In fact, concrete has been Wm. Winkler Company’s material of choice since Brian’s grandfather started the firm in Spokane, Washington, in 1919. His grandfather did curb and gutter work, and Brian’s father, the oldest of 11 children, joined two brothers in continuing and expanding the firm. After working several years for another contractor, Brian bought the family company from his uncle in 1999.
Brian had a clear career path when he graduated from high school: he would enroll in the U.S. Navy Seabees, and then take that experience, plus all the summers he had worked for the family construction business and go into construction. In the Seabees, he gained the rank of chief petty officer. “The order and discipline I learned there has really helped in business,” he says.
Although concrete work—including airports, roads, commercial and industrial development—is what Brian calls the company’s “sweet spot,” the firm has added several capabilities in the past decade, including grading, excavation, demolition and a recycling operation in Spokane.
During the recession, Wm. Winkler’s union crews took on several out of town projects, and continue to work in several states in the Northwest. (This year it ventured into a new state for the company, and is doing place and finish work at the new Statewide Library Archives Museum in Juno, Alaska.)
“We had enough going on in different geographical areas, we did not have to lay off any key people,” Brian says. “We have very loyal people and they were willing to pick up and travel. They are critical in helping us be competitive.” The $14 to $15 million company employs 150 people during peak summer work.
