Dennis Hill got his first taste of the industrial market back in the early 1980’s when he was with the Opus Group. As a member of the design & architecture team, it was their responsibility to design and produce construction documents for the company’s warehouse and manufacturing clients. It’s also where Hill decided to make the change to the construction industry.
“For majority of the next 20 years, I focused on a wide variety of markets,” Hill said, Senior Vice President at Bear Construction. “However I was reintroduced to the industrial arena when we completed a large warehouse addition for US Waterproofing over 10 years ago. We have been growing that portion of our portfolio ever since.”
After more than 25 years in the industry, being an integral part in building a company is what keeps Hill excited about the business.
“I have been fortunate to be involved with Bear Construction for over 13 years starting when we were just a $25 million dollar company,” he said. “Over my time with Bear we have changed our corporate identity and positioned ourselves as one of the fastest growing and diverse firms in the Midwest. Last year we topped $134 million in sales for the first time in our history.”
When asked about the most rewarding part of his job, two things came to mind for Hill. The first is seeing the reaction of Bear’s clients when the journey is completed.
“The overall process, in many instances, is a long one. We spend a great deal of time with all our partners which makes it personal. Their genuine excitement and satisfaction when the project is complete makes it all worthwhile.”
“Secondly would be the mentoring of our young talent,” Hill continued. “I remember an architect who took the time with me when I was as green as they get. If not for him I would have most likely chosen a different career path. I would like to think that sharing the successes and failures of my career with each of them will produce a well-rounded member of our team.”
So what sets Bear Construction apart from other companies? According to Hill, it’s their diverse portfolio and lack of ego.
“Many of our client relationships began by building a few offices or renovating a loading dock,” he noted. “Most firms don’t want to be bothered with small renovation projects. Bear has built its client base by treating these assignments with the same urgency and importance as the large projects. By providing that level of service we have developed long term trust and relationships, which in turn has resulted into us becoming their go to partner on future large projects.”
“A majority of our recent Industrial assignments involve expansions, re-purposing and revitalization of existing facilities,” he added. “We are currently involved in a design-build food processing expansion for ConAgra Foods, as well as an athletic facility addition for Chicago Indoor Sports. In addition our industrial team is under contract for numerous facility upgrades at Exxon Mobile, Allstate and Integrys, all of which should be completed by the second quarter of 2015. Bear Construction’s other market sectors and services are experiencing record growth as well.”
A trend Hill has seen in the industry as of late? Three words: Integrated Project Delivery.
“Though this is the latest buzz phrase, we have been providing this service to our clients for years. Bear has built its business model on embracing the complicated, challenging and detailed projects. Our success in this arena is a result of being able to identify the potential challenges, researching material and services time frames, and involving qualified subcontractors early on in the process.”
A challenge he faces in today’s industry is the subcontractor market.
“During the financial downturn, many successful subcontractors reduced staff and resources in an effort to stay afloat,” he said. “Over the last two years the industry has been steadily picking up steam. Material and labor costs are ever rising and firms now have backlog. Many firms are finding it difficult to meet the ever increasing demands for services. In addition, availability of some basic materials such as concrete and glass have proved to be a challenge over the last six months. As we have seen in the past, these shortages seem to correct themselves over time.”
According to Hill, another constant challenge for him is finding the balance between work and the things that keep him sane.
“I have been fortunate to be married to my wife Caryn for 30 years this March,” he said. “We have three children in their 20’s, two of which are out in the world and starting their own independent lives. My family has no issues providing me with “gentle” reminders as to what is important in life. If you have children you can understand.”
One thing he’d like to do that he hasn’t already? “I would like to play a round of golf with my boys at Augusta National. Golf has been a constant in our family and the Masters is one of the most pure sporting events still out there.”
Hill noted that if he wasn’t in CRE he would probably design and build one-of-a -kind homes. “I’m constantly changing and updating my home which drives my family nuts.”
As far as music goes, Hill is a big country music fan! “We make at least one trip a year to Nashville. It’s amazing how many talented musicians are out there who just need that one big break.”