Hunzinger Construction Company
A Legacy Worth Building On
While sitting down with Kevin O'Toole, Executive Vice President of Hunzinger Construction Company (Hunzinger), it becomes very clear why they have become one of the largest and best general contractors in the Midwest. Consistently winning awards for safety, green building practices and best places to work, the company clearly goes above and beyond for their employees, customers and community. Awards aside, Hunzinger's commitment to being a leader in the industry is unquestionable, and to put it simply, it has made the industry better.
It's a Family Affair
Hunzinger first opened its doors in 1907 as J.H. Hunzinger and Company by four brothers who decided to leave the farming industry behind and start a construction company. From the early days of building one-room school houses to County Stadium in 1953 and Miller Park in 2001, it's obvious the company has come a long way. Throughout its 103 years and hundreds of successful projects, it remains a family-owned and -operated company.
"We have 22 second-generation and 17 third-generation trades people working for us," said O'Toole. "There are also fourth-generation Hunzingers working in the office, some starting out in the field as we all did. Having this type of history is unique, and we know it's a large reason why our company has been so successful."
Dan Oderman, Jr., a third generation Oderman feels, "this company was great to my grandfather, my father and now me. Knowing Hunzinger's commitment to my family and how they are in their fourth generation of ownership makes it more personal. The decisions they make not only affect my family, but their family too."
By sticking to its basic principles and core family values, the company has been able to thrive beyond the great depression and is optimistic about its next 100 years. "Integrity, honesty, consistency and staying true to our heritage, have always been our guiding principles," remarked O'Toole.
Thinking Outside the Box
While always remembering what got the company to this point, Hunzinger would rather focus on its bright future. This mentality is why for many years it has participated in a national peer-review group that includes seven other similar contractors and a third-party consultant, which provides an outside perspective on the business.
The group meets quarterly and reviews information including: financials, operation processes, safety plans and marketing efforts to offer ideas on how the other seven companies could plan for the future. This practice is what turned Hunzinger onto Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification, and what has, without a doubt, solidified them as a leader in green building.
"It was obvious to us that Hunzinger was committed to LEED, and that's what we were looking for when planning our updated headquarters," stated Debrah Vander Heiden, AHA, Director of Headquarters' Projects for Johnson Controls. "Our dedication to the environment tied in seamlessly with Hunzinger's proactive approach to green building."
Hunzinger was not only able to talk the talk, but it walked the walk with LEED from the beginning. The first attempt at achieving LEED certification was with its own headquarters — netting the company the LEED Gold Certification for Commercial Interiors which was followed by LEED Platinum Certification for Commercial Interiors for their Training Facility. Hunzinger Construction University (HCU) was the first certified building in the state of Wisconsin, the eighth in the United States and the ninth in the world.
According to O'Toole, one critical component to the LEED process that is often overlooked is the trades people. "Without their cooperation and understanding of why we are completing a project a certain way, we are in danger of not reaching our goals," said O'Toole.
Hunzinger's employees and subcontractors are required to undergo LEED training prior to entering any job site. Educating the men and women who will be working on the project gives them the necessary tools to get the job done right. Since Hunzinger demands the highest quality of work, it relies solely on union contractors and trades people to complete those projects. The company leaders believe that unions have the best talent pool to draw from, and they rest easy knowing their future plans are in more than capable hands.
Empowering through Education
Being open to education opportunities in the construction industry can prove difficult, but Hunzinger could write the book on it. In early 2000, after surveying its workforce, the company realized education was very important to its employees and ultimately to the success of its business. The survey's results lead to the formation of Hunzinger Construction University (HCU) to provide another avenue for its employees to continue learning.
When Hunzinger set out to build HCU headquarters, the leadership team would accept nothing better than a LEED Gold certified building. Upon completion of the project, the company achieved Platinum certification (the highest certification level possible) on its second venture ever in green building practices. A testament to its dedication to its future and workforce, HCU now offers classes ranging from safety to certification of individuals as LEED AP's or Green Associates to their employees, clients, design community, subcontractors and suppliers.
Considering one of Hunzinger's commitments is to always do the right thing, its leaders feel green building practices fit in well with their overall approach to business. By practicing what they preach, it is easy for customers and employees to believe in the company's work.
A Lasting Legacy
Doing the right thing has worked well for Hunzinger over the years, and with their forward-thinking approach to business, we're sure the company will continue with its successes. As leaders in the industry, "we have an obligation to give back and make everyone around us better," added O'Toole. "When a subcontractor partners with us on a project and takes what they've learned to other jobs, we've helped to make the industry better."
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