living service that specializes in caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Memory care is a repeat client for Constantine Builders. “We had done work for them over the years and established a great relationship,” says Constantine. “In the next year alone, we will be working on three or four projects with them.”

In Lynnwood, Washington, Constantine Builders recently completely a new construction project for Medical Dental Group. The project involved the ground up construction of a 20,000-square-foot parking facility.

A well-rounded company

As a general contracting firm, Constantine Builders is able to choose to hire subcontractors or perform work in-house, depending on the market conditions. “We’re in a good situation because if our subs bid on a job and the price is right and we know they can provide the quality that is up to our standards then we’ll use them,” says Constantine. “If not, we are able to do our own concrete, framing and cabinet installation work.”

Depending on the area that each project takes place in, Constantine Builders is able to pull from a database of subcontractors that the company has built up over years of establishing relationships. Often in the medical facility field, certain certifications are required along with a reputation for top-notch quality, in which case Constantine Builders turns to subcontractors it is confident in using. “We do have a core set of people that we rely on in that situation,” says Constantine.

During the recession, when many construction companies were forced to downsize or even shut down completely, Constantine Builders was able to maintain steady growth. By sticking with its core values, the company was able to continue to give bonuses, pay raises and even offer profit-sharing to its employees. “It certainly wasn’t easy, but we were blessed to be working in the health care market because it was being funded at that time,” says Constantine. “We just worked very hard and our employees helped us get through that time so they deserved to be compensated for it.”

With its core values of safety and exceeding customers’ expectations, Constantine has found that his biggest sense of pride with his company is the feedback he receives from clients. “When an owner tells you that hiring us was the best decision they ever made, that means a lot,” he adds. “That is just a great reflection of our people. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

By establishing a great working environment and rewarding employees, Constantine Builders Inc. has established a reputation as the go-to contractor in its target market. With passion, commitment and a strong work ethic, the company has built a referral source from past and present clients that will propel the company into the future.