Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/76892
INSIGHT ON ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE By Amy Spreeman Band of brothers DeLeers goes beyond construction to build loyalty W he was beside himself with anxiety. His wife was in the final stages of a rare illness, and everything they had was gone. One company, family-owned DeLeers Construction, Inc., helped the Thompsons start over during a very rough time. "They put their arms around me Thanksgiving in 2007, Pere home burned to the ground on Thompson's De hen Ed The DeLeers brothers Tom, John, Jim and Paul (with their father Jerry, second from right) have built a niche in the construction industry, including launching a consulting arm designed to help small, medium and emerging construction and trades businesses focus more efficiently on human resources strategies. moved into their new home. But the former Schneider National president says he never forgot the kindness and excellent workmanship, eventually hiring DeLeers to help with several commercial building projects. "Their mantra is DeLeers delivers, and they do," Thompson says. and helped me do this, from insurance claims all the way through the finishing touches," says Ed Thompson, whose wife passed away shortly aſter they www.insightonbusiness .com Building the brand The company has a unique place in the construction industry. Established in 1945 when Joseph "Jake" DeLeers returned from World War II, the five-person company provided a quality craſtsmanship reputation in northeast Wisconsin. Eventually his sons Jerry and Phil came on board and grew the company in two distinct businesses: construction and cabinetry. When Jake passed away in 1994, the family began planning for the future and looking to the promise of the third generation: four brothers still affectionately known as "the boys." The close-knit brothers [continued] » Augus t 2012 • INSIGHT | 29 PATRICK FERRON