Frank Schipper Construction

Source: Construction Digital

Date :3/18/2008 4:23:56 AM

You’ll probably never meet a man with greater dedication. Frank Schipper always wanted to be in charge of his own destiny and build a company that looked after its people. Exec learns how this philosophy has seen his company enjoy considerable success

Written by Ian Armitage and Produced by Sean Bakke

You would hope that quality comes as standard with any construction firm. Yet, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many firms will talk the talk, but sadly not all are able to walk the walk.

Santa Barbara based Frank Schipper Construction, led by the charismatic Frank Schipper, is one company that most definitely walks the walk. If you doubt that just ask any number of the firm’s many satisfied customers.

Frank Schipper Construction certainly delivers and the company’s motto is “quality without compromise” a commitment that is more than an adage to its founder “Skip”. Indeed, it is the way he runs his own life, as well as his company. Skip has more than 50 years of construction experience and knows that success comes from, what he says, is the “respect and reputation” which the company has earned through integrity, communication and quality workmanship.

Since founding Frank Schipper Construction Co. in 1982, Skip has built both public and private projects, winning numerous awards along the way. “You name it, we’ve built it and probably won an award for it,” says the man who is devoted to the construction industry and has progressed through the ranks of the Associated General Contractors of California, and is a past President of the prestigious organization.

Talking further about what his company has to offer, he continues: “We have vast experience, dedication and ability,” says Skip. “We are also reliable and strive for quality without compromise, bringing a can-do attitude to every project.”

The goal at Frank Schipper Construction Co. is to produce the highest quality product at the greatest value for every dollar spent.

Strong foundations

A modest man, Skip is keen to point out that his team has played an important role in the company’s success, building the quality reputation for which it has become renowned. He oversees and manages all of the firm’s operation, but he also delegates many tasks too, a trend that he says will help the company continue well into the future.

“Clients often say how good it is for them to work with us,” continues Skip. “Why? Well it is simple: our people are good at what they do! Jobs go smoothly and that is because of the skill and experience we have.”

This has been instrumental in the company’s recent growth, despite the difficult economic conditions that are a challenge to all contractors, especially in California. Indeed, Frank Schipper Construction has enjoyed growth results between ten and 15 percent each year for the past few years. “This is because we have a reputation for quality,” says Skip. “In all my years the order book has never been as full as it is now. Imagine that; especially when most people in this industry are starting to downsize!”

Straight shooter

Skip, known as a straight shooter throughout California, explains that he will help the firm grow, while also preparing the company for tough times. “Some commentators are yelling doom,” he says. “Do I believe them 100 percent? Probably not; but I think we must prepare for the worst case scenario. I’ve already heard that we are seeing more action at bid openings, but it isn’t affecting me yet. Like I say, I have the biggest backlog yet. That doesn’t mean that some of that [work] can’t disappear because I do an awful lot of non-profit work and if the non-profit can’t raise the funds the job will not happen. So, we are trying to prepare ourselves for that; if we are going to have to thin down we will; if we are going to have to cut our operating costs we will be prepared for it.”

He adds: “I have been through two of these downturns and I have never had a year where I didn’t make some kind of money – it is just some years are a lot better than others.”

Why is Frank Schipper Construction Co. a success? Well Skip wouldn’t like anybody saying this, but it has a lot to do with him. He is the go-to guy on project and does most of the negotiating. He has gained the trust of the community and has built this company to “help clients’ solve their problems.”

However, Skip is slowly turning the operations over to the next generation of owners – his employees. “We decided to start an ESOP so I can give the company to our people. We started this about five years ago and my employees have just purchased 32 percent of my company. I’d like that to be 100 percent so I can watch the company I built from scratch go forward and flourish.”

And flourish it will. Skip has built a culture where his people “live our motto,” he says. “We live our mission and vision statement. We just celebrated 25 years in business and I believe the reason we have done so brilliantly is that we are a solutions-orientated business. You come to me with a problem and I’ll fix it – that is what I am renowned for. The same goes for my people – every single one of them.”

Skip just picked up a $7 million serenity house project on the back of a telephone request. “I don’t often have to bid a job,” he explains. “Work just seems to walk in the front door!”

Better rewards

Skip started the firm with a $10,000 tool allowance. Currently, that same enterprise does $25-30 million of business per year. However, he didn’t start the company to “make a whole bunch of money.” He started it to be “in charge of my own destiny and create a company that felt like a family.” The dollar isn’t the be all and end all for Skip.

He works hard, and encourages his employees to work hard, so that they can get better rewards. “We aren’t chasing the dollar and can reward employees well as a result,” he says. This means a number of employees have worked with Skip for more than 20 years.

click here to view the corporate brochure on Frank Schipper