Schommer Construction LLC

For more than 13 years, Schommer Construction LLC has been providing drywall contracting services throughout the state of Colorado. Located in Colorado Springs, Schommer Construction specializes in metal stud framing, drywall assemblies, insulation, acoustical ceilings and acoustical wall panels.

A personal touch

A commitment to completing jobs on time and under budget has developed Schommer Construction into a leading drywall contractor in Colorado. Determination and a focus on customer satisfaction has helped the company to rise up from its humble beginnings. “We had a meager amount of savings and a lot of hope and hard work when we started Schommer Construction in 2002,” says Howie Schommer, managing member and founder of Schommer Construction. “It was just me, my wife Diane and my son Mike who was still in college at the time. He would work for the company throughout the year during college breaks.”

With a focus on commercial work, Schommer Construction works with a wide variety of office complexes, health care facilities, higher education institutions and religious facilities. With approximately 100 employees and a projection of 150 by winter 2016, Schommer Construction has built its business on service, quality and value. With a dedicated combination of office staff and field personnel, the company aims to provide the highest degree of service and workmanship to its clients.

The family atmosphere that Schommer has created at Schommer Construction was never more present than during the recession. While the company remained intact through the economic downturn, many of the general contractors that Schommer Construction worked with were going out of business. In order to keep the company alive during this time, the entire team at Schommer Construction willingly accepted a brief pay cut and/or reduced hours. This allowed the company to not only stay in business, but also to keep the entire staff employed. “It was a great example of the team environment that we have here,” says Howie. “As soon as things turned around, Schommer Construction was able to restore pay to normal levels with added benefits.”

A diverse portfolio

From January to April 2014, Schommer Construction was involved in the construction of a state-of-the-art training facility for the Denver Broncos NFL football team. The bulk of the work completed by Schommer Construction included heavy-gauge framing, both load-bearing and non-load-bearing. The company worked on the facility in conjunction with general contractor Saunders Construction of Centennial, Colorado. Challenges included inclement weather and scheduling. In addition to these hurdles, some of the framing that Schommer Construction completed was upward of 120 feet high. “Emphasis on safety was never more evident.” says Mike.

Schommer Construction is currently involved in a project taking place at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. The company is working with Kiewit Construction Company of Englewood, Colorado, on two six-floor dormitories as well as a new cafeteria and administrative building for the school. “This has been an opportunity for us to showcase our light-gauge metal trusses installation capabilities,” Howie explains. “In the cafeteria and administrative building there are a lot of high-end, specialty ceilings being installed using Hunter Douglas products.”

Schommer Construction’s current and upcoming projects include Charis Bible College, special operations forces Battalion Headquarters, Quigley Hall Western State College, Recreational Wellness Center at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 4th ID CAB Fort Carson, and the Tri-Lakes YMCA.

A father-son team

Howie has been in the construction business for 40 years. After working for a contractor in Colorado Springs for 17 years, he decided to start his own business when the company he was working for was purchased by a large firm from the East Coast. “It just didn’t appear to be a good fit for me so I decided it was time for me to start my own company,” recounts Howie. “My wife Diane and son Mike were in full support of it from the beginning.”

The opportunity to work with his son has been the most rewarding aspect of operating Schommer Construction for Howie. As the company prepares to transition ownership to the next generation, Mike has been preparing to take on the family business. “It has been great to see him become more involved in the leadership role,” says Howie. “To see him want to take over the company is very satisfying.” Schommer Construction was started while Mike was attending Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, where he graduated with a business degree with an emphasis on marketing in 2005.

As the company transitions ownership, Schommer Construction is looking to increase its revenue over the next two years by approximately 20 percent. While it grows in annual revenue, the company is content with its infrastructure. By keeping with its one location, the company will maintain controlled growth, which will allow Schommer Construction LLC to continue to serve its clients and general contractors with the personal touch that it has become known for.