While the Southwest construction market isn’t projected to suffer through another downturn, the results of ENR Southwest’s Specialty Contractors Survey and comments from several leaders of specialty contracting firms suggest that talk of a return to boom times any time soon is premature and unwarranted.
Less than 20 years ago, Aztec Engineering, Phoenix, was a disadvantaged business enterprise firm looking to make its mark. Today, the firm is the fifth largest on ENR Southwest's Top Design Firms ranking based on annual revenue. Aztec reported $27.83 million in regional revenue in 2014 and moved up 15 spots on the survey over the previous year, when it logged $14.95 million. The firm also ranks atop the survey's transportation category, with a plethora of projects in Arizona. Related Links: ENR Southwest Top Design Firms Engineering News Record Robert Lemke, CEO of Aztec, says the reason for the firm's
Helix Electric Nevada Inc., a Las Vegas-based turnkey electrical contractor, has quietly become an industry giant with a 400-employee work force and $83 million in revenue last year. The company anticipates 10% growth in 2014 due to a recovering economy and demand for solar power and multifamily housing. Helix attributes its success to a combination of business diversity, strong customer service and employee training, and little turnover. “Roughly 70% of our revenue comes from repeat business by approaching client issues as partners and problem solvers,” says Victor Fuchs, company president. “We supported many of our clients during the recession, and
McCarthy Building Cos. has had a standout year. From overcoming unique challenges in Las Vegas on the Hakkasan Nightclub and Restaurant to meeting the demands of the unique people-moving Sky Train at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport—and handling a plethora of projects in between—the firm has burnished its reputation and legacy. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record Due to these reasons and many others, McCarthy has been named ENR Southwest's 2014 Contractor of the Year.The company is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Timothy McCarthy began a lumber business in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1864, and soon thereafter became a