Client Trust Builds Solid Foundation for Construction Company’s Growth
In 2021, Pat Munger Construction Company Inc. completed $44 million worth of construction projects amid industry challenges, proving that the Branfordbased company could meet the increased demand for construction services across the state. Munger has successfully executed a strategic plan to grow its core business – low-rise steel metal building construction, repair and interior fit-outs – and is committed to remaining a leader in the construction industry as they look to the future.
Munger Construction President David DeMaio says, “Despite COVID-19 concerns, labor shortages, and supply chain issues, the industry remains strong. I think 2021’s success is attributed to a number of different things including our strategic planning and a bit of good fortune. We’ve been around for 54 years, so we have a pretty good reputation for doing the job right.”
Munger Construction has grown steadily since DeMaio took over the company in 1992. From a humble staff of four, the company has grown to 73 employees. A significant turning point relative to Munger Construction’s growth occurred in 2015, when DeMaio says he was at a crossroads with the business. “This was a really critical time; it was a defining moment for me and the business’ history,” he says.
DeMaio determined Munger Construction could thrive under direction from the next generation of leaders and developed a strategic plan to prepare for the company’s future, including the solidification of a twogeneration leadership team. Fast forward to 2022, and the growth seen from these initiatives is evident.
In addition to building trust among employees, Munger emphasizes building trust with potential and existing clients through their Proven Process, based on a concept in “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Gino Wickman. Munger’s nine-step Proven Process summarizes the execution of projects from inception to completion, communicating value, building trust and managing expectations with clients.
“The first six steps are how we define our relationship with our customer and where we earn their trust,” DeMaio says. “That’s what this is all about; it’s earning the trust position with the customer. Once we earn their trust, they are going to be customers for life.”
“Our Proven Process gives clients greater confidence in what they can expect from Munger Construction throughout their project,” DeMaio says. “What I’ve learned from defining our Proven Process is that customers look at this and go, ‘Ah, this is what Munger is about; this sums it all up.’ I never fully realized how important this trust-building process with a client really is. Even years after completing a project, customers still comment on how we took them through each step along the way, and how comfortable that made them feel.”
What’s next for Munger Construction? The recent expansion of the Estimating and Design area and integration of new estimating software support Munger’s commitment to incorporating innovative technology into the business plan. “The next generation, Tier 2 folks are an integral part of the Leadership Team Meetings, actively participating in all decision-making processes,” DeMaio says. “They bring a fresh new perspective, focusing on solution- based issue processing that is preparing them to lead this business well into the future.”
