There is a resurgence of construction activity in the retail market, says Bob Benda, CEO of Westwood Contractors, Inc., which focuses exclusively on consumer retail facilities. He describes the activity as a steady, gradual improvement over the recession levels. To service its clients throughout the West and Southwest, Fort Worth-based Westwood Contractors opened an office this past May in the Promenade Corporate Center in Scottsdale.
“Our interest in the Greater Phoenix area is the fact that there’s great air service to many of the Southwest and West Coast markets where we have client organizations based,” Benda says, referring to the convenience of both Sky Harbor, for its commercial service, and Scottsdale Airport, for Westwood’s corporate aircraft. In addition to the transportation resources themselves, Benda cites the “relatively short travel time” to key meetings with clients and visits to prospective job-site locations.
“Maintaining subcontractor relationships is a key part of our business,” says Greg Anderson, vice president of the West Coast Division. “We are better positioned to keep our finger on the pulse of regional subcontractors and regional industry trends that impact our clients.”
An additional advantage to the Promenade location is what Benda describes as “some very attractive lifestyle resources” that he believes will be attractive to prospective employees.
