Gary D Brattain
Business Name: Building
Website URL:
Email Address: gbrattain@callbcs.com
Year Founded: 1976 / 2002
Number of Employees: 25 normal / 4 current
What does your company do?: Specialty General Contractors / Building Consultants
Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level?: Years ago, 1999, we moved from small to midsize. During the recession we downsized and looked like we were going to be OK. Then we encountered many problems collecting payments, changes in government regulations, cost of insurance, which have hurt us, a small company adversely.
What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped grow your company?:
We try to keep up with the latest in accounting, codes, technology, material changes, etc. which continues to allow us to obtain projects that require our experience and skillsets. This does not necessarily translate to a larger company as the labor pool of tradesmen with this skillset is small and that affects the work you can obtain.
What is most rewarding about running your business?: 40 years of completing every project and no claims against the company.
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?: This is the biggest and longest recession I have lived through since 1970. We used our experience to survive to this point.
Secondly the governmental double standard has gotten worse as the years go by. i.e., we must complete projects and pay subs weather the government pays us or not. We must perform but they do not have to. You can not fight them when your small. Stop taking government work unless they have money up front to make progressive payments.
Thirdly we have been decimated by the impact of illegal immigration and non license contractors and workers on the business and building community. I cannot compete against those that would use illegals in any way or are not licensed to do the work and the citizens that would use them. We have moved to specialized work that this group of people and illegal businesses and businessmen would not be allowed or qualified to work in.
If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?: I would have transitioned into a different business.
What advice do you have for other business owners?: Rise up against both parties using business and media as a tool.
Please list any favorite books, tools or resources (software, website, etc.) you would recommend for others: I liked Steve Jobs Bio
I liked Ben Franklins Bio
I like Charles Koch last book
What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?: I’d have to think about that.
