Commercial Building Trends Magazine™ Ph Gainesville: (352)372-5854 Ph Ocala: (352)368-1707 Fax: (352)372-5957 Email:info@advantagepublishinginc.com               A member of the Advantage Publishing, Inc. Family

By David Greenberg
Photography by David Johnston, Johnston Photography

This is a multi-tenant professional condominium complex at Bascom Square in Lake City built by Concept Construction.

For Brian Crawford, building is his livelihood. But Crawford knows that it takes more than establishing a reputation as a professional, responsible general contractor, to help build a community and an industry.

That's why, in addition to being the owner of Concept Construction, a Lake Citybased general contractor, Crawford is finding the time to be involved in the Columbia County Builders Association (CCBA), currently as the president.

Concept Construction, which has been in operation for a little more than three years, can handle commercial, industrial and residential work, with a specialty in commercial design-build and construction management. For the last two years, the main focus has been commercial, but Crawford says he still has an interest in residential development as well.

"We're creating a full-service construction company," said Crawford. "The idea is that people can come to us for the design, construction and management of their building. What we look for more than anything else is an opportunity to partner with our customers. We don't just want to be your builder. We want to be your partner. We care about the people we work with, and do everything we can to help ensure their success."

Crawford is currently working with one customer-partner, Anytime Fitness, to coordinate the groundbreaking at Bascom Square, a new commercial development in Columbia County.

"It is beneficial for us and for them," he said. "Co-hosted events, such as groundbreaking ceremonies are a great opportunity to display our customers' businesses as well as our commitment to them."

The foundation of Crawford's fullservice operation is based on construction management.

"In construction management, everything is out in the open," he said. "We do construction management with a lot of customers. They understand all the costs and fees associated with construction. There is a lot of trust in that kind of relationship, and we are trying to tailor everything to do that. Once that bond of trust is formed, we can collaborate on the project and are able to be more efficient and economical."

Crawford, a Gainesville resident is very pragmatic about the decision to focus most of his work in Lake City. He has two offices — one in Lake City and the other in Lake Butler, where he does a few jobs a year.

"There are a lot of good and large commercial companies in Gainesville," he said. "While there are good commercial companies in Lake City as well, there is a greater opportunity here for someone who is new, and establishing himself in the market. Clearly, commercial growth is coming to Columbia County."

A System That Works

It is certainly a concept and a system that is working for Crawford, according to some of the people with whom he has partnered. One of those people is Bucky Nash, who has partnered with Concept Construction on a few projects, including a shopping center.

"One of the things I like about Brian is that he is very easy to work with," said Nash. "He has already completed one building in a commercial-condo project we are doing, and has three more to build. There have been no problems. There are always issues when you are building, but Brian always seems to have the right answer. He is very detail oriented, and keeps things moving in a timely fashion, which is critical when it comes to construction projects. One of the things he does very well is he keeps the customer informed about what is going on with the project. I would recommend him to anyone, and I will certainly continue to use him on my projects."

A look at the outside of the First South Insurance office

While Crawford is passionate about all aspects of his operation, he is most interested in design. The root of his passion comes from the understanding that the foundation for a successful project is a good design.

"A customer can bring me anything from a full set of plans to a hand-drawn idea, and I might look at it for hours before I lift a pencil," he said. "I need to fully understand where someone is going. What are their needs with this project? For me, it all has to be logical. It all has to make sense, and work together. Once I understand what they are looking for, and I have it in my head, I can then create a plan."

Planning was a lesson Crawford learned early on as his roots have always been in the building industry. His father, Stanley Crawford, is a contractor, and owns his own residential construction business in Lake City.

"Early on, I was part of my dad's framing crew," he said. "He started his initial company the year I was born. Growing up, I had a choice. I could take the school bus, or go with him to job sites before school. I went with him, and initially started by cleaning jobsites. At 15, I started drafting house plans for him. Eventually my position grew to include project management. We built our own cabinetry. But most of all, I really enjoyed the design work."

During his teenage years Crawford was a competitive wakeboarder. After finishing high school he studied humanities and theology at Criswell College in Dallas.

"When I was younger, I planned to make a career out of wakeboarding," he said. "Then I planned to teach. In fact, because I knew the business so well, I was certain I would never be a contractor. I never thought it was going to be my career. But upon returning from college I built a few spec homes with plans to pay for further education. I sold a few homes, and then things slowly gravitated to custom and pre-sold. So I started in the residential market, and it grew from there. As I started building more, I really began to enjoy it."

Starting as a Sub

Crawford initially moved into the commercial market as a sub for other contractors — primarily in metal buildings.

"Later, I started developing commercial projects," he said. "We were doing quality work, and getting a name and a reputation. Developing, I could do projects as I saw fit. There has certainly been a need in Lake City for more and new commercial development."

As his business grew, Crawford realized it was time to establish himself, so he created Concept Construction. Initially, the company consisted of his then fiancée, and now wife, Amber Roberts-Crawford.

"We built a lot of projects back then with me at the job site, and she and I doing the bookkeeping together at night," he said. "I don't know how we did it, but we did. We both worked all day — she at her job, and me building. We would then get together at six or seven in the evening, and do all the bills until midnight or later."

She was establishing her own business at the time — Swift Creek Realty. Today, she is the broker/owner of the company.

Concept Construction has grown to include several superintendents, project managers, a bookkeeper and an administrative assistant.

And in one way, it has come full circle for Crawford, because the office for his father's company is right across the street.

"It is interesting," he said. "When we have time, we get together, and talk during the day. It is nice having him so close."

Stanley Crawford agrees that is it is nice to be so near each other during the day, and he is proud of where his son is.

"Brian has certainly accomplished a lot already," he said. "He learned a lot about the business with me, but he has taken it so much farther. To see him do so much, and work so hard is impressive. He is earning his success."

Concept Construction builds in industrial settings as well. This is an interior view of the GRU lime unloading building at Deerhaven.

Because Concept Construction still does some residential work, Stanley Crawford says there have been some interesting situations.

"We try not to compete, but it is a small community," he said. "At one point, people were asking me to bid a job that Brian was also bidding. I suggested that in this case, Brian was a better fit for the job. He has done the same thing for me."

As for the future of Concept Construction, Crawford sees continued growth, and that is why the company recently moved into a newer, larger office.

"I want to keep doing what I am, and do what I can to improve the business," he said. "I believe in partnering with my customers, and that is something that will continue. I see us looking to get involved in heavier commercial and industrial work. If it is a good job that fits what we do, we will do it, even if it means traveling a little."

Association Involvement

It was his father who got Crawford involved in the CCBA as well.

"My dad has been a member for a long time and a pastpresident," he said. "The organization had gotten less active a few years back, and had no affiliation with the state or national groups. He encouraged me to get involved, and a group of us got it going again."

In its first year re-established, CCBA became affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Florida Association of Home Builders (FHBA), and with the support of the larger organizations, it has begun to flourish.

"That was four years ago," he said. "It seemed like a natural progression to president. There is still a need in this area for people to step up and lead. We are creating a stronger local chapter, and with the resources from NAHB, we have been able to participate in things like the Great Time to Buy campaign."

As far as his future with the association, Crawford says that when his term is over, he will stay involved in the CCBA political action committee. He is also interested in the county's effort to further support the commercial builders.

"I believe that it is very important for us to promote our industry," he said. "Construction is one of the top industries in the state of Florida and nationally. A lot of people don't give enough credit to the construction industry. I think that is at least partially based on the fact the construction based occupations are not viewed as professional. Bringing a professional image to the construction industry is a message that has to be driven home on the local level first. I see a need for more people to get involved in the association. We're pushing that this year. Getting the message out to the public about what we do for the community is enough of a reason for people to join."

Crawford also says that CCBA is working hard to create a more environmentally and community conscious builder.

"We need to strive to be good members of this community in every way we can," he said. "We have to participate in things that benefit the community, like establishing environmentally friendly and affordable building practices. There are many natural resources in our area such as our springs and wildlife that are worth preserving. That's what everyone loves about North Florida. CCBA is searching diligently to find a balance."

Again, Stanley Crawford is impressed with his son's enthusiasm and dedication to the association.

"Brian deals with that in the same way he deals with his business," he said. "It is important for the association to be strong. First of all, the state and national associations support us, so we should support them. They stand up for us. It would be silly for us not to support them. That's why Brian is a member, and why he is so involved."

Lake City builder Isaac Bratkovich says that Crawford deserves a great deal of the credit for helping to revitalize the CCBA, and he means a great deal for the association and the industry in the community.

"I remember him coming into that first meeting in December, and saying that he was going to try to make impressive changes for us, and he has," said Bratkovich. "What I took from that was that Brian was going to do things professionally."

The design of this sub and pizza shop offers a lot of space for tables.

And, according to Bratkovich, he has done just that with some simple, but important things. Among those was moving the association meetings to the Holiday Inn, where there is space to accommodate the group, upscale food, good service and worthwhile speakers.

"Frankly, a lot of people would not attend before, and not be involved," said Bratkovich. "I give Brian kudos for an excellent job. He is working hard to try to accommodate business professionals. In return, the association is getting stronger. He should keep up the good work. We appreciate everything he is doing."

Crawford says that while it is nice that Bratkovich gives him the credit, there are several people who are responsible for the positive changes being seen at CCBA.

"We have a great board," he said. "All the members are excited about the changes that are taking place to improve the industry and the community."

It may not seem possible for someone who is growing a business, and is so involved in his professional association, to have any spare time. But Crawford believes strongly that it is critical to be an active member of the community. In addition to being president of CCBA, Crawford is an active Rotarian and a member of several local Chambers of Commerce.

"It is only right to give back to a community that gives to you," he said. "I take that philosophy not only through my community, but into my business as well. If someone is going to work with me, then it is my philosophy to give back to them. It is our goal not only to leave our customers with a quality facility but to contribute to their success as well."

To learn more about all the construction services at Concept Construction, go online to www.conceptconstruction.net or call (386) 755-8887