Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/946503
EquipmentWorld.com | February 2018 51 T o say that Richard Preston grew up in the construction business is an understatement. "I was always on the jobsite with my dad," Richard says. "As early as elementary school he would have me straightening things up." As Richard grew older, his respon- sibilities at Preston Construction increased, including superintending jobs in his parents' brief absences during summer breaks from college. This boots-on-the-ground con- struction knowledge helped when Richard's world was shaken with the unexpected death of his father, John Richard (Dick) Preston Sr., in 2001. Richard was just about to graduate with an architectural degree from the University of Ten- nessee. "I had Dad's phone, and I started getting calls," Richard recalls. "It was one of those decisions that I don't think I put much thought into. I just knew it was my responsibility to come back and keep those guys busy. I graduated on a Saturday, and on Monday, I was on a jobsite." "Richard had some huge shoes to fill when he helped his mother take over a general contracting firm," says David McKinney, with mechanical contractor S. B. White Company, Johnson City, Tennessee, a subcontractor and friend of the family. "Even with the tough eco- nomic times we've all endured, he's more than quadrupled the size of the company over the past 10 years and has built Preston Construction into one of the most well-respected and viable commercial general con- struction firms in the area." "I was going to go back to archi- tecture," Richard now says, "but it never happened because I enjoy construction so much." Critical assistance Richard's mother and partner, Clau- dia Preston McCord, who joined the company in 1974, was by Richard's side throughout, serving as vice contractor of the year finalist | by Marcia Gruver Doyle | MGruver@randallreilly.com 50-years strong, Tennessee contractor builds on long-term relationships Richard Preston Jr., Claudia Preston McCord Preston Construction City, State: Johnson City, Tennessee Year Started: 1967 Number of employees: 12 Annual revenue: $5 million Markets served: Commercial, industrial and institutional buildings