Essence

Saunders says he feels strongly about values. �You have to be 100% honest and fair,� he says. �I was half-smart, but I worked awfully hard. We always honored our word and paid our bills on time, even though, early on, we had to borrow money to do so.�

Whinnen says the value he identifies with most strongly is commitment. �We make a commitment and we honor it. Even if later, it doesn�t make sense or isn�t advantageous financially, we look at each other and we go ahead and follow through.�

Beeble adds: �What makes us unique � and it�s hard to talk about this without being clich�d, but it�s really true � is our essence. We place Saunders the organization on a pedestal. We put that � our name, our brand � above all else. This drives our people to go the extra length. They do the impossible for our customers.�

Greg Schmidt, executive vice president, says the firm has been deliberate about creating its own identity. �A lot of value is placed on the employer-employee relationship and creating opportunities for employees,� he adds.

Schmidt is a good example of what he�s talking about. He started with Saunders in 1994, working in preconstruction services and moving up through the ranks.

�I believe I�ve been blessed,� Saunders says. �I�m a team player, which is important. Two heads are better than one, and three are better than two. I have in leadership great people who are doing a fantastic job in a difficult time.�

Saunders Construction Recent Projects

Adams County Government Center

Brighton
$84 million
Completion: Oct. 2010
Architect: Gensler

Casey Middle School

Boulder
$26.2 million
Completion: May 2010
Archtiect: RB+B Architects Inc.

CSU Student Recreation Center Expansion

Fort Collins
$27 million
Completion: Aug. 2010
Architect: Hastings+Chivetta

Clyfford Still Museum

Denver Completion: Aug. 2011
Artichect: Allied Works Architecture

UCD Health and Wellness Center

Aurora, Anschutz Medical Center
Completion: Feb. 2012
Architect: H+L Architecture, in association with Cannon Design Group