Joe Schwab: Buy Low and Grow

Managing Member/COO

HCS Construction Services Co., Bellevue, Wash.

Age 36

Joe has taken a small family-owned business and grown it into a conglomerate of residential and commercial construction companies. During the recession, he spearheaded the purchase of two companies that were struggling due to the downturn—Uniplex Construction, and Washington Floor and Tile—seizing the opportunity to strengthen his company’s position in the market. He focused on building relationships with repeat clients and improving operations systems.

Although both companies were affected by the down economy, they offered exceptional employees, solid systems, and a customer base that allowed HCS to expand and improve. The acquisitions paid off: Between 2012 and the 2015 projections, the three firms have doubled their revenue each year. Joe also brought on an accounting manager who places heavy emphasis on cost accounting, allowing deeper analysis of budgets and profitability.

Joe leads by nurturing relationships and building strong teams. As the companies have grown, he has encouraged individuals to hone their skills so they can move up on the org chart. And his relationship-building philosophy extends to vendors and trade partners as well. He includes them in project planning, scheduling, and pricing in order to deliver better results for his clients on time and at a competitive price. This has won HCS several large projects.

Read more about the 2015 Professional Remodeler 40 Under 40 awardees.

Taking a small family-owned business and growing it into a conglomerate of residential and commercial construction companies