PAC Group LLC

Strong values not only make for something to firmly believe in, they also offer a sense of direction and guidance. Since 1996, PAC Group LLC (PAC Group) has positioned itself as a leading general contractor, construction manager and design-build firm across a range of sectors in Connecticut by focusing on core values.

“We have always held core beliefs, but about six months ago we reset the idea and started to really concentrate on them and not stepping out of the shadow of what they are,” reveals Paul Prenoveau, CEO of PAC Group.

Growing with the same sense of direction

PAC Group’s four cornerstones are: building a positive experience, from the design team to the owner and everyone involved down the line; no excuses; today not tomorrow; and communication that’s effective, efficient, clear, concise, complete and confirmed.

“Recently, PAC Group has focused on aligning everyone with these values from project managers to superintendents,” shares Prenoveau. “In the past, we’ve tried to diversify into different segments and the ones that didn’t fit our beliefs failed. I think that’s a testimony to the importance of our values and the sense of direction they provide us. As a company, we’re focusing on policies and procedures that truly align with our four cornerstones and trying not to diverge from it.”

Since its inception in 1996, PAC Group has supported a broad range of industries in the state. “We stay out of the public sector but we do a lot of work for private schools around Connecticut,” shares Prenoveau. “We also do a great deal of private medical and Class-A office space renovations and interior fit-outs.”

Today, PAC Group is the builder of record on all types of projects, from private institutions to health care, industrial and warehouse to lifestyle and mixed-use development, retail, senior living, historical renovations and apartment housing. Based in Harwinton, Conn., PAC Group employs 28 professionals, but Prenoveau says the company is expanding.

“We continue to grow, even though the recession,” he notes. “We set a goal of $50 million for 2104 and we’re off to a good start. We purchased three buildings in 2013 because we have outgrown our space here. We’re going to be moving into the new office in 2014.”

Putting people first

While the firm continues to expand its facilities and client base, PAC Group’s main goal is to build customer relationships for the long term, operating as a partner that understands customers’ businesses, as well as its own. “Our people are the key to our success,” reveals Prenoveau. “They are smart, responsive and personable. They are specialists who have a thorough understanding of our customers’ business.”

Prenoveau says PAC Group has a certain knack for attracting the right people. “Our ability to attract and develop talent with the necessary skills, ideas and experience is a hallmark of our success, which has resulted in sound business principles and a solid reputation that has fueled our growth and standing as a leader in the Northeast,” he asserts.

Going green

Among many of PAC Group’s award-winning designs is the $14 million Community Health Center in Middletown, Conn. “The facility specializes in health care services for low-income patients,” notes Prenoveau. “The new 40,000-square-foot center is located on Main Street in Middletown and has been honored by the CT Green Building Council with the 2013 Public Award of Merit at the Annual Green Building Awards.”

Built with recycled and regional materials, the Community Health Center exemplifies sustainability and environmental stewardship. “The goal was LEED certification,” reveals Prenoveau. “Our sustainable solutions include a cultivated green roof to reduce the heat island effect, a high performance building envelope, as well as an electric car charging station.”

As the general contractor on the project, PAC Group collaborated with architects Robert Olson and Associates, Program Management Group and Suzanne Robinson and Tom Nichols of 4 Elements Group, a LEED-certified consultant. The building has helped revive Main Street in Middletown, offering primary care services in medicine, dentistry and behavioral health with a special commitment to the uninsured and underinsured population.

PAC Group also made an impact at the $13 million Hopkins School in New Haven, Conn., Quinnipiac University’s School of Communication, the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass., as well as many other institutions across the region.

Building relationships for the long term, PAC Group frequently finds itself on the same campus multiple times. The company completed the renovations of Wesleyan University’s Hall Atwater Labs in April 2013. “This was our seventh project for Wesleyan University,” adds Prenoveau.

The company makes a point to give back to the community that’s made success possible for the past six years. In May 2013, PAC Group donated materials from a tenant fit-out project to the Bergenfield Community Center. “We sent over lighting, ceiling tiles, millwork, doors, frames and hardware,” shares Prenoveau. “The center will use the materials for a new facility to offer information, education and activities for people of all ages in the community.”

PAC Group continues to abide and operate around its four core values: building a positive experience, no excuses, today not tomorrow and effective communication. These cornerstones have driven the company for 18 years and continue to move PAC Group LLC forward toward growth and significant expansion.