In the first edition of an ongoing series, we examine a contracting company that has made a significant contribution to the roads and bridges construction industry.
When looking for a contracting company to launch this series, Duit Construction Company, Inc., caught our attention because of its president, Tim Duit, who was elected chair of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in September.
Based in Edmond, Okla., Duit Construction is a family-owned business that has grown to work on road, bridge, and underground construction for the federal government, cities, counties, airports, and rail companies. The company also mines sand and gravel, and crushes recycled concrete and asphalt to be used on construction projects.
As successful as the company has become since its inception in 1969, it started with a grassroots effort by founder James “Jim” Duit, Tim Duit’s father. Back then, the company built round grain bins foundations in Iowa Falls, Iowa.
“We'd go around the country, and around the state of Iowa building these round concrete grain bin foundations for a few years,” Jim Duit said. “At the same time, I was working my way through college.”
As the company evolved, it began building sidewalks, curbs, and gutter driveways.
“And then followed the normal progression on in the streets and highways and airports and interstates.” said Jim Duit.
The company has grown steadily to more than 600 employees, with that number sometimes rising to 800 based on the enormity of projects being carried out.
Tim Duit has been a catalyst for this growth. He has worked with the company in some capacity since he was in college. After he graduated, he took over TTK Construction, which was “more of a holding company” that “was created for our education,” he said.
Tim Duit used TTK Construction to learn how to “do it on my own, but still be able to get some help whenever I needed it.”
In 2017, TTK Construction merged with Duit Construction.
“We grew a lot through the merging and acquisitions of few bridge and asphalt companies,” Tim Duit said. “Aside from that, I think we've grown through the size of the projects.”
Like many family businesses in the construction industry, Duit Construction focuses on quality and employee development.
“We also place focus on retaining young people,” said Jim Duit. “At last count we had people that have been with us five years or longer, and we had over 4000 years of experience in our current employee roster. I think that speaks very highly of Tim’s leadership. Focusing on people is always the answer.”
Duit Construction has an impressive portfolio of work in Oklahoma. Highlights include two of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) largest projects to date.
“Our 4-mile construction project in Calera, Oklahoma was the largest ODOT project in their history completed with an early completion bonus,” said Tim Duit. “Also, the Gilcrease Expressway is the largest project the state’s ever done we've completed that project. Those are two big different types of jobs we’re really proud of. Currently, our bridge company is working on rebuilding the largest bridge on Route 66 in Oklahoma. So, I think we've historically done a lot of major projects in the state.”
Looking ahead, the company leads are looking forward to pursuing other avenues for growth.
“I think we're really looking forward to seeing how this all the IJA money plays out,” said Tim Duit. “Let's see how that comes and how that affects the market here in Oklahoma, and what we might be able to do with it.”
Jim Duit added that he was excited to see his son as chairman of ARTBA.
“That has been a great honor for our company, and I look forward to seeing where it may lead him,” he said. RB
If you would like to suggest a contracting company to be featured in Better Know A Contractor, email Harlee Hewitt at [email protected].
