Westec Construction Management

Del Lukasiewicz, founder and president of Westec Construction Management Company (Westec), has worked in the construction industry since the ripe age of 14. After receiving his degree in construction management from Colorado State University and gaining years of experience with other commercial builders, Lukasiewicz started Westec in 1988.

He invited longtime friend and colleague, Brian Artzer, to partner in the business in 1989. Artzer, also a Colorado State graduate with a degree in construction management, brought additional years of commercial and industrial experience to Westec. In a combined leadership role, Lukasiewicz and Artzer have utilized decades of experience to build a company established on reliability and quality deliverance.

Based in Longmont, Colo., Westec has delivered more than 1,000 successful projects over the last 25 years in virtually every state west of the Mississippi. Offering full-service construction services for light commercial structures – including restaurants, gas stations, banks and convenience stores – Westec services clients of all shapes and sizes.

“We primarily build restaurants for chain restaurants,” Lukasiewicz explains. “We work with all the major players, including McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, a lot of startups, a lot of different companies. We did the original Elway’s Steakhouse here in Denver.”

When NFL Quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee John Elway was looking to open his first restaurant in 2004, he turned to Westec to realize his goal. Located in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek North Neighborhood, ELWAY’S continues to provide high-end dining nearly 10 years since its opening. What is even more impressive, the athlete-turned-businessman has opened three more restaurants at other Colorado locations. With the early support of Lukasiewicz and his team, the hall of famer has found sustained success in the food service industry.

Services Galore

The four core pillars of the company’s success are experience, integrity, speed and quality. Having specialized in light commercial construction for 25 years, Westec has an eye for details other companies are likely to miss. Therefore, as far as foresight into potential problems, additions and savings, Westec is unmatched.

A contract founded on integrity ensures honesty and enables trust; if Westec promises a client to have a business open within 90 days, the client can count on that promise. Lastly, the high quality of Westec’s final product is top priority, as it will be tasked to stand the test of time. Westec has retained clients for decades, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to superior and enduring quality.

The company offers comprehensive services, including site preparation and general contracting. As the website states, “We’ll hire all the necessary subcontractors and generate all contracts, pick up all necessary permits, buy materials, coordinate delivery and installation by all your vendors, manage timelines and schedules and oversee all inspections.” Furthermore, Westec guarantees support during the crucial startup phase, as well as for one year post-completion.

Another valuable option the team at Westec offers is assistance with building design. Westec can help an owner build a design team, provide general estimates or fees for the design phase, as well as help an owner’s architect develop conceptual drawings and put clients in contact with vital city planners and agencies. For a first-time builder, Westec can make a daunting project easy and manageable.

Keeping Customers Happy

Over time, the company has grown with the help of a satisfied and returning customer base. In fact, 70 percent of Westec’s business comes from repeat customers and well over 90 percent from repeats and referrals. “We don’t cheat them, we’re straightforward, we’re honest and they respect that,” says Lukasiewicz. “We meet most of our deadlines, most of our budgets, and that’s always respected.”

Happy clients are even warmer in their praise of Westec’s work. “I’ve used five or six different contractors in the last seven years, and I’ve never found a better company than Westec, as far as being on time, very ethical, very professional,” one satisfied client explains. “The most amazing thing is that many of the companies I’ve used within the past always end up having change-orders. There are things they don’t put in the bids, and it can be costly – an additional 30 or 40 grand more. I have yet to have a change-order from Westec. They’ve either come in at or under budget every time,” the client continues.

Another testimonial from a happy client praises Westec’s character. “The quality of the work is unbelievable,” another pleased client shares. “Lukasiewicz is probably one of the most honest and genuine people I’ve ever, ever met in my entire life. And his work is just fantastic. The one time I’ve gone outside the box I had numerous problems with the builder, so I immediately went back to Lukasiewicz.”

A solid customer base has buoyed Westec through the recent economic downturn. In fact, Lukasiewicz and his team have retained solid growth. “We noticed the market picking up about 16 to 18 months ago,” he notes. “In April 2013, we started seeing a dramatic upswing across the board.” As the company continues to operate upon its defining principles of experience, integrity, speed and quality, Westec Construction Management will advance as the go-to contractor for all light commercial construction west of the Mississippi.