MWDBE SPOTLIGHT: Meet Glenn Singfield, Owner of Artesian Contracting Co., Inc.
ABOUT ARTESIAN
CONTRACTING CO., INC.
Year established: 1987
Location: Albany, GA
Notable projects: Albany State University’s Nursing and Health Science Simulation Lab Facility, historic renovation of the Holmes-Hunter Building at the University of Georgia
Meet Glenn Singfield
Owner of Artesian Contracting Co., Inc.
Tell us about you and your company.
I’ve always had a desire to own a company that afforded everyone the opportunity to grow professionally and be financially rewarded. In 1999, while working at the Albany Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Governmental Affairs, I met the board chairman, Ben Barrow, who also was the CEO of LRA Constructors. With him as a strong partner and mentor, I purchased a small DBE firm in Albany, GA called Artesian Contracting Co., Inc.
What is your company’s specialty?
Artesian Contracting Co., Inc. is a HUBZone minority-owned business enterprise with a satellite office at Moody Air Force Base. In our 25 years of general construction, we have encountered a common thread with all our clients: the desire to build a beautiful, well-constructed facility in a time-sufficient manner for the best price possible. We have made it our goal to provide the community, the government, and surrounding industries with quality workmanship that is second to none in all areas of construction.
What achievements are you most proud of?
The team at Artesian is extremely proud of the relationship we have developed with Ajax Building Company over the past six years. Having completed over 100 commercial and more than 300 governmental projects, we are excited about the value we bring to their team. This relationship has allowed us to be granted two projects by the Georgia Board of Regents: Albany State University’s Nursing and Health Science Simulation Lab Facility and the historic renovation of the Holmes-Hunter Building at the University of Georgia.
What was most helpful as your company first began competing in the local market?
When we first began competing in the local market, it was and still is extremely important to nurture and develop our partnerships with the local subcontractors. Many times, this relationship required us to assure that these small sub-companies could make payroll and purchase materials. Working as a partner with these companies gave us the opportunity to develop our compacity and, ultimately, gain a competitive edge.
How did your partnership with Ajax begin? What has the experience been like?
Artesian’s partnership with Ajax began about six years ago after meeting Mr. Ted Parker, Ajax’s director of community outreach. Ted was visiting Albany, Georgia, because Albany State University sought to construct a new Fine Arts Building, and since then, Ted has proven to be both a friend and confidant. I like to say, “If Ted Parker tells you it’s going to rain, get an umbrella.” As the majority-minority owner of Artesian Contracting Co., Inc., I’ve been most impressed with Ajax’s vision of the leadership and commitment to equity and inclusion. From the beginning, I’ve appreciated how the entire team has made sure everyone is valued and respected. Knowing that construction relies on a series of successful relationships, I’m very excited about the future of this partnership.
Do you have any advice for someone starting their own business in our industry and beginning the MWDBE process?
I would first suggest that they develop a commitment to the local market by getting involved with their local Chamber of Commerce and contractor association. I would also advise them to focus on their strengths instead of trying to be the best at everything. Finally, I’ll say that if you’re looking for a get-rich-quick scheme, you are in the wrong business. Construction requires long hours and very hard work to be successful.