Vido Artukovich & Son, Inc./Vidmar, Inc, A.J.V. has been a family owned and operated business since 1919 and has a project history that spans most of California. The 85-year old company has installed some of California's most massive underground water, sewer and storm pipelines.

One of Artukovich's oldest and largest projects dates back to 1941. The company installed 60,000 feet of 36-inch water pipe for the Metropolitan Water District. Another momentous, historical project took place in 1951 when the company laid 90,000 feet of 72-inch pipe for the San Francisco Water Department. In 1953, Artukovich made history in Los Angeles County by installing 12,000 feet of 12-foot diameter sewer pipelineÑthe largest in the county's history.

(Above Left, Left to Right) Anthony Artukovich, President/CEO, Mark Artukovich, Vice President, Son, and seated above, Mark Artukovich, Grandson/Nephew. (Above Right) Vido Artukovich, Founder, Leo Majich, and Anthony Artukovich.

Artukovich & Son was originally started by three Croatian cousins, Vido, Jerry and John. When the three men eventually decided to go their separate ways, they did so without reverting to lawyers and lengthily legal proceedings. They simply drew straws and divvied up all the equipment and assets into equal piles.

With a still thriving business in place, Vido decided to take over the business and eventually passed it to his son. Today, three Autukovichs run the company - Anthony and his progeny Vido and Mark.

"At age 72 dad is still the driving force of the company," said Mark Artukovich of his father Anthony Artukovich, president of the company.

In fact, Anthony is in the office every day and is an active participant in decision making. According to Mark, "He still has an uncanny ability to walk onto a job site and within five minutes assess what is right or wrong with the project."

Mark and Vido are equal partners. Mark runs the estimating and administrative side of the business and Vido supervises field operations.

According to Mark, pretty much gone are the days of installing 90,000 linear feet of pipe at one time. That's not, to say that the challenge is gone. In fact, if anything heavy underground construction is more demanding than ever.

An example of today's diverse challenges is exemplified in a $9 million project Artukovich is performing for the Irvine Ranch Water District. The company is installing a sewer line for a future 300-acre development near Tustin Marine Corp Air Station.

(Above Left) A 60-Ton crane was used to service the tunnel pit. (Above Right) Trench Shoring Company provided all of the shoring for the project.

"This is a micro-tunnel project. The unmanned tunneling process is computer controlled above ground through laser technology," said Mark. "We decided to go this route because of the wet and unstable conditions of the ground. In this situation, micro tunneling is much safer," stated Mark.

Micro tunneling eliminates cut-and-fill excavation. On this project, it minimized the cost of pipeline construction due to the unfavorable environment of the site. The procedure helped to reduce the potential for disrupting existing underground utility, as it is less invasive than traditional methods. It also reduced the contractor's liability insurance premiums.

Artukovich hired Elmore Pipe Jacking to do the micro tunneling. The trench is 22-feet deep and is being dug under existing utility and power lines. Trench Shoring Company, one of Southern California's largest suppliers and one of Artukovich's regular vendors, is supplying the trench boxes. The boxes are actually 4-inch thick, 10-feet by 24-feet steel panels supported by an adjustable spreader. The panels extend up to 12-feet wide and are designed to straddle the pipe.

Although Artukovich does tunneling when required, the majority of the company's work is completed with manned crews and heavy equipment.

Artukovich employs an average of 75 people depending on the size and scope of the project. The Company is a union contractor and does all public works projects.

(Above) Mark Artukovich, Grandson/Nephew in front of the tunnel portal.

So who will lead the next generation of Artukovichs (not that either Anthony, Vido or Mark are ready to retire)? Right now Mark's nephew is working at the company and with six children of his own, one or even two may decide to come aboard.

Regardless of who carries on the Artukovich name, Mark hopes to instill the same values in his successor as his father instilled in him.

"Perhaps the most important thing I have learned in business is what comes around goes around. The construction business is a tough way to make a living and over the years, I have seen a number of companies fold for different reasons. I truly believe Vido Artukovich & Son is still in business today because of my father's compassion," stated Mark.

"This business, like others has peaks and valleys. During the valleys, my father was very forgiving. If a business associate, be it a vendor, subcontractor or supplier, was down on his luck, my father tried to do what he could for them," said Mark. "He forgave a lot of debt and never cheated anyone." "When we have hit turbulent times, people remembered my father's goodness and reciprocated," concluded Mark.

Running a business and while retaining compassion and integrity will no doubt ensure that the Artukovichs celebrate, yet another 85 years in business. For more information on Vido Artukovich & Son, Inc./Vidmar, Inc, A.J.V. call 626-444-4286.