NEWS
BSD Builders Sidesteps Slump with Focus on Healthcare
By MICHAEL CHUNG KLAM, Special to the Daily Transcript
Thursday, April 17, 2008
When it comes to understanding the success of San Diego-based general contractor and construction manager BSD Builders Inc., start with integrity. Add passion for building and the discipline to get the job done right from start to finish. Then factor in a culture of relationship building -- trust and accountability -- within the company and with its clients.
"We don't just build, we build with care," said principal Steve Sherrer. "We are a value-based company. We want to build leaders within this organization and coach them how to be better communicators and how to deal with adversity and provide better service." BSD specializes in delivering building solutions in the commercial, health care, industrial and corporate improvement arenas. As these markets develop and clients become more sophisticated, Sherrer and co-founders and principals Jeff Blair and Jim Docherty continue to hone their experience and expertise to provide results.
"Jim is a 25 year veteran in the field," Sherrer said. "He moves from project to project helping supers to become better builders." Sherrer and Blair focus on the business side. Sherrer prepares estimates and budgets while developing the company's value based culture; while Blair is the "financial risk man," according to Sherrer. Blair has more than 25 years of professional experience in health care and has an in-depth understanding of California OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) regulations and the requirements of working in an operating medical facility.
Sherrer, however, attributes much of the organization's accomplishments to its 36 employees. "We built a company from scratch based on values and purpose," he said. With a focus on team building, BSD focuses on putting the right combinations of leaders in the right place at the right time.
BSD's pre-construction services offer a partnered approach to establish solid lines of communication and collaboration between clients, architects, engineers and end-users. BSD ensures cost-effectiveness by participating in the design process, implementing research and investigation, zoning and code compliance and constructability reviews. "We'll look at a set of docs and find out if the details are constructible," Sherrer said. "We'll recommend a more efficient way or faster way to make sure details adhere to current codes and requirements."
Using state-of-the-art digital and online management tools, BSD project teams monitor and control jobs from any Web browser, from bidding to daily reports to cost analysis and tracking. "What sets us apart is the people," said BSD Project Manager Karin Fowler, who said BSD Builders' No. 1 priority is taking care of clients. "Steve and the guys have gone out of their way to pull the best talent in San Diego."
One of the company's crown jewels is the Inland Valley Medical Center, a $20 million project consisting of a 49,000-square-foot expansion, 38,000-square-foot addition and 11,000-square-foot remodel. The project also covers 47,000-square feet of exterior site improvements including parking lot, new entry areas, ambulance bay and landscaping.
Sherrer's local project experience includes the Scripps La Jolla Women's Center, a $13 million 45,000-square-foot OSHPD remodel; the Scripps Mercy Cath Lab #3 and E-Generator upgrades, a $3.3 million renovation; and the Scripps Encinitas Cardiac and Radiology remodel, a $2.2 million three-phase renovation.
Sherrer predicts that the company will bring in $35 million this year, more than doubling its earnings of $16 million for 2007. Seventy percent of the firm's revenue comes from the health care industry, Sherrer said. The passage of state Senate Bill 1953, which mandates hospitals to upgrade buildings most vulnerable to earthquakes, means that many facilities are planning expansions or seismic retrofitting to meet the 2013 deadline. "I see health care being strong until 2030," he said. Technology in health care moves very fast, also requiring upgrades and remodeling. "The spaces we build become obsolete in just a few years," Sherrer said.
BSD takes on projects from $5,000 to $20 million. The company wants to be known for "not only building challenging projects but for building better people," according to the company's press materials. "One of the most gratifying elements of being a business owner is mentoring others toward improvement." BSD's emphasis on balanced leaders, professional growth, participation in the community and strong culture of collaboration has paid off in staff loyalty and long-lasting industry relationships.
"These guys are committed to building relationships," Fowler said of the firm's principals. "Steve is passionate. He is a visionary. I knew from the moment I met him I wanted to work for this company."
BSD Builders Delivers Results
November 30, 2007
San Diego-based general contractor and construction management firm BSD Builders Inc. recently broke ground on Inland Valley Medical Center's awaited expansion. The 45,000-square-foot project will offer at least 27 new emergency treatment rooms, 10 new ICU beds, emergency services, imaging suite and various other enhanced spaces. In total, more than 30,000 square feet will be added and 15,000 square feet of existing space will be remodeled.
Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS), which owns and operates Inland Valley Medical Center, selected BSD Builders for pre-construction and general contracting services through a process that focused on performance and knowledge of similar types of projects versus a competitive hard bid method.
"We knew this project would test the most seasoned builder," said Tim Rielly, UHS regional project manager. "Our selection was based on delivery and competence. We needed to know that the team had what it takes to stand up to the challenges of an OSHPD expansion. Our decision has already paid off."
Steve Sherrer, a BSD Builders principal, said, "This opportunity represents everything we look for in a project; technically demanding, logistically challenging, and most importantly a client that believes in achieving common goals. Our team is determined to solve any challenge with unfiltered dialogue and absolute resolution. There's not a single obstacle that will hinder this team's momentum."
By combining sound business practices and a true passion for building, BSD Builders has established a reputation of delivering results in today's technically demanding construction environment. "Our focus is to create more than just another construction company, we want a company with values and purpose," said Sherrer. "The framework of our organization was established with four fundamental values: integrity, our first form of reasoning; discipline, which fuels our business; passion as our driving force; and relationships nurtured with trust and accountability. These values have supported our true purpose: building with care."
Specializing in commercial, health care, industrial and corporate improvements, BSD Builders Inc. offers an array of building solutions including preconstruction, GMP estimating, online project management tools, CPM scheduling and a comprehensive close-out process. Whether it's a multiphased hospital expansion or fast track commercial development, BSD Builders is poised to solve the most demanding needs of any project.
BSD Builders begins expansion of Inland Valley Medical Center
October 31, 2007
San Diego-based general contractor BSD Builders, Inc. recently broke ground on the expansion of Inland Valley Medical Center. The 27-month-long project will bring more than 27 new emergency treatment rooms, 10 new ICU beds, emergency services, imaging suite and other improved spaces. Over 30,000 square feet will be added and 15,000 square feet of existing space will be remodeled. Inland Valley Medical Center will remain operational during construction improvements. Completion of this three-phased project is scheduled for fall of 2009.
