With nearly 350 field craftspeople mostly located in the MidAtlantic region, Rycon Construction Inc. is one of the largest employers of carpenters in Western Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh-based employee-owned firm is also the 2022 ENR MidAtlantic Contractor of the year.
The firm will be profiled in the August issue of ENR MidAtlantic, which will feature the region's annual Top Contractor rankings. Rycon will also be honored at the ENR MidAtlantic Regional Best Projects Awards this fall.
The firm says that its retention of skilled labor craftspeople, especially during the current labor shortage, has been critical to its accomplishments. Despite the pandemic and safety protocols changing daily, Rycon says it improved its safety Experience Modification Rating (EMR) from 0.71 to 0.607 in 2021.
Founded in 1989 in Pittsburgh, Rycon currently has 250-plus office workers in eight office locations, seven of which the firm has opened since 2015. Most recently, the firm set up shop in Fort Myers, Fla. and Houston.
Rycon offers hybrid remote working options as well as flex schedules for each employee. The firm credits its success to a stable base of long tenured workforce that it says “handles any hurdles thrown their way with professionalism and expertise while bestowing shared learning and guidance amongst early in career professionals.” Furthermore, the firm says recent acquisitions “have brought fresh ideas, drive, and diverse perspectives to the company.”
Rycon also attributes its success to repeat client business. On average, 85% of its annual revenue has come from repeat clients.
The firm is also currently committed to a two-year mentorship of a minority protégé who is a small contractor in Southwestern Pennsylvania. During the course of the program, the firm will have provided training sessions in 12-plus construction business related topics, helping to expand their industry network, increase their business opportunities, and improve their market presence.
The firm also gives back to the community through sponsorships and collection drives. They regularly participate as a sponsor for their clients’ events. Since last May, Rycon’s MidAtlantic offices have contributed to 30-plus events. Employees have held annual drives to gather food, toys, and animal products for various local non-profit organizations. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rycon donated negative air machines and N95 masks to local hospitals.
Rycon ranked No. 35 on last year’s ENR MidAtlantic Top Contractor list with $250.82 million in regional revenue. Check out the August issue of ENR MidAtlantic to find out where Rycon ranks in this year's rankings.
