(Brian is second from the right)
Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Bollins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Atlanta after college to work as an architect. After just one year, I realized I wanted to take a more active role in the construction phase of the projects I was working on; I changed careers and came to Choate Construction to learn to be a Project Manager. That was 17 years ago! There are countless people here that helped me understand the business and develop the skills I needed to manage a wide variety of projects.
Along the way, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to manage some very creative projects and have since endeavored to made those my focus. I try my best to seek out projects that are out of the mainstream while also creating spaces that define a community and a culture, such as restaurants, breweries, and unique, boutique retail spaces. It helps me and the team I work with at Choate stay challenged and proud of the work we do. I also met my wife, Melissa, at Choate and we now have two daughters in elementary school.
Has it been a smooth road?
Construction is a complex, challenging business; unforeseen conditions, managing a wide range of people and a variety of trades, often working in occupied spaces under tight timelines… It’s the stuff excitement is made of! But I have been extremely fortunate in that most of my challenges have come in the form of a difficult project here and there. Even through the recession, Choate was able to weather the storm, thanks to such a diversified workload.
On a personal note, I am very lucky that I have a happy, healthy family and have not had to deal with big life challenges that so many have to face outside of work.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Choate Construction Company story. Tell us more about the business.
I work for Choate Construction Company, a 100% employee-owned commercial general contractor that constructs projects in a wide range of market sectors. I lead a team of very skilled Project Managers in our Interior Construction division that focuses on restaurant, retail, historic renovation, and adaptive reuse construction projects. To date, we’ve constructed over 100 of these projects niche projects in the Atlanta and surrounding areas.
While we are probably most known for our restaurant work, especially around Atlanta (Staplehouse, St. Cecilia, Superica, El Felix at SunTrust Park, South City Kitchen Buckhead, Ticonderoga Club, etc.) our actual project list is fairly evenly split between these four types of projects. We’re currently working on a complete transformation of an old warehouse for New Realm Brewing Company, which will sit directly alongside the Beltline’s Eastline trail, as well as the construction and/or renovation of six buildings for Phoenix House, who provides affordable long-term housing near the Oakland City MARTA station. But of all the projects we’ve completed, I am most proud of the relationships we’ve been able to build and maintain; 83% of our work is the result of repeat clientele.
Due to the inherent complex nature of the type of construction we build, challenges are frequent and we focus on finding the best solutions and being the strongest member of the project team that we can. We are also very lucky to have the opportunity to build projects that are designed by some of the most talented architects and designers around.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The commercial construction industry has rebounded from the recession and while a dip is expected in the next few years, it is not anticipated it will be anything like the 2008 – 2012 era. Yet there are some residual effects that have not completely resolved themselves and will likely have impacts into the future.
The labor market is still extremely tight after being squeezed in the recession; skilled labor and craftsmen are at a premium, affecting pricing and scheduling. Large masses of labor left the industry and have elected not to return. But on a positive, I see a lot of opportunity for those interested in trade professions; I think trade and vocational schools, which are often viewed as a lesser alternative to traditional higher education, will see a resurgence.
In the restaurant, retail, and hospitality markets, we are seeing independent, chef-driven concepts continue to be extremely popular. Unique interior design, adaptive reuse, and businesses with local ties that separate from the masses are elements that are here to stay.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8200 Roberts Drive,
Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30350 - Website: www.choateco.com
- Phone: 678-892-1224
- Email: echoate@choateco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choateco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoateConstructionCo
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/choateco
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/46267/
Image Credit:
Staplehouse
El Felix – Dorian Shy
South City Kitchen – Chris Goss
Crate and Barrel – Atlantic Archives
Choate Construction Company
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