Global Construction Services Inc.

With a strong attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the construction industry, Global Construction Services Inc. (GCS) is a full-service commercial construction company. Headquartered in Oceanside, California, GCS specializes in restaurants, retail, health care, industrial, hospitality and design-build projects.

GCS was founded in 2006 by Brad Block and has been built on a foundation of experience that Block and his father Edward Duggan, vice president of GCS, bring to the company. “Together, we’ve been building commercial real estate for a combined 60 years,” says Block. “I started when I was young, working in the family construction business. That’s where I learned all facets of the construction trades from the ground up.”

Raising the bar

In such a competitive industry as construction, GCS sets itself apart through its emphasis on customer service and delivering a quality product within the projected time frames. As a general contractor, GCS sets high standards for the subcontractors it chooses to hire for each project. “We manage all aspects of every project so we make sure we hire the proper individuals for each trade,” Block explains. “We really focus on customer service as well, which is something I feel has been lacking in the industry. Without our clients, we don’t survive — so we always go the extra mile.”

GCS also sets high standards for its staff in regards to communication with clients and strategic business partners. By focusing heavily on documentation of all operations and agreements, all facets of each project remain transparent to all parties involved, creating a smooth operating process. “We treat each job as though we are the owners of the project,” says Block. “Our clients trust us with a very large investment of theirs, so we try to put ourselves in their shoes to understand where they are coming from.”

The staff at GCS consists of three project managers, (PMs) three project coordinators that work under the PMs, an administrative staff and field superintendents that may fluctuate between five and 15 at any point, depending on the company’s workload. The high-quality standards that GCS maintains for its superintendents have created a strong network of highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced employees on every jobsite. “We do not have the revolving door thought pattern when it comes to superintendents,” says Block. “We prefer to keep people on board with us once we train them in our methods and protocol.”

A client that GCS has consistently worked for over the years is a company called Grill Concepts Inc., a restaurant chain, which features different themes in its locations throughout the United States. One theme that the company features is its “Public School on Tap” (PSOT) which acts as Grill Concepts’ gastropub.  GSC has built three PSOT locations. With more than 40 restaurants nationwide, Grill Concepts had never used the same general contractor more than once until it began working with GSC. “They are a corporate entity but it doesn’t feel that way based on the relationship that we have established them,” says Block. “We don’t have to bid on the jobs; it’s all negotiated work.”

A bright future

Block has been working in the construction industry for 23 years and although the industry is stressful at times, he says he has enjoyed every minute of it. “There has never been a moment when I thought about doing something else,” he says. Block has found that the most rewarding aspect of his company is witnessing the development and success of the people around him. “It’s so great to see new staff members come on board and see them grow as an individual personally and professionally,” he adds. “Seeing my employees with smiles on their faces and knowing that they are happy to be here gives me a big sense of pride.”

At 40 years old, Block is relatively young for where he is in his construction career. Although he retains 23 years’ experience under his belt, Block continues to learn every day. “I still have a lot of years to go and I look forward to continuing to build this empire,” he shares. “I’m motivated by providing a great life for my family and a great place to work for my employees.”

Manageable growth is the plan for GSC in the coming years. The company is looking to expand its operation into the Las Vegas market as well as other western states.  With the possibility of a merger and some acquisitions, Global Construction Services Inc. is in position to remain a leader in the western commercial contracting industry.