Hi-Tech Interiors Inc.

Fred Willich founded Hi-Tech Interiors Inc. (Hi-Tech) in 1991 as a small partnership specializing in commercial drywall, metal stud framing, insulation, acoustical ceilings and synthetic and conventional stucco. The business incorporated in 1993 and continues to grow today. Hi-Tech offers leading experience and innovation in the field, stemming from Willich’s background of more than 40 years of industry experience, as well as the team’s dedication to quality workmanship.

Hi-Tech strives to provide service with integrity, as the company aims to foster an environment of growth and value. The company’s people-first focus has allowed Hi-Tech to thrive and grow throughout the years. Additionally, Hi-Tech’s divisions offer all of the components of a full-service interior construction business. The company operates out of four offices within Kansas and also provides services in Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska with approximately 100 employees.

“We are an accredited National Center for Construction Education and Research [NCCER] training facility,” says Willich. “Having this training for all our employees really sets us apart in our business. We also provide leadership training, which is included in our continuing education classes. Actually, we have just finished John Maxwell’s 21 Laws of Leadership with our foreman, project managers and estimators. Helping them become better leaders helps us as a company to run more efficiently.”

Different Strokes

While Hi-Tech began as a specialty commercial subcontractor, general contracting company Trinium Inc. was started in 1998. Trinium Inc. has served in several capacities over the years, eventually adding divisional work.

In 2012 Hi-Tech Residential Inc. was started as a drywall company focusing primarily on the residential market. “It’s an entirely different market than Hi-Tech,” Willich explains. “It’s tighter, the techniques are different, and projects are turned over faster. With our residential work, we may do 10,000 to 40,000 square feet of drywall per project, and it may take one to two weeks to complete. Commercial projects may require 50,000 to 500,000, or more, square feet over the course of a few months.”

Also in 2012 Hi-Tech Painting Inc. was started, which is geared toward the commercial market. “As the next phase following drywall finishing, painting allows us better quality control on the final product,” says Willich.

The company’s multiple divisions allow Hi-Tech to satisfy a number of clients’ needs. Willich is also proud to note that the company has acquired a successful roster of clients due to the teams’ extensive ability. “We have completed several significant projects over the years,” Willich says. “They include the Alumni Center and the New Basketball Practice Facility at Kansas State University, the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University and Bella Sera in Lawrence, Kan., just to name a few.”

Building a Future

Recent economic volatility has put many contractors on edge around the country, but Willich says his team is starting to see improvements. “There have definitely been challenges in the market with the recession,” Willich elaborates. “It looks like the economy is getting stronger little by little. We have never had a layoff, but the market really depends on the economy. Fortunately, we have the capabilities to break into new markets, and we can share equipment and manpower between divisions.”

According to Willich, the ebb and flow of the industry can present challenges for businesses, as sometimes there is too much work and sometimes there is not enough. However, Willich notes one must strive to even the tides, and relying on outside sources for support accomplishes this. “Instead of bringing on new employees short term, Hi-Tech prefers to reach out to other local businesses for assistance and then reverse the trend when needed,” he details.

In 2013 Hi-Tech is celebrating 22 years in business, and the team continues to embrace the mentality to value relationships both within and outside the company. The Hi-Tech team believes the market will continue to change. “There will always be new technology, innovations and products,” Willich says.

The company’s focus will remain to create and maintain repeat business, and the team will continue to assist each client in developing a final product that both provide function and aesthetics. Adding value to each of the company’s employees and respective families will allow Hi-Tech to accomplish its mission as the team moves forward into the future.

“Our team is dedicated to personal and professional growth,” says Willich. “We will continue to grow in the regional market as we live out our mission statement, which to us says it all: To leverage individual talents as a team to attain excellence, standards of vision, purpose, and value for those we serve.”

Willich’s team is dedicated to the personal and professional growth through applying high standards of workmanship to every project. With a powerful and committed force, Hi-Tech Interiors Inc. will continue to grow in the regional market.

For more information about Hi-Tech Interiors Inc., please visit: www.hitechinteriors.com.