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Wendy Mack is back.
The well-known local construction executive, longtime CFO of Lakewood Ranch-based DooleyMack Constructors, technically never left. But now she runs a new local firm: DM Constructors.
That new firm, moreover, marks the end of DooleyMack, which was once one of the largest commercial construction firms in the region. Founded in 1977 by Bill Dooley, the company had $104 million in annual sales and 130 employees as recently as 2010. Recent past projects include a $20 million renovation at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in downtown Sarasota.
But the recession left the firm gasping for work, which is why Mack says it ceased operations late last year. Three DooleyMack entities outside Florida, in Texas, Georgia and South Carolina, are still open. But Mack says those companies no longer have any connection to the shuttered Florida DooleyMack. Mack says the local firm's demise stems from a “perfect storm” of economic factors.
“People who understand the industry,” says Mack, “understand what happened to DooleyMack.”
The leadership team at the new entity, officially launched in December, is comprised of several former DooleyMack executives. In addition to Mack, CEO and principal, that list includes Chuck Evans, who is president at DM Constructors and Keith Coulter, who is an executive vice president.
The DM Constructors focus, says Mack, is to go after contracts under its Women's Business Enterprise designation, which gives it an advantage for certain bids and jobs. “In this market we need a niche,” Mack tells Coffee Talk. “We need something to be different.”
The firm, adds Evans, has booked about $10 million in total projects and hopes to expand that by at least $5 million in the next two fiscal quarters. The company also seeks to grow its presence in the market by going for subcontractor work on large projects.
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