Top Specialty Contractors of the Southwest

Subs Skirted Economic Pitfalls in 2008, Flat Growth Reported

Our survey of the Southwest’s top subcontractors ranks over $6 billion in specialty contracting work performed in 2008.

Our annual survey of subcontractors in the Southwest shows revenue totals relatively unchanged from the previous year. Last year, we ranked 195 companies totaling$6.16 billion based on their 2007 revenue. In this year’s chart, we received fewer responses – 160 – but the total based on2008 revenue added up to $6.13 billion.

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Rosendin Electric had a standout year: the San Jose-based firm moved up from10th to fifth overall. While numbers will belower in 2009, vice president of business development Larry Hollis says that business shouldn’t decline any more than it already has. “We’re starting to look up,” he adds.

Being open to new markets and territories has been an effective tactic to help subcontractors get through the recession.

“We’re getting big into the solar power world,” Hollis says. “We think that’s going to be a big market.”

Arizona subcontractors reported a total of $3.2 billion of work in both 2007 and2008. On the other hand, New Mexico’s2008 total rose 11% to $446 million. Kevin Year out, president of Albuquerque based Year out Mechanical, says that diversification helped his firm become New Mexico’s top-ranked specialty firm in 2008. “We capitalize on every opportunity,” he says.

“Construction is much slower now and opportunities are a fraction of what they were a year ago,” Year out adds. “Private commercial is all but dried up. We are looking to state, federal and school projects to carry us through during the economic downturn.

”Surprisingly, Nevada’s specialty contractors brought in $2.49 billion in 2008,30% more than 2007. Unfortunately, these gains will likely be given back next year as the halted work from mega-project cancellations Fontainebleau and Echelonstifle revenue totals for 2009.

The following rankings are based upon surveys sent to specialty contractors throughout the region. Only those firms who responded with their 2008 revenue were included. Every effort was made to contact each company at least once. Please contact Tom at 480-656-7615 if you wish tube included in next year’s ranking.

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