Company address: 17909 W. Lincoln Ave., New Berlin
Industry: Custom carpentry
Number of employees: 20 to 30
Company’s annual revenues: $7 million to $10 million
Ascension: “We both have come up through the system with carpentry apprenticeships, journeymen, to project managers and eventually owning the company.”
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“Maintaining a smaller crew size which has allowed us to be more efficient and get through the downturn in business and for the most part keep our employees working “
What’s new at your company?
“The company is celebrating 50 years in business this year. The business was started by our father, John Beres, in 1959 as a homebuilder and progressed into a union carpentry contractor specializing in rough and finished carpentry. We have been family-owned and run for the entire 50 years. We have tremendous pride driving around the state and pointing out projects we have completed throughout the years.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“We plan to maintain our crew size and continue steady growth in the future.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“The downturn in the economy has brought a very competitive market. We will depend on our reputation and the relations we have developed within the area for new business.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Electronic plans, which allow you access to bidding opportunities on every project in the area. This has streamlined the bidding process on one hand and made the market very competitive on the other.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“Always be honest with a customer and never give up quality for cost savings.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“John Beres. He was able to raise 10 children along with running a business on his own. He has taught us the value of family, hard work and honesty. These traits helped us build new business and maintain our customer base.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Be honest with your customers and fair with your employees, and everything else will fall into place.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“Being fired by our dad a few times over the years. This was a real character builder.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“Golf, fishing and hunting.”
