Findorff’s success tied to core values

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J.H. Findorff & Son‘s longevity and success following 125 years of being in business come down to three core values: character, community and craftsmanship, says President Dave Beck-Engel.

While it serves many industries, the Madison-based company specializes in the arts, education, health care, government, science and technology sectors. The prominent Madison-area buildings it helped put up include the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, Ovation 309, UW Health at the American Center and Monona Terrace. Its Milwaukee-area projects include the recent completion of The Moderne, a 30-story high-rise, and The Brix, a historic mixed-use building in the Third Ward.

Although it’s rewarding to have helped shape the skylines of those two cities, Beck-Engel said, he takes the most pride in knowing the projects benefited the community.

“Community involvement is very important to us. We take great pride when a project can make a difference in the community, such as what the Overture Center did for the arts in Madison,” Beck-Engel said. “We find ways to give back to many of the communities we work in, through education outreach and volunteer initiatives, providing in-kind and financial support to area non-profits and employing local subcontractors. We are proud to make a difference.”

Findorff is perhaps best known for some of its larger projects. Yet, Beck-Engel said the company works on projects of all sizes, even small ones.

“We have a growing division that handles smaller projects, including remodels,” he said. “When a customer is thrilled with the final result, then we know we’ve done our job right.”

Findorff’s core values shine through its work, Beck-Engel said.

“Our employees have made Findorff a success, so we take care of them and make sure this is a place they want to work,” he said. “In our communities, we work to improve the quality of life and make this a better place to live. As for craftsmanship, it’s about a commitment to excellence and doing everything to the highest possible standards.”

That commitment to quality is one reason why Hovde Properties selected Findorff to build Ovation 309, said Mike Slavish, president of Hovde Properties. “Findorff was the right choice for a number of reasons. We needed a partner with the experience of doing complex infill projects and the ability to deliver on schedule,” he said. “They are one of Madison’s most experienced and respected” builders.

Earlier this year, Findorff finished the expansion of its Madison headquarters. The company added 22,000 square feet of space and remodeled parts of its existing building to provide more room for its expanding workforce. More than 150 employees work at the headquarters site and Findorff employees about 650 in total.

“We’ve been blessed that we have a lot of repeat customers, which means they like the work we do and want to work with us again so that’s a great feeling. We feel very privileged to be celebrating our 125th year in business,” Beck-Engel said.