Masonry Magazine April 2001 Page. 30
CONTRACTOR
TO
CONTRACTOR
A Member's Perspective
Contractor to Contractor is submitted to bring contractors closer together. By sharing thoughts and ideas, mason contractors will find that we all have common bonds and can benefit by sharing with each other. Contractors featured in this column are all members of the MCAA and vary in size, type of masonry performed, and operations style. The purpose of the column is to bring out the common problems, concerns, and positive experiences in the industry. If you would like more information about having your company featured, please contact Jeff Buczkiewicz at 1-800-536-2225.
What is your biggest challenge that you face as a mason contractor?
Maintaining high quality standards in the face of such obstacles as stiff competition, labor shortages, and government interference. In particular, stiff competition comes both from other mason contractors as well as competing products like glass, steel and precast. Sadly in an industry which is 'low-bidder driven', often the most foolish contractor in town sets the price.
If I could change one thing about the industry it would be...
While many improvements could be made, surely increasing the availability of trained masons and mason tenders has got to be among the most important.
What do you like most about being a contractor in the masonry industry?
It is good, honest work. Our employees earn their wages with their backs and need never be ashamed to accept their paycheck. This fosters a proud work ethic which sets a tone for the entire industry. We often build monumental structures which can last for centuries. Hence we are a proud lot. This can be very satisfying.
What proiect are you most proud of?
It would be very difficult to pick just one. Favorites would certainly include some of the many churches and schools we have built, as well as the exotic stone work on projects such as the Lincoln Center office tower in Minneapolis, the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, or the Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota.
The most innovative thing about my company is ...
Our company tries to be particularly conscious of the need for good administration. We have been making great use of the computer since the mid-1970's; we were using telefax machines in the early 1980's. Today, with branch offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we utilize telephone lines to tie our offices together, including our computer system.
COMPANY: Bill Dentinger, Inc.
LOCATION: St. Paul, Minnesota an Waukesha, Wisconsin
SALES VOLUME: Over $10 million
Science Museum of Minnestoa.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Dick Dentinger
General Manager,
St. Paul, MN Branch