How Joe Valverde took a small construction company (himself and two employees) and grew it to what it is today, a respectable company that averages about 120 employees with annual earnings of $30 million, is a story filled with experience, commitment, and firm ideals. One of those ideals, service to society, began in the service. Joe was a gunner in a tank unit; and as a crewman, he learned all about the mechanics of tanks. His first job out of the military was for the bus company, Continental Trailways, where he was an assistant mechanic. About a year later, he added to his experience by hauling for Asbury Contractors. As he recalls, this was in 1960. He dismantled equipment and hauled it around on lowbeds. This landed him a job as a lowbed driver for an equipment dealer. He eventually worked his way up to the sales manager position. About this time he hearkened to a desire to start his own company. His first idea, water and sewage treatment, which required mechanical expertise, was dashed upon the formidable rocks of the enormous bonding required for such construction. So, he and his three-man crew-himself included-began working on pipelines for sewers and storm drains. Valverde Construction officially began work on May 22nd, 1972. Some of these first small jobs were done for the Navy, and small towns all over California. Today, Valverde Construction boasts two divisions. Their General Engineering and Pipeline Division installs underground systems, sewers, waterlines, and storm drains for public agencies and private developers. They also build sewage treatment plants and collection systems. Their Utilities Division installs conduit, vaults, and cable for various utilities. They are an approved bid-list contractor for G.T.E., Pac Bell, AT&T, US Sprint, MCI, Southern California Edison, and the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power. 75% of ValverdeÕs work is in domestic water systems, and 25% is in sewers and storm drains

Joe Valverde, President, Valverde Construction, Inc.

Valverde Construction on the Alameda Corridor Project. Their contract includes fitting in sewer, water and storm drains within an 11 mile area that is known as the Mid-Corridor Project. Their portion of the job began in March of 1999 and is scheduled to be completed by November of 2001 at an approxiamate cost of $38 million.

Valverde Construction owns most of their equipment, but will rent from dealers, rental yards, and rental companies should the need arise. Joe has personal savvy on this subject, and comments, "When we get ready to buy a piece of equipment, we first look into the durability and capability of each individual piece, as well as the cost and resale value. With my equipment background, I am usually able to get the best deal on each specific piece of machinery."

Recently, Engineering News Record, a respected industry publication, ranked Valverde Construction among the top specialty contractors in the nation. The company earned this honor by increasing revenues by 41% over the previous year, and by posting $19.7 million in new contracts. Joe attributed much of this growth to work done for the port of Los Angeles and the Alameda Corridor.

Joe Valverde is very active in a boxing program through the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office. He has trained boxers and traveled all over the world, and was once an amateur and professional boxer. He currently sits as a Board Member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Though exquisitely professional in demeanor, this is still a family business. Joe is President and owner; his wife, Rose, is the Treasurer, oversees the payroll and is involved in the corporate meetings. His sons occupy key positions. Michael is the Field Superintendent; Ahron is in charge of the yard and equipment, and small projects; Edward is the Chief Estimator; and Chris is currently the Project Manager on the Alameda Corridor project.

Commenting on the future of the business, Joe explains, "This is a very competitive business. The more knowledgeable you are about a project youÕre bidding on, and how well you are acquainted with the particular agency, the better are your chances of overall success." He also notes with dismay some pending changes that could drastically affect the nature of the business: "Now several agencies are going to the pre-qualification process. I am not necessarily comfortable with that. I would like to see a more open and inclusive type of process, rather than this potentially exclusive policy. I believe in fairness and have raised my sons to believe the same. We all contribute to the system and I think that we all should be able to benefit from it as well."

Perhaps it was this strong bent towards fairness and openness that culminated in the receipt of personal awards. He is a D.I.G Award (stands for dignity, integrity, and generosity) recipient, from the Engineering Contractors Association. And he was also awarded Best Contractor of the Year by the same agency-the ECA.

Valverde Construction has been involved in underground construction since 1972. Their General Engineering and Pipeline Division installs underground systems, sewers, waterlines and storm drains for public agencies and private developers.

Joe also allows time for his volunteer work. He is an active volunteer with the Los Angeles County SheriffÕs Office; and he is involved in helping the City of Hope organize an annual boxing event called the "Fight for Life." He also served on the Contractors State License Board for the past eight years. And he is a past president of the Engineering Contractors Association. His service to community doesnÕt end here. Joe has been active with the police athletic programs such as the California Police Summer Games, and the World Police and Fire Games. He has been active in a boxing program through the Los Angeles County SheriffÕs Office. And he has trained boxers and traveled all over the world with them. Perhaps you are wondering, why the focus on boxing? Joe Valverde was once an amateur and professional boxer. He currently sits as a Board Member of The World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Well, what does this busy, successful man do for recreation? Joe and his wife, Rose, love to travel. They have traveled all over Europe. And they have visited Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada.

With this brief glimpse into the personal and professional life of Joe Valverde, it is easy to see why Valverde Construction is one of the most respected contractors in southern California; and is well known for its solid work ethic and wealth of experience. Joe and his company are truly examples of how hard work, generosity and professionalism help make the southern California construction industry what it is today.