Bruss Construction, Inc. has been selected by a panel of judges as the recipient of the fourteenth annual New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award. The award honors the "individual, business or organization that, through its words and deeds, best demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in construction." The presentation was made May 20th at the New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors' Annual Awards and Recognition Night, at C.R. Sparks.
This year marks the first time since the award's founding in 1997 that a company, rather than an individual, has been honored. The selection committee felt that the ideals the award represents were so pervasive throughout the company that the entire firm should be recognized.
Bruss Construction, founded by president Michael Bruss, has been in business in New Hampshire for more than 26 years, performing both commercial and residential construction. His brother, CEO James Bruss, purchased an interest in the company in 1993, and a third brother, vice president John Bruss, joined the company in 2002.
A leader in the green building movement, Bruss Construction has utilized sustainable building practices since the 1980s, long before it became fashionable. From its projects and jobsites to its own offices, there is an intense focus on improving and minimizing its environmental footprint. The company also works hard to spread the message, helping the legal profession understand green development, appraisers grasp green technologies, and high school students see the career opportunities green construction and design offer.
In addition, the company helped found the New Hampshire Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and plays an active role in the NH Preservation Alliance, NH and Northeast Sustainable Energy Associations, and the NH Department of Environmental Services Aspiring Leaders program.
Bruss' strong support of the construction industry is demonstrated by its active involvement in the NH/VT Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, NH Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of NH.
The company's contributions to the community involve everyone from top management to field staff. Among the numerous local and charitable activities in which Bruss' staff participate are Toys for Tots, local food pantry and clothing drives, the Bradford Community Center, the Norris Cotton Center's Prouty Challenge Bike Ride, Habitat for Humanity and the Rock 'n Race to benefit the Payson Cancer Center at Concord Hospital.
Those in the industry express nothing but admiration for Bruss Construction. "They are ethical to a fault," notes an architect who has worked with them on several projects. "From top to bottom, there's an overriding concern about doing the right thing. It's always a pleasure working with them because of their high standards."
Those comments are supported by the fact that, in its 26-year history, Bruss has never failed to complete a project, nor been involved in any judgments, claims or arbitration proceedings.
A supplier who has done business with the company since 1995 says, "They're always great to work for. There's a tremendous respect for the expertise of others and they never exploit any information that's provided; if they ask for help they will not offer the contract to another firm. This promotes a working relationship based on trust."
Bruss' clients are no less effusive. "They believe you can always do it better," says one for whom the company built a LEED Platinum-certified project. "They understand what continuous learning is and were willing to do enormous amounts of research to produce a high performance building. Bruss put our needs first."
In addition to a handsome plaque, the award carries with it a $1,000 donation to the recipient's charity of choice, which Bruss Construction has designated to go to the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.
The New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award is underwritten by David Wood, a nationally recognized writer, publisher and marketing consultant specializing in the construction industry. His newsletter, Words from Woody, has won 25 awards, including being a three-time recipient of the Construction Writers Association's prestigious T. Randolph Russell Award. In 2005, Wood was presented with the Silver Hard Hat, that organization's highest honor.
Wood said "There are a large number of reputable and highly principled people and firms that are part of our state's design and construction industry. I hope this award serves to encourage others to conduct themselves in a similar manner."
Previous recipients have been; William Clark of Clark Masonry Const., William Walker of The MacMillin Co., Samuel Audley of R.S. Audley, Inc., Levi Ladd of L.K. Ladd, Inc., Jack McDevitt Jr. of McDevitt Trucks, Inc., Tom Avallone of Cobb Hill Const., Jim Morrill of Morrill Const., Mark and Rick Charbonneau of Continental Paving, Leighton White of Leighton A. White Inc., Rich Lambert of Pro Con Inc., Tom Palazzi of The Palazzi Corp., Ron Severino of Severino Trucking, and Paul Morin of Tarkka Homes.