MOBILE, AL (November 3, 2016) – White-Spunner Construction Inc. (WSC), a general contracting, design-build and construction management company ranked 14th largest general contractor in the state by Business Alabama, marks 35 years in business this year with plans for westward expansion into Texas.
To date, the company has completed thousands of projects in 27 states worth more than $2.4 billion in total construction value, building an average annual volume of $73.5 million in projects during the last five years. Headquartered in Mobile, Ala., White-Spunner Construction has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama in 2016, was the recipient of two safety awards from Associated Builders and Contractors and Mobile Section, AlabamaAGC and awarded 13 retail projects for clients across the Southeast so far this year.
President and CEO John White-Spunner founded White-Spunner Construction in 1981 during a recession, successfully leading his team through uncertain economic times by focusing on relationships, competitive pricing and superior finished products to customers, including many Fortune 500 companies.
“We learned what worked and what didn’t,” White-Spunner said. “What didn’t work was taking on debt and overextending. You have to run your business to be ready to take on a downturn which takes restraint and a lot of energy communicating to younger people who haven’t been through it.”
White-Spunner, now 61, became president of WSC at age 24, just a few years after earning a degree in building construction from Auburn University. He made sure the business was licensed in several states in the early 1980s, and began construction on grocery stores and steakhouses that took the Alabama firm across the U.S. (Photo: John White-Spunner)
WSC is involved in completing projects in a variety of market segments including everything from nearly a one million-square-foot distribution center to 10,000-square-foot restaurants. Repeat customers include The Home Depot, who has contracted with White-Spunner on more than 350 new construction and renovation projects. Other clients spanning health care, multi-family, education and government segments include Academy Sports+Outdoors, The Fresh Market, Dave & Busters, University of South Alabama, Infirmary Health, Auburn University, Retirement Systems of Alabama and Rooms to Go Distribution Center.
Chief Operating Officer Jeff Carrico said the WSC team often works with repeat clients because of the strength of the relationships they have developed through the years. “We are good at adapting and anticipating instead of reacting,” Carrico said. “It’s part of our culture. We teach our managers to identify challenges and offer solutions. We take ownership. I think that makes a difference.”
The decision to seek more opportunities in Texas is rooted in the state’s dramatic population growth in its largest cities and a booming construction industry that shows no signs of slowing down. “We’ll continue to serve clients with the same passion as we do in our Mobile, Ala. office,” said Chris Carruth, White-Spunner Construction vice president for business development. “We are well-positioned to take care of the Texas retail markets while continuing work in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and the Carolinas.”
White-Spunner Construction has been recognized repeatedly for its excellent safety record, recording 2.45 million man-hours without a lost-time incident. In recent months, WSC was honored by the Associated Builders and Contractors with the 2016 Safest in the Industry Gold Award and the 2016 Platinum Level STEP Award.
Early on, John White-Spunner said he paid close attention to how his clients ran their businesses, noting what worked well for the leaders of more seasoned firms. “We were blessed to work with a large petroleum company that really taught us about safety and keeping it as a top priority,” he said. “It’s a lesson we have taken to heart.”
White-Spunner continued by saying that he also has been influenced by his father, Blacksher White-Spunner, who is nearing his 90th birthday and still heads into the office each day at White-Spunner Realty. Community involvement is encouraged at WSC, and begins at the top. “Nobody is taking anything with them,” John White-Spunner said. “It’s what you do while you are here that matters.”
About White-Spunner Construction, Inc.
An employee owned company, White-Spunner Construction, Inc. (WSC) is a general contracting, design-build and construction management firm headquartered in Mobile, Alabama. Founded in 1981, the company has been in business in Mobile for 35 years. In the early years, the primary focus was commercial construction projects along the Gulf Coast. However, as the company continued to grow, the emphasis shifted toward larger and more diverse projects spanning the Carolinas to Texas.
Today, White-Spunner Construction has completed thousands of projects in 27 states. General contracting and construction management services are provided for a wide variety of clients, including several Fortune 500 companies.
WSC has earned an excellent reputation for providing experienced resources, competitive pricing, superior client services and outstanding finished projects to every customer. Their ultimate goal is to build strong, long-lasting relationships with clients by delivering each project with the highest level of safety, quality and integrity. The company is fully committed to always meeting the needs of clients by doing what it takes to complete each project on time and on budget. White-Spunner Construction has maintained deep roots in these values since it first began, which has led to recurring business opportunities from many customers over the span of 35 years. For more information, visit white-spunner.com or call 251.471.5189.