Profile: Richard Ghilotti

Posted on November 12, 2012 by administrator

http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com     © 2004 North Bay Business Journal

Name: Richard Ghilotti

Title: Owner and president

Company: Ghilotti Construction Co.

Company Address: 246 Ghilotti Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95407

Phone: 707-585-1221

Website: www.ghilotti.com

Age: 57

Residence: San Rafael

Professional Background: Ghilotti Construction: president (1992-present); Ghilotti Brothers: operations manager (1983-92), superintendent (1973-83), and operating engineer (1964-73)

Education: BS in finance, Santa Clara University, 1968

Staff: 80 full-time, 350 peak

BY JEFF QUACKENBUSH

STAFF REPORTER

SANTA ROSA -Richard “Dick” Ghilotti literally has helped reshape the North Bay in his more than 45 years in engineering construction.

He grew up in one of the region’s longest operating construction families. Grandfather James Ghilotti started a stone paving business in Marin in 1914 after emigrating from Italy. The company later progressed into road and bridge work and became Ghilotti Brothers Construction, led by Dick Ghilotti’s father, Dino, and three brothers. Dick Ghilotti got his start in the family business at age 13, washing trucks and doing other jobs. After graduating from Marin Catholic High School in 1964, he entered a journeyman trainee program for heavy earthmoving equipment. For the next 10 years, he was an operating engineer, progressing from running equipment to checking grading work to running small and large crews. Much of that work was in Sonoma County for Marin developers. During that time, he earned an undergraduate degree in finance from Santa Clara University. At 28, he moved into management as a superintendent. About that time in the mid 1970s, he and his father purchased property on Todd Road in Santa Rosa to establish the company’s Santa Rosa office. In the economic recession during the early 1990s, Ghilotti Brothers and other contractors were consolidating, and Ghilotti Brothers was planning for succession. Dick Ghilotti, operations manager at the time, and cousin Jim Ghilotti split off and started Ghilotti Construction in Santa Rosa in 1992. From its launch during a recession, Ghilotti Construction has grown, opening an office in San Rafael five years ago. Today at 57, Mr. Ghilotti is owner and president of the third-largest commercial general contractor in the North Bay, according to the BUSINESS JOURNAL’s Book of Lists. During the peak of the construction season, the company has some 350 workers, including 50 in administration; 100 pieces of equipment; and 50 trucks on grading, paving, and underground projects in the Bay Area. Ghilotti Construction generated $70 million in revenues last year, $45 million from the Santa Rosa office and $25 million from San Rafael. Notable current projects include homes on Mare Island in Vallejo for Lennar, a Wal-Mart complex near Oakland International Airport for Simeon Properties, Christopherson Homes’ 100-home Gordon Ranch project in Santa Rosa, a few subdivisions in Cloverdale, and Hiddenbrooke subdivision in Vallejo for Triad Communities. Past projects include a $60 million renovation of Infineon Raceway, Buck Center for Research in Aging in Novato, Big Rock Ranch for George Lucas, a phase of The Geysers pipeline, and $10 million in site work at Mayacamas Golf Club.

Industry outlook: After weathering the power shortages, the recession, and [the aftermath of] September 11, 2001, I’m very optimistic. There seems to be a lot of demand for engineering contracting these days. When architects and civil and soil engineers are busy, we are busy. We’re starting to see winery construction projects return and some commercial building, too. Project owners seem to be investing again. Even with the state budget deficit, there are a lot of public works projects going on, because they’re already funded. With bond measures passing and the recall [of Governor Davis], things are a lot better than I thought they would be right now.

Goals and philosophies: Personally, I treat everybody as I would expect to be treated. In business, I do a good job and have fun as I build the companyís reputation and make money. Greatest opportunity: Sonoma County has a lot of old infrastructure and new residential and industrial developments. There will be great potential when the economy returns.

Greatest challenges: I like visiting job sites to meet with clients and workers, but there is a challenge to balancing that with managing the office. For my company and the industry, it is difficult to increase profits in a competitivebidding environment when materials, fuel, and insurance costs increase so much and so quickly.

Biggest risk: Sending workers to job sites surrounded by traffic.

Favorite tasks: Finishing a job, getting a pat on the back by the owner, and being able to see it for years.

Most admired businessperson: Enzo Ferrari.

Most wanted to meet: Enzo Ferrari and President Reagan.

Current reading: Let Freedom Ring by Sean Hannity.

Favorite restaurants: In Marin, it’s Marin Joe’s, a contractor’s hangout because of quick service. In Sonoma County, Capri is good for client and business lunches.

Stress reliever: Boating.

Words that best describe you: Easygoing, patient, but Italian (simmering temper).

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Keeping Excellence in the Family for Nearly 100 Years!

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Webmaster 1

In today’s business culture, in which continuity seems almost nonexistent, Ghilotti Construction Company’s nearly century-long family tradition occupies a unique and treasured place.

GCC traces its history back to 1914, when Italian immigrant James Ghilotti founded his stone masonry company from the back of a horse-drawn cart. James’s son Dino Ghilotti carried on both the family name and reputation for excellence.

Fast-forward 97 years from the beginning, and GCC has grown into one of the largest construction firms in northern California, generating annual revenues in excess of $130 million. But it’s still a family-run operation, with third-generation President Richard (Dick) Ghilotti at the helm, and the fourth generation represented in GCC leadership by Dick Ghilotti’s nephew, Senior Vice President of Ope­rations Brian Ongaro, and son, Facilities Manager William Ghilotti.  The youngest grandson, Dino Ghilotti, is currently attending theUniversity of Miami, and will join the company upon graduation. Completing the senior leadership team are General Manager Ali  Yazdi and CFO Stacy Magill.

Headquartered in Santa Rosa since 1992, GCC has expanded its operations across the region, with offices inSan Rafael, AmericanCanyon and Livermore. Recently, GCC acquired North Bay Construction, and this melding of two successful companies has enabled GCC to thrive in an ever-changing economy. With greater resources and flexibility than ever, GCC continues to grow its traditional base in commercial and residential operations while emerging as an industry leader in the public works and heavy construction sectors.

GCC prides itself on pioneering environmental consciousness in every aspect of its operations. The company’s new headquarters building stands as a model of 21st-century green technology, inside and out. Additionally, GCC led the industry in converting its fleet to sustainable biodiesel fuels. In keeping with its long-standing family and community focus, GCC also supports numerous charities and nonprofit organizations benefiting local families and children.

With its signature red vehicles and yellow/red equipment, GCC is a familiar sight at major construction sites throughout northern California.  Recent and current noteworthy projects include:

  • Marin County: Cal Park Tunnel, and the U.S. Highway 101 and Bellam undercrossing in San Rafael for CalTrans, and Big Rock Ranch for Lucas Films
  • Contra Costa County: El Charro Infrastructure for the City of Livermore, six miles of HOV lanes on U.S. Highway 580, U.S. Highway 580 and Isabel Avenue Interchange, and Paragon Outlets
  • NapaCounty: Napa State Hospital and Devlin Road Extension
  • Sonoma County: Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, freeway expansion along U.S. Highway 101 from Rohnert Park to Petaluma and Sutter Medical Center in Sonoma County
  • Solano County: Interstate 80 and N. Texas Street Interchange, Nut Tree, and North Villlage development for Discovery Builders.

GCC at its core remains a close-knit family today’s Ghilotti leadership never loses sight of the values set forth by their forefather and founder, James Ghilotti:

“Do good work. Be responsible. Take care of the community and the people who work for you.”

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Ghilotti Construction Company Named Top North Bay Contractor for 2012

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Webmaster 1

http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/62116/top-commercial-general-contractors-2012/  © 2011 North Bay Business Journal

By

Commercial general contractors

Richard Ghilotti

Ghilotti Construction Co., 246 Ghilotti Ave., Santa Rosa 95407; 707-585-1221; ghilotti.com; 275 employees; ’11 revenues: North Bay $63.0 million, companywide $140.0 million

President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Ghilotti, 65, co-founded the general engineering contracting company in 1992. The company has established offices in Marin and Napa counties and the East Bay and acquired North Bay Construction in 2010.

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Willie Ghilotti: Facilities Manager Recognition Award Winner for 2012

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Webmaster 1

http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/54941/facilities-managers-awards-winners-for-2012/  © 2011 North Bay Business Journal

By Eric Gneckow, Jeff Quackenbush and Dan Verel, Business Journal Staff Reporters

Willie Ghilotti, Ghilotti Construction Company

Co-owner and Facilities Manager, Ghilotti Construction Company, 246 Ghilotti Ave., Santa Rosa; 707-585-1221; www.ghilotti.com

Age: 34

Residence: Petaluma

Professional background: Facilities manager, Ghilotti Construction, 2010–present; foreman, Operating Engineers Union Local No. 3, 2000–present; Laborers’ Local 291, 1994–2000

Education: College of Marin, Santa Rosa Junior College, Ghilotti Construction Company University

Staff size: 5 in peak season; company employs 100 full-time, 350 in the peak season.

Describe the facilities you oversee: Buildings and construction yards at Ghilotti division offices in Santa Rosa, American Canyon/Napa, San Rafael, and Livermore; North Bay Construction facility in Petaluma during acquisition. Plus job-specific projects that require satellite yards, such as the new 49ers stadium site in Santa Clara, the new Sutter Health hospital site north of Santa Rosa, East Washington Plaza shopping center site in Petaluma.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am passionate about what I do and always perform to the best of my ability with all responsibilities, decisions and opportunities. I help drive growth, innovation, efficiency, safety and productivity. I set the bar for myself every day and always remember what this company was built on “hard work and dedication.” I strive to be the best because there is no alternative and am fortunate to be a part of such a great company and to be surrounded by a strong army of men and women and attribute my success to my fellow team members here. I am most grateful to the previous generations that have paved the way and made my success possible.

What do you see as the role of the facilities managers within your organization?: There is so much to mention. I maintain each facility for operational purposes, ensure that the locations are state of the art, safe and organized in an ergonomic and efficient manner. I manage and juggle equipment and products to make sure jobs have what they need on a daily basis. As the purchasing agent, I make sure I get the best service from suppliers and products at a competitive price.

We have more than 50 jobs annually, and to ensure that each person, division, and job location has what is needed is challenging. Day to day, the needs of each changes and the ability to respond efficiently and timely is hard, but you learn to adapt and make it work. As many other facilities managers can attest to, my role at Ghilotti Construction extends beyond facilities management, and I welcome opportunities to grow and learn in other areas of responsibility.

What is the achievement you are most proud of?: Being a dad to my new baby girl, Vivian, and my son, Jayden. Profession-wise, being involved in numerous projects, knowing I contributed to their completion, including Sears Point (Sonoma) Raceway, Hiddenbook subdivision, Mare Island subdivision, Mark West Rock Quarry, Highway 101 widening in Santa Rosa, Interstate 80 interchange at North Texas Street, numerous Discovery Builders projects, the new 49er stadium and Sutter hospital north of Santa Rosa, and Highway 12 in Jameson Canyon between Napa and Solano counties. One of the projects I am most proud of is helping my father and Stacy Magill, our chief financial officer, design the company’s new “green” office building, inside and out.

What is your biggest challenge today?: With the day-to-day demands and ongoing changing needs within my position, my biggest challenge is learning where and how to be the most productive. Focusing and not losing sight of goals and working to obtain them. Learning to use my time wisely, as well as manpower, wisely and efficiently.

What the next major project either under way or on the horizon?:Converting the entire company to various digital platforms. Implementing on- and off-road GPS systems on equipment to maximize accuracy and efficiency. Software utilization to capture real-time equipment, labor and job costs through HCSS heavy construction bid-estimating software.

What product or service would help or is helping you do your job more effectively?: ToolWatch software allows us to manage and track thousands of pieces of tools and equipment, consumables and materials, as well as service, calibration, purchasing and receiving, job cost and billing.

Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Mark Breslin, chief executive officer of United Contractors Association, renowned speaker on construction leadership, strategy and labor-management relations and author of Alpha Dog and Survival of the Fittest, and Keith Ferrazzi, expert on relationship development, a world-renowned speaker, and New York Times best-selling author of Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back.

Current reading: Good to Great by Jim Collins

Most want to meet: Sun Tzu, Chinese general and military strategist who wrote The Art of War, and Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People

Stress relievers: Vacationing and hanging out with family and friends

Favorite hobbies: Snow skiing, riding dirt bikes, playing basketball, DJing

Words that best describe you: Fortitude, tenacity, passion, hard-working, loyal, no-nonsense, generous, detail-oriented, considerate, organized, patient, diplomatic, dynamic, motivated and driven

Is there something we didn’t ask that you would like to add: The most influential people in my life have been my grandfather Dino Ghilotti, my father, Richard Ghilotti, and my brother Dino Ghilotti.

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Castro Valley to Celebrate Reopening of Boulevard

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Webmaster 1

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_21934277/castro-valley-celebrate-reopening-boulevard

By Rebecca Parr The Daily Reviewcontracostatimes.com

Posted:   11/05/2012 03:23:44 PM PST

November 6, 2012 2:38 AM GMT Updated: 11/05/2012 06:38:16 PM PST

CASTRO VALLEY — Castro Valley will party Saturday to celebrate the end of two years of traffic delays, detours, frustration and dust along the town’s main thoroughfare.

“Meet in the Street,” marking the reopening of Castro Valley Boulevard, will include live entertainment, drawings for prizes, a beer and wine booth, coupons, speeches from local officials and a ribbon-cutting.

Ghilotti Construction, of Santa Rosa, began work on Castro Valley Boulevard, the community’s main artery, in 2010. During the construction, local merchants were hit hard.

The roadwork, officially called the Castro Valley Streetscape Project, reconfigured traffic lanes, widened sidewalks and added bike lanes, LED streetlights, trees and planter beds.

The event will give residents a chance to visit businesses on the boulevard, said Jaimie Orfanos, of the Alameda County Community Development Agency.

“We have worked with the merchants to get discount coupons so people can meander the area and get to know the merchants again,” she said.

One of those taking part in Saturday’s festivities will be Intero Real Estate Services at 3185 Castro Valley Blvd.

“I think people are ready to celebrate,” said Dave Wilhite, Intero broker/owner. “Having the boulevard open and modernized and more pedestrian-friendly, it’s all good.”

Wilhite said he hopes the party will create a bounce of more sales and better business downtown.

The $11 million road project was a partnership between Alameda County and the Castro Valley Sanitary District. Construction included both the streetscape improvements and replacement of a 30-inch sewer line.

It was funded with $8.7 million from the former Alameda County Redevelopment Agency and $2.3 million from the sanitary district. The project was one of the last Alameda County was able to fund with redevelopment money before Gov. Jerry Brown dissolved redevelopment agencies earlier this year.

Castro Valley Boulevard will be shut down from San Miguel Avenue to Redwood Road from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday for the festivities.

Seven stages will be set up. In addition, “Nutcracker” soldiers, a juggling elf on a unicycle and elves making balloon creations will wander the street.

“The holidays are coming early to Castro Valley,” Orfanos said. “The boulevard is a gift, in a sense.”

One of more unusual activities at the celebration is a poker run from 3 to 5 p.m. Despite its name, contestants will be walking to seven businesses to collect playing cards. The best seven hands will win grand prizes, and the others will be entered into a drawing, said Nikki Mendez, of the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce. The price is $10 for one hand, $15 for two.

“This is our first poker run, so we’re not sure what to expect,” she said. “But we hope it will be a lot of fun and help get more people into downtown Castro Valley and into the shops.”

A light parade at 5:30 p.m. will conclude the festivities. The parade will have a small-town feel, with floats, antique vehicles, Irish dancers, motorcycles and even service dogs, all with lights attached. The parade ends with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

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Santa Rosa Celebrates Sixth Street Undercrossing

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Webmaster 1

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120910/ARTICLES/120919951   © 2012 Press Democrat

By     THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Monday, September 10, 2012 at 6:24 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, September 10, 2012 at 6:24 p.m.

Santa Rosa leaders, city staff and neighbors gathered Monday at the site of the new Sixth Street undercrossing to celebrate the completion of a project designed to help reconnect a city long divided by Highway 101.

The project was finished over the summer at a cost of about $1.3 million, more than half of which came from federal and state transportation grants.

It was a rare opportunity to improve the connections for cars, bicycles and pedestrians between the downtown and Railroad Square neighborhoods, said Rick Moshier, the city director of transportation and public works.

Mayor Ernesto Olivares noted that the short new stretch of roadway, including sideways, bike lanes and pedestrian-scale lampposts, connects the West End neighborhood, Chops Teen Center, future SMART train station and miles of trails with the St. Rose neighborhood, Sonoma County Museum and downtown.

“That’s what the highway underpass behind me represents — connectivity; the connection between two vibrant business districts and unique neighborhoods on either side of the freeway,” Olivares said shortly before cutting an orange ribbon with an oversized pair of scissors.

Olivares thanked numerous people, including Councilman Gary Wysocky, who represents the city on the Sonoma County Transportation Authority and pushed for redirecting funds left over from the Highway 101 widening project to the undercrossing.

One of the engineering challenges was that the roadbed had to be dug down 3½-feet to provide the required 15 feet of vertical clearance. That created some drainage issues that had to be resolved, Moshier said.

“Projects like this get so complicated, you wouldn’t believe it,” he said.

The work was completed by Ghilotti Construction Co. of Santa Rosa.

Allan Thomas, a director of the West End Neighborhood Association, said Sixth Street was cut off when the freeway was elevated decades ago, something he said was poor planning.

“It has taken us years and years — probably 20 years — to undo what we did 50 years ago by blocking off that street,” Thomas said.

Several other public works projects are planned for the area, including a SMART multi-use path between West Eight Street and College Avenue, sewer and water improvements at Sixth Street, storm drain improvement at Fourth Street and the construction of the SMART station, Moshier said.

“There a lot of public investment going on in this part of town,” Moshier said.

You can reach Staff WriterKevin McCallum at 521-5207or kevin.mccallum@pressdemocrat.com.

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Ghilotti Construction Wins $10.4 Million 49er Stadium Site Contract

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Webmaster 1

http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/48352/ghilotti-awarded-10-million-sitework-contract-for-49er-stadium/   © 2012 North Bay Business Journal

SANTA ROSA – The Ghilotti Construction Company has been awarded a $10,422,000 public works contract by the City of Santa Clara Stadium Authority to conduct site research and to manage the relocation of underground utilities on the grounds set aside for the new 49er football stadium between Highways 101 and 237.

The City of Santa Clara dedicated a 14-acre parcel for the stadium located adjacent to the Great America theme park.

“This award covering site and surface improvements is one of the first sub-contracts to be granted for the new stadium project which has a projected cost of approximately $1 billion,” said Thomas Smith, estimating manager for Ghilotti Construction Company.

“We were the low bid among nine other contractors for this initial assignment. We hope this advance work will lead to additional stadium contracts for us in the future.”

The footprint of the new stadium will cover what is now mostly a large parking area that will become the home of the new 68,000-seat stadium with 168 luxury boxes scheduled for completion in time for the 2015 football season.

The contract was awarded in mid-December and Ghilotti has had a team in the area conducting investigative site research activities for over a month.

This is a make-ready project involving the relocation of existing underground utilities (water, sewer, street light power lines) as well as retaining walls and sidewalks before actual stadium construction can begin.

Groundbreaking for these relocation activities will begin January 30. Ghilotti plans to have some 45 employees engaged at the site.

“We are working under a compressed time schedule to complete site preparations in cooperation with several public utility firms since pilings for the new stadium will be drilled in in May to support the foundation,” Mr. Smith said. “Our Livermore office is managing this project with support from a team based in Santa Rosa.”

Overall integrated design-build and construction delivery system is a joint venture between Turner Construction and Devcon Construction. The HNTB Corporation of Los Angeles developed the stadium’s architectural design.

In addition to the 49er stadium contract, Ghilotti has also recently been awarded major public sector contracts totaling $61.5 million.

Caltrans highway construction projects include work along highway 12 in Napa, Highway 5 in Woodland, and Highway 101 improvements in Petaluma Windsor and Cloverdale – in addition to Burbank Avenue improvements in Sonoma County and City of Santa Rosa improvements on Sixth Street.

Ghilotti Construction Company is located at 246 Ghilotti Ave, in Santa Rosa, California 95407-8152.

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It’s a Winter Wonderland at Ghilotti Construction Company

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Webmaster 1

Every year, Ghilotti Construction Company (GCC) holds its annual Christmas Yard Party. This is no typical Holiday party by any means. It is a special day for the field workers, administrative employees, and their families to come together at Ghilotti’s huge yard on Ghilotti Avenue and celebrate the holidays. In the spirit of the holiday season, GCC trucks in snow each year for the celebration (usually from Tahoe). There will be snowball fights, sledding, and merry children playing in the mounds of snow all day long. The highlight of the day is when Dick Ghilotti comes driving up in his huge diesel truck in a Santa outfit and hands out presents to all the children. Dick Ghilotti states that, “neither rain, nor poor economic conditions will stop the festivities. It is very important to acknowledge all of my employees and the fine job they are doing.”

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Ghilotti Construction Named Among Top Commercial General Contractors

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Webmaster 1

http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/41630/top-commercial-general-contractors-2011/  © 2011 North Bay Business Journal

By

(Listed in the ranking order by North Bay revenues in the March 21 Business Journal list of North Bay Commercial General Contractors.)

Wesley Barry II

Vice president and head of project management, Midstate Construction, 1180 Holm Rd., Petaluma 94954; 707-762-3200; midstateconstruction.com; 70 employees; 2010 revenue: $76 million

Wesley Barry, 48, earned Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control and Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Practitioner (QSP) certifications last month. Roger Nelson is president.

Top current projects: 180-unit Arroyo Vista Family & Senior Housing, Dublin, $33 million; 145,000-square-foot addition to The Meritage Resort and Conference Center, Napa, $24 million; 56,000 square feet of science and humanities buildings at College of the Redwoods, Eureka, $21 million.

Richard Ghilotti

President, Ghilotti Construction Co., 246 Ghilotti Ave., Santa Rosa 95407; 707-585-1221; www.ghilotti.com; 277 employees*; 2010 revenues: North Bay $68 million, companywide $124 million

Top recent projects: Cal Park Hill Tunnel, San Rafael, $5 million; Geyserville stabilzation project, $4 million; federal stimulus-funded asphalt overlay project, Sonoma County, $2.3 million.

Kelly Kollander

President, O.C. Jones & Sons. North Bay office: 285 Mini Dr., Vallejo 94589-1774; 707-648-0291; www.ocjones.com; 50 North Bay employees; 2010 revenues: North Bay $56 million, companywide $120 million

Top recent local projects: Highway 101 widening, Santa Rosa, $85 million; Interstate 80 expansion, Fairfield, $28 million; Interstate 80 expansion, Vallejo, $20 million

Jeff Lucchetti

President, Jeff Luchetti Construction, 70 Stony Point Rd., Ste. D, Santa Rosa 95401; 707-527-5788; www.jlcbuild.com; 38 employees; 2010 revenue: $51 million

Jeff Lucchetti, 54, who started the company in 1998, said the company continues to build its portfolio of LEED projects, including LEED Gold and Platinum. JLC completed a net zero energy-use building for East Bay Municipal Utility District. JLC’s modular division  added new products, including two new two-story projects with 30,000 and 36,000 square feet.

Top recent projects: College of Marin new fine arts building, Kentfield, $12.0 million; Sonoma County Office of Education community school, Santa Rosa, $5.2 million; Twin Cities Police Department building, Larkspur, $8.7 million; Marcassin Winery, Windsor.

Mark Davis

President, Wright Contracting, P.O. Box 1270, Santa Rosa 95402; 707-528-1172; www.wrightcontracting.com; 35 employees; 2010 revenue: $36 million

Top current projects: North Acute Care Building at Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Napa, $55.0 million; De Anza High School new construction, El Sobrante, $62.5 million; Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Facility, Santa Rosa, $13.0 million.

Michael Ghilotti

President, Ghilotti Bros. Inc., 525 Jacoby St., San Rafael 94901; 415-454-7011; www.ghilottibros.com; 250 employees; 2010 revenues: North Bay $21.3 million, companywide $108 million

Michael Ghilotti, 49, leads a company that made it onto Engineering News-Record‘s list of the nation’s top 400 construction companies (debuting at No. 396), won the Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2010 and 2011 as well as International Partnering Institute’s 2011 Partnering Champion award and San Rafael Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Largest Business of the Year.

Top current projects: Highway 101 widening and HOV lanes, Rohnert Park, $39.4 million; Highway 101 HOV lanes and bridge widening, Novato, $25.1 million (with RM Harris); Conzelman Road improvements, Marin Headlands, $9.8 million; Dry Creek Rancheria northwest embankment retaining wall site improvements, Healdsburg, $3.3 million; Marin County pavement resurfacing, Novato and Tiburon, $1 million.

Jonathan Foad

Vice president of operations, Rudolph and Sletten. Regional office: 1504 Eureka Rd., Ste. 200, Roseville 95661-3058; 916-781-8001; www.rsconstruction.com; 2010 revenue: North Bay $22.8 million, companywide $623.0 million

Top local recent project: Sonoma State University Green Music Center, Rohnert Park, $90.0 million.

Daniel Garon

Project manager, Devcon Construction. North Bay office: 1700 Corporate Cir., Petaluma 94954; 707-765-1580; www.devcon-const.com; eight North Bay employees*; 2010 revenue: North Bay $17.3 million, companywide $475.0 million

Top recent local project: Enphase Energy tenant improvement, Petaluma, $5.0 million; Thermo Fisher tenant improvement, Petaluma, $3.9 million; The Landing at Hamilton sitework, Novato, $1.9 million; Sonoma Wine Co. solar, Graton, $375,000.

Craig Nordby

President and CEO, Nordby Construction; CEO of Nordby Wine Caves and Nordby Signature Homes; 1550 Airport Blvd., Ste. 101, Santa Rosa 95403; 707-526-4500; www.nordby.net; 40 employees; 2010 revenue: North Bay $10 million, companywide $15 million

Top current projects: Nordby Construction: Valhall Winery, Healdsburg. Nordby Wine Caves: Halter Winery, Paso Robles. Nordby Signature Homes: Chalk Hill estate residence, Healdsburg.

William McDevitt Jr.

President, McDevitt & McDevitt Construction Corp., 3820 Cypress Dr., Ste. 6, Petaluma 94954; 707-763-3000; www.mcdevittandmcdevitt.com; 13 employees*; 2010 revenue: $13 million

Top recent projects: Laura Chenel Chevre Sonoma, $5 million-plus; Hill Top 1892 restaurant remodel, Novato, $1.1 million; Bank of Marin branch, Corte Madera, $690,000.

Maurice Helmer

President, Helmer & Sons Inc., P.O. Box 868, Angwin 94508; 707-965-2425; www.helmers.net; 40 employees*; 2010 revenues: $12.4 million

A civil engineering graduate from Walla Walla University in 1981, Maurice Helmer leads the company as well as directs its sitework division. The Helmer family started the company in 1975, and incorporated the business in 1991. Co-founder Douglas Helmer runs the building division.

Top recent projects: St. Helena Hospital cancer treatment/outpatient services building, Deer Park, $19.0 million; St. Helena Hospital ancillary remodel and utility trench, Deer Park/St. Helena, $3.3 million; Diamond Hills Estate offsite improvements, Calistoga, $877,000; Pacific Union College dining commons remodel, Angwin, $800,000.

Richard Kirby and York Saccomanno

Co-owners, Kirby Construction Co., 3343 Industrial Dr., Ste. 9, Santa Rosa 95403; 707-526-0880; www.kirbycon.com; 15 employees*; 2010 revenues: $9.2 million

Richard Kirby started the company in 2002, and his longtime friend York Saccomanno became a second owner in 2004.

Top recent project: Medical facilities upgrade, Santa Rosa, $8.0 million

Jim Murphy

President, Jim Murphy & Associates, 464 Kenwood Ct., Ste. B, Santa Rosa 95407; 707-576-7337; www.j-m-a.com; 38 employees*; 2010 revenues: North Bay $8.1 million, companywide $17.6 million

Top recent projects: KaiserAir Santa Rosa Jet Center hangar, Santa Rosa; Williams Selyem Winery, Russian River Valley; Ganau America new facility, Sonoma, about $5 million.

Mike Gentry

President, GCCI, P.O. Box 11039, Santa Rosa 95406; 707-545-2134; www.gcciinc.com; 14 employees; 2010 revenues: $7 million

Mike Gentry, 53, became president in 2009 upon the retirement of Gary Montalto. His father, Lawrence Gentry, who died last year,  started the company in 1976.

Top recent projects: DeTurk Round Barn renovation, Santa Rosa, $2.4 million; county of Marin building renovation, San Rafael, $2.2 million; Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station, $1 million.

Rick Freeman

President, Codding Construction, 1400 Valley House Dr., Ste. 100, Rohnert Park 94928; 707-795-3550; www.codding.com; 11 employees*; 2010 revenues: $6.2 million

Top recent projects: Coddingtown Mall renovation, Santa Rosa; Middletown High School stadium improvement project, Middletown, $1.6 million; Mary Collins Elementary School remodel, Petaluma, $725,000; Social Security Administration tenant improvements, Santa Rosa, $700,000; Women-Infants-Children office, Santa Rosa, $510,000.

Jim Pacatte

President, Pacatte Construction Co., 5560 Skylane Blvd., Ste. B, Santa Rosa 95492; 707-527-5983; www.pacatteconstruction.com; six employees*; 2010 revenue: $5.8 million

Top recent projects: G&C Auto Body, Windsor, $3.0 million; Lytton Rancheria housing, Windsor, $1.5 million; Summerfield Cinema, Santa Rosa, $300,000.

Glen Ghilotti

President, Team Ghilotti, 2531 S. Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma 94952; 707-763-8700; www.teamghilotti.com; 30 employees; 2010 revenue: North Bay $4.1 million, companywide $15.8 million

Top recent projects: Kaiser Permanente medical facilities, San Rafael and Santa Rosa; Redwood Landfill expansion, Novato.

Tom Andrews

President, Andrews & Thornley Construction**, 951 California Blvd., Napa 94559; 707-252-3478; www.atconstruction.com

Bill Maudru

President, Cello & Maudru Construction Co.**, 2505 Oak St., Napa 94559; 707-257-0454; www.cello-maudru.com

Mike Smith Jr.

President, Argonaut Constructors, 1236 Central Ave., Santa Rosa 95401; 707-542-4862; www.argonautconstructors.com

Gary Ghilotti

Maggiora & Ghilotti, 555 DuBois St., San Rafael 94901; 415-459-8640; www.maggiora-ghilotti.com

John McGarva

Western Water Constructors, 707 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa 95403; 707-540-9640; www.westernwater.com

 

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CFO Stacy Magill Receives North Bay CFO Award

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Webmaster 1

http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/37922/stacy-magill-ghilotti-construction-company/   © 2011 North Bay Business Journal

By

Name: Stacy L. Magill

Title: CFO

Company: Ghilotti Construction Company

Company address: 246 Ghilotti Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95407

Phone: 707-585-1221

Website: www.ghilotti.com

Number of company employees: about 300

Education: Executive Sustainable Business Enterprise (GyMBA) Dominican University. SSU BA Business Mangement emphasis Accounting and Finance. SRJC AA Business Management.

Age: 50

 

Stacy Magill

What do you see as the essential role of a financial leader in the current environment?

Adaptability. Economic changes have accelerated rapidly. A financial leader must have a strategic vision that is aligned with a rapidly changing market and simultaneously, develop and maintain great working relationships with lenders and stakeholders. With tighter margins and less business to go around focus on return on investment and maintaining strong cash and working capital are critical. Identify your most profitable core competencies and focus on increasing those markets while assessing current opportunities.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in your industry?

Increasing collaboration between the design build team to lower costs and improve production efficiencies.  More partnering earlier in the project cycle. Increased use of technology both in the field and administratively. The decline in private development, tightening funding streams, increasing environmental regulations and rising fuel costs.

Tell us about the particular challenges and opportunities your organization has met in the recent past?

The asset purchase of North Bay Construction was a phenomenal opportunity. We have brought some excellent people on board, optimized our equipment fleet and increased our backlog. Difficult economic times present challenges and opportunities. Having focused strategic vision and a strong balance sheet enabled us to take advantage of this great opportunity. The decline in real estate and the tightening of the credit markets have been very challenging for our private and commercial clients. We have used this time to provide value engineering services and assist in project design to optimize value and cash flow for our clients.

What advice would you give to young emerging financial leaders?

Finance is a great career, enjoy it. Never underestimate the need for great communication and presentation skills. Your ability to communicate strategy, vision and results, (ROI) will be paramount to your career. Network and take every advantage to learn new things. Be adaptable and creative. Always remember there is nothing more valuable than your reputation.

What’s the best advice for weathering today’s economic environment?

We came into this environment with very strong financial fundamentals. Future scenarioing and sensitivity testing are invaluable. When your looking at ROI, always assess cash flow and working capital. Communicate proactively with stakeholders. Keep your focus and adapt when the environment shifts. Engage all levels of the company in business development. A great sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.

How do you think your business will change in the next five years?

There are a lot of opportunities in Construction to continue to implement new technology, particularly as it relates to environmental and production efficiencies. The construction industry has some pretty significant funding source challenges right now with credit tightening and the fiscal challenges in government. Funding and design of projects will be evolving. You will see more public private partnerships.

What is a decision you wish you hadn’t made? What did you learn from it?

I learn from every decision so no regrets. If I could change something it would be the times I have been a little too risk averse. Contracting requires a lot of optimism, especially during challenging economic times.

What is your most memorable business experience?

There have been many. Most recently, traveling to Shanghai China with the Bay Area Council. Seeing infrastructure and clean energy development on such a large scale gave me many new strategic development insights.

What is your greatest business success?

Seeing a third generation family business pass onto the fourth generation with the same passion and enthusiasm that our founders had for excellence, community philanthropy and placing importance on relationships.

What was your toughest business decision?

Every decision is a learning opportunity. For our Company the hardest decision has been to reduce staff during the recession. Any decision you make that effects the lives and well being of others is a tough decision, particularly in a family owned business.

What would your friends be surprised to find out about you?

I am a real construction Geek. I love to watch Build it Bigger.

Most admired businessperson outside the company: I feel you can learn from everyone. I can’t pick one so Indra Nooyi, Warren Buffet, Russ Colomo, Bank of Marin and Jim Frank, Greenstone Homes.

Current reading: Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales and The Art of Happiness by The Dahli Lama

Most want to meet: I.M. Pei

Stress relievers: Golf, being in nature, talking with a good friend and yoga/meditation.

Favorite activities outside work: Travel, Golf, Skiing, Cooking, Gardening, Socializing with friends and family and practicing the principles of sustainability.

Is there anything we may have missed that you would like to add?

My success and the success of Ghilotti Construction Company are a direct result of the talented and dedicated owners, employees, customers and business associates I have the privilege of working with everyday. Thank you for all the opportunity and effort.

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