Construction Simplified: Build LLC takes a hands-on approach to commercial development

Ron Barrett took the big step last year of building his own development and construction firm.

He went the simple route with the name - Build LLC - but the firm boasts extensive credentials, most notably Barrett's 16 years with Springfield-based Killian Construction.

The framework

Barrett learned the framing trade early in his career in the mid-1980s from his older brother, Mike. He became superintendent on projects and began contracting small jobs on his own. His ambition to build large commercial projects prompted him to pursue a bachelor's degree in construction management from Missouri State University. Upon graduating in 1992, he landed a job as a project estimator at Killian Construction."I moved up the ladder to become (vice president) of operations for the company," Barrett said.

Four years ago, he was asked to open a divisional office for Killian in Arizona, where he worked on a large commercial project with the city of Glendale, Ariz., and John Q. Hammons.

"I created a lot of friends and relationships in the business over the years, and everyone asked me, 'When are you going to do this on your own?'" Barrett recalls. "When I moved out there, I moved my wife and two kids - now three kids - and we found a place that we love to live and we didn't want to move anymore. I had been moving for 16 years with Killian Construction, and I was tired of the road."

After finishing the Arizona project and deciding to move out on his own, he created an amicable agreement with Killian and resigned.

"I've known Ron for a long time, and he built his career with us from the ground up, starting as assistant project manager and moving up to vice president," says Bill Killian, president of Killian Construction Co. "He is very accomplished and a go-getter. I think he was ready to break out on his own and dip his toe into the waters of the real world."

In May 2008, Barrett opened Brayden Management LLC in Arizona and that August added Build LLC in Missouri. He recruited five professionals he had worked with during the years to become key staff for the Missouri company, which focuses on commercial and multifamily developments.

Carefree commute

One of Barrett's first projects in Springfield was Miller-O'Reilly Co.'s Eko Park Apartments, a 114-unit, 7-acre green housing complex at 1744 W. Catalpa St.

"We used a lot of new types of materials in construction to make it energy efficient and Energy Star-rated," says Pat O'Reilly, who co-owns the property with Matt Miller. "People are interested in that kind of living."

Barrett says green building can be complicated for some, but having the right know-how helps his customers make smart financial decisions about each project while being good to the environment.

"I am in the process of receiving my (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional qualification," Barrett says. "This will assist my current clients with making big decisions about going green or not going green."

Build LLC is developing Copper Green Apartments, a 288-unit multifamily eco-friendly project in Broken Arrow, Okla., along with low-income housing and tax credit projects in Missouri.

Aided by the Internet, state-of-the-art software and direct flights between Phoenix and Springfield on Allegiant Air, Barrett says he's able to manage his projects easily. He works in Missouri one week a month.

"I worked literally coast-to-coast with Killian, and it taught me how to run projects from a satellite office," he says.

With each employee having earned a college degree, Build LLC offers service in every step of the development process, from acquiring the land, managing construction and selecting management companies.

The first year in business garnered Build LLC $9 million in revenues, and Barrett anticipates doubling that in 2010. He also plans to branch into Utah next year.

"Things are good, but we can always find more work," Barrett says. "There are a lot of unemployed developers out there because they can't get loans. I'm a believer that if the government takes the safeguard and controls off the appraisals, it would stimulate a whole lot more business."

[[In-content Ad]]Build LLC
Owner: Ron Barrett
Founded: August 2008
Address: 431 S. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 120, Springfield, MO 65806
Phone: (417) 862-9500
Fax: (417) 862-9501
Web: www.buildllc.net
First-year Revenues: $9 million
Services: Commercial and multifamily project development, LEED-certified projects
Employees: 5