Case Studies Education

In 1965 Susan and Joe Gallagher founded Circulating Air, Inc., which offers heating, air conditioning, ventilating and sheet metal to private and public sectors. After 45 years, the Southern California-based company remains a very successful and stable company. According to Susan, Circulating Air’s success is due in part to its business philosophy. “We have a […]

Founded in 1921, G.W. Mitchell Construction (GWM) has steadily grown to become one of the San Antonio, Texas, area’s premier commercial general contractors. Now in its 90th year, the business is still owned by the Mitchell family, and continues to build on its longstanding strengths as a general contractor in the corporate, education, medical, church […]

Fritz Plumbing and Air LP (FPA) has been serving the region surrounding Frisco, Texas, since 1982. It was founded and originally run by Sam Fritz, but the majority of the work of late has fallen to Thomas Fritz, Sam’s son and the company’s general manager. Throughout two generations of leadership FPA has become established as […]

Tim Emory grew up in his father’s electrical company, Emory Electric Inc. “My father started the company in 1978. Back in those days he did mostly residential.  I was wiring houses at a very young age. I was studying business administration in college, so I kept the company books. I came on full-time in 1984 […]

When Leon DeMatteis founded Leon D. DeMatteis Construction Corporation (LDDCC) in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1918, he probably did not foresee it expanding to the group of companies now known collectively as the DeMatteis Organizations. With LDDCC leading the way, the DeMatteis family eventually expanded its construction services to include full-service residential management, airport development and […]

In today’s challenging economy and declining construction market, Development Solutions, Inc. (DSI) has set itself apart from the competition by focusing on three guiding principles: approach every project from the client’s point of view, focus on the process as well as the product, and provide unmatched customer service. Daniel Mazeiro and Craig Manske founded DSI […]

In 1995 Shannon and Bob Alten combined their education and experience in business and construction (respectively) to found Alten Construction Inc. Shannon, the company’s president, explains, “Bob has been hands-on since 16 years old, and always knew he wanted to be involved in construction. He studied engineering and architecture in college and worked in different […]

No job is too big or too small for the sheet metal manufacturers at Blue Diamond Sheet Metal. Vice President Al LaBella explains, “All the jobs are important to us, we’ll do a $500 job or a $10 million job, and we treat both of those clients the same. All of our clients are important […]

Bruce Merrick and his father always had a passion for sports, at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. Thus, in 1979 the two found a way to combine their appreciation for sports with career goals. Together they founded Dant Clayton Corporation, a top-notch outdoor seating systems manufacturer for sports venues that earns more than […]

President Woodrow Wilson sowed the seeds for the creation of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in 1918 when he recognized the need in the construction industry for a partner; a partner to represent the industry’s interests to the government, discuss the issues and plan for the advancement of the nation. For the 90 […]