The DeMoss Company

Jim DeMoss founded The DeMoss Company (TDC) in 1982 when he purchased the assets of CENTO Industries’ Universal Sheet Metal and Insulation Co. Today the company, located in Forth Worth, is a preferred general contractor and construction manager in northern Texas.

DeMoss, president of TDC, had worked fro CENTO 10 years prior to taking over its subsidiary. At the onset, TDC had a small general contracting group doing air conditioning, remodels and additions to Fort Worth ISD schools. The company operated one of the largest sheet metal manufactures in the area.

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the Savings and Loan Crisis in the early 1990s forced TDC to shift its focus. “We began emphasizing our general contracting operations and ultimately sold our sheet metal shop buildings and equipment,” says DeMoss. “In 1995 we became exclusively a general contractor.”

DeMoss believes having a background as a sub-subcontractor gives TDC an edge as a general contractor. “Coming from a subcontractor background gave us a very different perspective than most general contractors,” he says. “We never shop sub bids and will not take pricing after bid time.

“This brought us a following of the best subs in the area,” DeMoss continues. “We attracted and held onto the best project managers and superintendents.”

TDC has been able to establish a reputation with area subcontractors and clients in the northern region of Texas. For that reason, the company has become a preferred contractor in the market. DeMoss stands by the company’s experience and leadership is an asset to clients and subcontractors.

While TDC provides a wide array of construction services on new construction, additions and renovations, the company specializes in owner-occupied facilities. Some services include catering to corporate, education, institutional, religious, food and beverage, nonprofit and fine residential home entities.

“The quality of our work and the strength of our superintendents sets us apart,” says DeMoss. He reports TDC has received the Fort Worth American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chapter Quality in Construction Aware, which is awarded sparingly. TDC has also received a number of Outstanding Project Awards from the AIA Chapter as well recognition awards on several projects from the local and state Associated General Contractors.

Large-scale Projects with Flare

TDC has been involved in many projects in the Fort Worth area. Some of its large-scale projects include work with religious institutions.          

The company was recently the lead general contractor on a $10 million project for Arborlawn United Methodist Church. The work was complete in 2012 and done with acoustical performance in mind, according to DeMoss.

Founded in 1969, Arborlawn’s 700-seat sanctuary was reaching full capacity. The church now has room for 1,200 people with traditional services held every Sunday. The new auditorium in the church is designed to create a brighter sanctuary. The church’s reverend reports the new design draws parishioners eyes up to the large vined cross, which seems to float about the chancel area.

A landmark project TDC was involved with is the Temple Beth-El Campus, which the company had a hand in rebuilding. The 42,000-square-foot facility was built on a seven-acre campus.

On smaller projects, the company does drywall, carpentry, doors and finish outs. DeMoss reports TDC self-performs minor carpentry work on large projects. “We do all the lay out, but we sub out most of the trades,” he says.

Building into Next Generation       

TDC did suffer during the economic downturn. “We shrunk to stay afloat,” says DeMoss. “What we thought we saw, and still to an extent are still seeing, is a reluctance to commit funds for capital improvement.”

During the worst of the recession, TDC had a few projects fall through and others that stalled. DeMoss sees companies still hesitant to spend money. The flux of work and funds has been something DeMoss has seen throughout his life — his father worked for a very large mechanical contractor. During the summers DeMoss joined his father to work in the field and in the shop. The summer work launched DeMoss into his career, which started in Pittsburgh before moving back to Texas.

After spending his youth in the construction industry and working his way up the ladder to owning TDC, DeMoss is ready to retire. “I want to transition to new ownership over the next two years and let a new generation lead the company,” he says.

As that new generation ownership comes up, DeMoss plans to pass down his business that has developed a strong reputation. With that reputation, it’s sure that The DeMoss Company will maintain its leadership status as general contractor in northern Texas.

For more information about The DeMoss Company please visit: www.demossco.com.