When the Gilbanes established a construction firm in 1873, their aim was to provide a good living for family members immigrating from Ireland. Through the years, Gilbane Inc. hasn't strayed far from that goal and, in fact, attributes much of its success to the fact that there's usually a Gilbane available to take calls or tackle issues as they arise. While that type of hands-on approach to operations has become less common for contractors with nearly a billion dollars in regional revenue, Gilbane executives say it's their linchpin for future growth.
"There is a real thirst for family-owned businesses that are less rigid and able to understand and adapt to [clients] in rapid time," says Bill Gilbane III, senior vice president. Many family members are involved in the firm and "there's not a lot of layers of bureaucracy, so you can always get a decision-maker on the phone," he says. "The decision loop is short, and customers feel confident that we can get to the heart of the problem."