Adams won’t disclose divisional revenues, except to say that new construction and remodeling are the company’s bread and butter.
“With all the jobs we do, the reason they run smoothly is because we have a variety of systems in place that are replicated at each office; it’s consistent,” says vice president of operations Taylor Classen, who has an MBA and a background in commercial real estate and oversees all but the wood shops. With an average of 25 new construction and remodeling jobs going on simultaneously — many of them contracted as cost-plus — Classen reviews budget and schedule status with project managers monthly.
Next on the organizational chart are a general manager for each location, plus project managers, superintendents, and carpenters. And to keep field crew up on the latest and greatest, three years ago the partners added a continuing education component called Ilex Academy, which offers monthly classroom and on-site training sessions. “For someone who wants to make building a profession, not just a job, it provides that opportunity for them,” Adams says.
Classen thinks it’s that culture of professionalism that attracts employees to Ilex and holds them there — some for as long as 18 years. “Doug and Del have created an environment where people are challenged, they have a fun working environment, and they enjoy the clients,” he says. “When you’re motivated to be the best, that’s what makes it fun.”
Cheryl Weber is a writer based in Lancaster, Pa.
