Ehrlich Design Builders Inc.

Steve Ehrlich has been in the construction business his entire adult life. “I started working for a general contractor right out of high school,” he recalls. “I have been in the industry ever since.” After building up experience and working his way up through the ranks, Steve has been involved in hundreds of projects over the years.

In 2008, Steve set out on his own, forming Ehrlich Design Builders Inc. (EDB). Steve and his wife, Cindy, now employ 50 people, including an experienced team of project managers who lead a broad range of commercial construction projects throughout the United States.

The team operates from a single location in Arlington, Texas. The business is licensed in all of the southern states, as well as a handful of states further north. “We will go just about anywhere,” Steve notes. “Our clients are commercial corporations throughout the country. Our capabilities include small projects, such as remodeling and maintenance work, as well as some ground-up construction.”

A growing portfolio

Over the last six years, EDB has completed challenging projects for a large and widespread client base. The team has built convenience stores, remodeled restaurants, fuel systems and grocery stores and completed a variety of tenant finish-outs. The business has attracted some major brand clients, including Kroger, Starbucks, Chili’s, Valero and Buffalo Wild Wings, among others.

“We work as the general contractor on each project,” Steve notes. “Our role is primarily in project management. We will do some carpentry in-house, but we sub almost everything out on these projects. We have a network of subs that we rely on steadily for quality work. We try to get three subs per trade when we bid our projects out to ensure we can provide value and quality work.”

Steve and his team have completed several unique projects over the last year or so. “We renovated a large truck stop in Waco, Texas,” he recounts. “We have worked on several remodel projects for Chili’s. We recently completed a major tenant improvement project for Pro’s Ranch Markets in Phoenix; the 80,000-square-foot project came in at around $4 million.”

From project management to hands-on finishes, Steve and his team take pride in a strong commitment to the client’s final product. Completed projects are of high architectural and structural quality and EDB prioritizes managing construction costs and budgets.

Staying strong

EDB opened its doors in one of the worst years the construction industry has seen in decades. In the midst of the recession, cautious owners put upcoming projects on hold, while others delayed upgrades and renovations. Fortunately, Steve and his team have been able to promote the business by building up a strong portfolio and accompanying reputation for quality. The business has connected with major corporations across the country that often request additional work once a project is completed.

“It’s kind of incredible that we’re still here,” Steve explains. “We started in tough times but we hung in there and got through it. We are still in business and people are calling us for bids. This year looks great and we expect our volume to be significantly greater than last year.” Locally, Steve notes that the markets in Texas seem to be improving and he is optimistic about the gradual recovery in other areas.

While part of the company’s growth has come through an improving economy, Steve credits a strong team and strong relationships for most of his company’s success. “We are fortunate to have a well-known and well-respected customer base,” he explains, “As well as skilled and loyal employees and subcontractors.”

Steve’s crew is dedicated to quality, striving to exceed the expectations of customers on each job. EDB’s employees are experienced, hardworking and professional, qualities that contribute to efficient and safe turnaround of these often challenging projects.

At the end of the day, EDB operates with integrity. Furthermore, Steve and Cindy hope to someday pass the company along to a second generation. “We care about our work here,” Steve explains. “When I started this company, my goal was to make a good living performing good work.”

So far, Steve seems to be achieving his goal. EDB offers honest service and clients can count on Steve and his team to coordinate trades, build feasible and effective schedules, as well as stick to budgets. The business consistently turns around diverse remodeling, maintenance and new construction projects on time and on budget. These practices offer clients unparalleled reliability as Ehrlich Design Builders Inc. continues to provide high-quality work throughout the United States.