Pete Nurzia (left) grew up working in his father Mike’s (right) construction company. “One summer I worked with the masons, one summer I worked with framers, one summer with trim carpenters, etc.,” he says. After spending a few years after college working for larger companies, Pete returned home and formed a company with his father.
The company offers both new construction and remodeling services, but since the recession, has been concentrating on small remodeling projects. Most of their clients are updating bathrooms, including master baths, renovating kitchens, or finishing basements or bonus rooms and attics. The company covers a broad geographic area in both New York and Connecticut. “Our clients appreciate spending a little more to receive service, someone they can trust, someone to deliver what they are expecting and [who will] be there if there is a problem,” Pete says.
The company hosts several open houses each year, inviting both subcontractors and clients who have referred the company to friends and relatives.
Though the firm does not have a referral program, it thanks customers for referrals with events related to the client’s personal interests such as game tickets or a spa visit.
BEST PRACTICES
Nurzia Construction’s full-time sales and selections manager works with vendors and architects during the design stage, helps clients with selections, and helps with marketing and advertising.
The company asks subcontractors to sign an agreement that lists rules for their conduct on the job, billing procedures, insurance requirements, punch lists, and warranty work.
After an employee has been on the job for a year, the company offers a 401(k) plan and matches up to 3% of the employee’s salary.
Pete, Mike, and the sales/selections manager have Blackberries that are synced every 15 minutes so all of them have access to the latest project communication.
- Nina Patel