Phillips/May Corporation

Phillips/May Corporation (PMC) is a minority-owned general contractor founded in 1990 by Gilbert May and Gil Phillips. Since its founding as an interior finishing company, PMC has grown to become one of the most prominent general contractors in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, area, with experience in almost every sector of construction. From hospitals and institutional construction projects, to airports and job order contracts, PMC brings over 20 years of experience and a commitment to quality construction to every project it performs.

These days, the firm focuses primarily on construction work in the public sector, and provides design-build services, construction management, general construction services and LEED-certified construction services. PMC operated with two initiatives: building the facilities and infrastructure of the future, and preserving that of the past.

A Multifaceted Workforce

HUB-certified, PMC is a founding member of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association DFW, and works with the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency for Minority Business Entities, the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the LUNA Conference, among others. Through organizations such as these the distinguished firm draws from and adds to a diverse community. PMC is highly dedicated to developing a long-term, loyal workforce, and its 100 personnel attack the delivery of innovative, quality solutions and techniques with gusto. As Chris Escobedo, the firm’s general manager and a long-time business partner of company co-founder Gilbert May, explains, “The type of personnel who succeed here are very service-oriented and flexible, and we pride ourselves on being a friendly company.”

The ability to operate with a friendly tone has been a driving force throughout PMC’s history of delivering satisfaction. Escobedo, who holds a Masters Degree from the University of California at Berkeley, has been with the company officially since 1996, but he has known Gilbert May since 1989. The pair met when Escobedo had his own architecture and construction management firm. Escobedo’s firm was the developer on a project for the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and May’s company won the contract. “We just found we really liked working together, and we got along great, which is also important,” laughs Escobedo.

This same dedication to a traditional work ethic, treating everyone with respect, and nourishing a beneficial environment that extends to all involved has propelled the company in its relationships with clients and vendors. “We have many companies to whom we serve as a kind of mentor,” Escobedo continues. “We like to work with these companies, to help them grow to be larger companies, because we understand what they are going through because we went through it as well.”

Strengthening is not focused solely on a company-to-company or company-to-client basis with PMC. The firm reinforces safety through consistent monitoring and ongoing training, and has worked hard to develop an internal program to encourage advancement. “We’re … committed to developing professionals in the industry,” says Escobedo. “One of our senior estimators started her career with PMC as a summer intern. Once she got a taste of the business, she decided to stay on and has worked her way to become one of our key personnel – and we have lots of similar stories.”

Leaving a Mark of Excellence

PMC’s balanced team of diligent professionals showcased all of its community-minded capabilities on the Main Street Garden Park in downtown Dallas, Texas. The $9.2 million project involved the construction of a concessions pavilion and dining space, a fountain, and a playground. The design also incorporated a designated off-leash dog area, a variety of custom lighting, landscaping with irrigation, signage, paved and concrete sidewalks, paved trails and public art installations. “We are very excited,” says Escobedo. “This park will be one of downtown Dallas’ main parks and it turned out beautifully.” Despite record rainfall during construction and the site’s foot traffic, PMC was able to complete the project on schedule.

The firm also recently finished construction on a project for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), a long-time client of PMC. The firm set about restoring the Monroe Shops Building to be used as DART’s police facility. The project involved the restoration of a historic building originally built in 1914 and is currently pursuing LEED Platinum or Gold Certification status. The $17 million project involved a complete remodeling and upgrade to the building’s support structure, envelope, and interior finishes including new structural steel support systems and landscaping.

“Over the years, DART has really been a mentor to our company,” explains Escobedo, further emphasizing the importance of strong, respectful ties in the PMC corporate culture. “We couldn’t be more honored to take on such an important project for their operations.” Additionally, PMS has a long-standing job order contract with DART for both miscellaneous construction and demolition services.

Through the years, PMC has also been privileged to win job order contracts with large state organizations, including the Dallas Independent School District and the Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW).

“We do a lot of work at the airport,” laughs Escobedo. “For more than 10 years we have had contracts building hazmat facilities, runways and terminal extensions, really all kinds of work.” The firm’s portfolio with DFW includes a recent upgrade to all of the airport’s Flight Information Display Systems, work on the Automated People Mover System, signage installations, and parking lots.

PMC’s longstanding portfolio of public sector work is something that Escobedo feels carried the firm through the economic downturn. It would be a stretch to say that the firm has not escaped the effects of the downturn by any means, but Escobedo feels PMC is “very fortunate to be doing well, especially in this economy. Here in Dallas, we are seeing very competitive bidding, margins are tighter, and there are more bidders on every project. These days I have a stack of resumes on my desk from people who, two years ago, wouldn’t have given us a second thought.”

With PMC’s long-standing commitment to its community and personnel in mind, however, Escobedo will be able to watch growth in any economy. Regardless of market shifts, the Phillips/May Corporation has the experience and reputation to carry the company into any sector.