TiltCon

TiltCon is a fully-owned subsidiary of Nielsen Builders, a Virginia-based contractor serving the construction industry for more than 100 years. While tilt-up concrete construction has long been a mainstay of the parent company, the leadership team decided to establish a separate division in 2014, forming TiltCon, which now serves Nielsen and other general contractors throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.

Legacy Cabinets & Millwork is another subsidiary of the Nielsen Builders. Formerly a division within the parent company, Legacy was officially established in 2005. With a team of skilled craftsmen on-staff, the company provides molding and millwork designs, fabrication, installation and more using leading technology and best practices.

Jim DeLucas, chief development officer for TiltCon and Nielsen, has been with the organization since 1988. DeLucas is responsible for a range of operational and development initiatives. He coordinates preconstruction activities such as budgeting, soliciting subcontractors, estimating activities and guaranteed maximum pricing throughout the process. During the preconstruction process, he works closely with the operations team to ensure a seamless transition to construction.

DeLucas’ colleagues work from a main office in Harrisonburg, Virginia. TiltCon currently employs approximately 15 people, specializing in efficient, safe and value-oriented tilt-up concrete construction. While the business performs a significant percentage of work for Nielsen, the team’s target market also includes a range of general contractors throughout Virginia and the surrounding states.

A growing portfolio

While TiltCon’s independence is still relatively new, the business has longstanding relationships and the support of its parent company to help boost activity. The team has tackled a wide range of projects, both under the Nielsen banner and for other contractors in the region. With a strong foundation and an existing portfolio that rivals more established tilt-up contractors, TiltCon continues to attract business.

The team works closely with building owners to achieve goals of structural stability, sustainability and aesthetics. With DeLucas at the helm, preconstruction services are strong and the company’s engineering and design partners’ capabilities comprise a force to be reckoned with.

One of TiltCon’s marquee projects has been the construction of a Gander Mountain store in Charlottesville, Virginia. TiltCon worked under the umbrella of Nielsen on the project – the prime contractor served as the general contractor.

Gander Mountain’s corporate identity hinges on sustainability, placing high value on preserving natural resources throughout its territory in North America. TiltCon’s performance on the project provided the client with efficient installation of concrete panels, which boost energy performance, are highly durable and can be recycled at the end of a building’s life span.

Other work includes projects for a range of end users. TiltCon has worked for commercial retailers, industrial transportation companies, schools and churches among others. The crew is currently working on the Petro Destination Station, which is slated for completion in spring 2016. Nielsen is the general contractor on the project with TiltCon working as a subcontractor. The end product will be a new full service truck stop with showers, a pharmacy, dining and convenience sales for truckers traveling the I81 corridor in Virginia.

Leading experience

The TiltCon team has an experiential advantage. As Nielsen has been in business for more than 100 years, clients know and respect the company’s brand identity. TiltCon benefits from this name recognition as well as the fact that a significant portion of the team has been in tilt-up construction for decades before the business went solo in the industry.

TiltCon is also a member of the CON/STEEL Alliance, a group of contractors licensed and prequalified for tilt-up work through CON/STEEL, a producer of innovative designs for this specific application. As certified experts in the line, TiltCon is recognized for expertise in design and troubleshooting in the field. Other benefits include the assurance of component consistency, improving the efficiency of design and installation. The Alliance continues to drive research and development programs that keep affiliated contractors ahead of the game with leading technology.

The business is well supported from all sides, ensuring strong growth potential over the coming years. “We have four large projects on the docket for 2015,” says DeLucas. “Since branching into a separate entity in 2014, we have seen 100 percent growth.” With an improving market and strong contractor relationships, TiltCon will continue to see marked growth in the years ahead.

The company has an established mastery of tilt-up construction, a method that is gaining popularity for a number of reasons. Value is the biggest factor in why clients choose tilt-up buildings. This method frequently shows improved cost efficiency over other practices, allowing contractors to complete projects faster and at a lower price point without compromising quality and durability.

Over the coming years, TiltCon will continue to grow as the award-winning business takes on new challenges in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.