Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/389791
A fter Vern Larman returned to the Dallas area from a two-year stint as a missionary in Bolivia, he found he had a passion and expertise for excavation. During his five years working for a pool excavation contractor he learned to master the excavator to become the company's most profitable crew member. As his experience grew, clients were impressed and encouraged him to start his own business. The journey began in March 1984, when Vern purchased his first excavator and truck, and put together his crew. Today, Vern – along with his wife Karen and brother Lorin – own and operate a 24 employee company that provides a diversity of services that include new pool excavation, basement excavation, hardscape de- velopment, pool demolition, grading and numerous commercial excava- tion projects throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. He's viewed as an innovator in his field, says Chris Polito of Pool Environments. "We've been in business since 1990 and Vern has dug every pool we've ever built," he says. "He's at the top of the food chain – everybody else copies what he does." Attention to detail, focus on qual- ity work and maintaining excellent relationships with clients, vendors and employees alike are the rea- sons the company remains at the top. Vern and Lorin – who have worked together for the better part of three decades – have merged their skills to create a firm that delivers top-notch work in a profes- sional, friendly manner. Mastering growth management Although Larman Construction is busier than they've ever been, Vern says he's happy with the company's current size, and hesitates to add another layer of management, as everyone enjoys the friendly family environment. He treats his employ- ees as friends, and says that Lorin, who runs the crews, has a gentle nature with the staff. Primarily com- posed of long-term employees who EquipmentWorld.com | October 2014 47 Larman Construction Year started: 1984 Number of employees: 24 Annual revenues: $3-5 million Markets served: Excavation, demolition, grading, hardscape development. Vernnen Larman Garland, Texas An impressive level of quality combined with a passion for his people keep Dallas contractor at the top of his field. contractor of the year | by Amy Materson | AMaterson@randallreilly.com