Davis Constructors and Engineers Inc. Tracks Across Alaska.

• Author: BONHAM, NICOLE A.
• Position: Company management information

Operating from its Bonanza Avenue headquarters in Anchorage, Davis Constructors opened its doors in 1976 as a general contractor. In the quarter-century since--and despite the tragic, early death of its founder in a Ketchikan plane crash-the company has racked up credentials as a statewide operator in the areas of general, commercial and industrial construction, also offering construction management.

At its helm, President R. Greg Romack says doing business now versus 25 years ago takes diversity and willingness to change.

Romack, a graduate of the University of Idaho in business administration, has a long history with the company, having worked at Davis Constructors since 1984 following stints as general manager at Anchorage-based Quadra Engineering and time spent with the Municipality of Anchorage's public works division. An Alaskan for 30 years, Romack says he likes to tell people, "I wasn't born here, but I got here as soon as I could."

Since the construction company's origins in the late '70s, Alaska has weathered several watershed economies and trends. When asked how such ebb and flow has affected his industry, Romack notes several changes.

"First off, 20 years ago most of the work was government related in some type-local, state or federal government," says Romack. "Certainly, nowadays we work year-round, where we didn't use to.

"And, I also think nowadays the project delivery is not as traditional--more design-built now, with construction management," he says, pointing to project partnerships, also. "It's just not the old traditional bid format of 20 years ago."

Forward to the Future

In his forecast of Alaska's construction industry, Romack says he expects more patterns of ebb and flow, but sees the future with optimism.

"I think in the construction industry as a whole, the (outlook) is positive," he says. "Particularly if you have to be a site-work contractor, it's very bright. For us building contractors, we're a byproduct of a healthy economy and I think that's what we have right now."

To counter any potential downturn, Davis Constructors has diversified its traditional work base, evolving its marketplace into one both of public and private projects. "In my case, I think we have a bright future," Romack echoes.

Traditionally, the construction industry in Alaska spun itself a tall tale for job seekers and industry watchers Outside, with memories of the pipeline boom and later government contract and housing booms. But as Alaska...