Character Matters!

by Dave Sutton, P.E., Executive Vice President

Many years before formal mission statements became mainstream identities in corporate America, The Buric Companies placed into each of its offices a small, homemade, wooden plaque that simply reads, “WE CAN DO THAT”. This strong, yet ordinary message may not serve as the official mission statement of the company, it does, however, typify and express the determined, positive attitude that is at the core of this company’s being, existence, and soul. Its simple message underscores the character that propels The Buric Companies to being a leading consultant to the construction industry. We do not see obstacles to success, we only see challenges that must be met and overcome.

The great basketball coaching legend and grassroots philosopher, John Wooden, notes — reputation is what others perceive you as being (regardless, whether their opinion of you is right or wrong), but character is what you really are. The Buric Companies’ reputation is defined by an extensive and diverse list of clients and the high volume of repeat and referral business we perform. Our character is to require a high level of knowledgeable, quality and professional effort in executing services for a client. It is our character to be thorough and effective in project situations that require answers sooner, than later.

It is also our character to be innovative and responsive to the needs of the industry. Our “we can do that” mantra is the essence of our beginning — offering CPM Scheduling services in the 1960s before its widespread availability and acceptance as an essential project controls tool. It continued as the impetus to our expansion and addition of such services as Claims Analysis and Management, Surety Contract Management, and Building Diagnostics. The Buric Companies was in the forefront as the construction industry evolved and recognized the need for these services. We continue the trend of identifying and addressing industry needs, as we eagerly approach achievement of our fourth decade in business. Our core services have expanded over the last couple of years to include ArchitecturalDesign and 3D / Animation Graphics. Additionally, we are very excited about our application of a new process that provides Owners and project teams real time trends and impact assessments regarding scheduling, cost, productivity and production data; a concept involving collective cooperation and information sharing that is much needed in an industry that seeks to mitigate its litigious climate. Reputation can fluctuate and maintaining one of excellence is important to us. However, what prevails in driving our success is our character and the expectations we have of ourselves.