Englewood-based general contractor HPM Inc. is led by executives who have done deals and finished projects across the country, and it's leveraging that experience in the Denver metro with impressive results: 3,275% growth from 2017 to 2019.
"Integrity, hard work and a determination to build better" are the company's stated principles, along with the promise of "no red tape." That's leading to contracts on both the commercial and government sides of the house. During the Fast 50 event, President Ray Hallquist told DBJ Publisher Kevin Pitts that he expects a "V-shaped recovery" post-Covid.
Hallquist spoke with DBJ about the company's vision and approach.
This Q&A has been edited for style, clarity and brevity.
HPM Contracting works on projects across the board — from government to education and commercial products. Which sectors are doing the best during Covid-19, and which are you having to pull back on? Each sector of work that we do business with is strong. We have been very fortunate and have not had to pull back on anything.
At 3,275% growth, you topped the Large Companies category. What can you tell us about your strategy and how you have implemented it? At HPM, our people drive the business and keep it moving forward. Having that strong collaborative culture and believing in people is what makes us successful. Investing in our employees to develop them professionally aids in our ability to grow as a company.
What’s your biggest accomplishment of 2020? Our biggest accomplishment this year has been our ability to navigate the Covid-19 craziness. We have learned to be as proactive as possible to the reactive nature of this pandemic.
What’s your favorite construction project in the Denver area (yours or somebody else’s)? In general terms, I am fond of projects that provide long-term benefits to the city and the public. I also appreciate projects like Denver Union Station, Central 70, and the various light-rail expansions that took political and engineering vision and leadership to make them happen.
No. 1 pandemic pivot: We have been proactive in staying on top of current mandates and safety protocols during this pandemic while also being flexible in adjusting to virtual meetings, telecommuting and electronic-bid submittals (we hope the electronic-bid submittal process stays in place, though).
Through this, we have become more innovative in our approach and methodology.
No. 1 lesson learned along the way: The top lesson learned is you can never over-communicate. Construction is an essential business, and communication is critical because not everyone can work from home.
Top advice for startups: Build a plan and execute the plan. Focus and do not get distracted by external forces.
Pandemic bright spot: With all the unknowns and challenges this year brought, I am thankful that everyone has kept a great attitude and focused on getting through this together. We really have a great team here at HPM.
HPM Contracting
Rank: 1
Category: Large
2017 revenue: $800,000
2019 revenue: $27,000,000
Percentage growth: 3,275%
Location: Centennial
Top local exec: Ray Hallquist, president
percentage change in revenue 2017-19
| Rank | Prior Rank | Business name |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | HPM Inc. |
2 | 2 | Brumate |
3 | 3 | QuickBox Fulfillment |
