Construction boss: ‘Never been more proud to call Las Vegas my home’

Burke Construction Group, a general contracting firm with headquarters in Las Vegas, has a long and diverse list of clients.

“Our longevity and local presence in Southern Nevada lends itself to established relationships with clients, trade partners, local utilities and governmental agencies,” says Kevin Burke, the firm’s president and CEO. “Our ability to demonstrate history and stability in a perceived transient environment creates a sense of confidence for our partners.”

Among Burke’s clients have been the Clark County School District, Cashman Equipment Co., Barclaycard, Solar City, Walmart, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Marnell Properties.

What’s the most complex project you’re working on or you’ve completed in recent years?

The Credit One corporate headquarters and campus — a 153,000-square-foot building sitting on 24 acres just south of Interstate 215 between Durango Drive and Buffalo Drive, is the only four-story office building in Las Vegas constructed with tilt walls.

The tilt process included concrete set in the area around the building, lifted by a 330-ton crawler crane, and put in place. The panels stand at 64 feet tall, and the elevation at the top of the building is approximately 90 feet above I-215. The panels averaged 100 tons, and an estimated 753 tons of steel was used in the construction of the building, along with 1,200-plus cubic yards of concrete. Fifty crew and staff members were used to install the 22 panels over two days just ahead of 70 mph wind gusts March 30. The complexities of a tilt-up project of this magnitude, combined with an aggressive schedule, contributed to the challenges we faced.

Have lending changes in recent years affected your business?

Absolutely. Today, lenders have learned from the experience of the great financial crisis of 2008. The underwriting criteria that our developers face is much more detailed and candidly laborious … which ultimately elongates the development timeline.

What obstacles is your business facing, and what has it already overcome?

As we continue to focus on our current and future regrowth, the shortage of skill and trades, manpower and professional staff has been a challenge. We are thrilled to have recently brought on several new passionate, talented team members who embrace our entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.

What is your business philosophy?

Based on simple, Midwestern values that never become outdated, our philosophy is to exceed our customer’s expectations and do more than our community expects of us.

Describe your company culture.

Who we are at the core is a company with a spirit of collaboration and accountability. Our company’s purpose statement is to build client visions in the Burke tradition — shared passion and enduring relationships, a relentless pursuit of results and challenging the status quo.

What’s the best business advice you’ve received?

My favorite quote by Maya Angelou — “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” — transcends business through all aspects of life.

Anything else you want to share?

As a Las Vegas resident for more than 27 years, I have always believed in the pioneering spirit and the sense of community in this city. Despite the rate of growth experienced, we have always managed to maintain a small-town feel and attitude.

However, in light of the recent horrific events of Oct. 1, I have never been more proud to call Las Vegas my home. The light of Vegas shined in the face of horror as we rallied in a way our city had not witnessed before. We continue to pray for and support all of the victims, their families, and all who were directly and indirectly affected that day.