No. 24 - Rochester Top 100

The Pike Company

About The Pike Company: General construction, construction management and design - build.

Rank on Top 100: 24

Top Executive: Thomas F. Judson

Employees: 475

Website: www.pikeco.com

We asked Thomas F. Judson, chairman and CEO, to talk about his business.

Question: Who are your customers?
Judson: We are very diversified and work throughout the eastern United States primarily for healthcare and educational institutions, the hospitality industry, manufacturers, government (local, state, and federal), and major retailers. Some of our specialties include hospitals, distributions centers, correctional facilities, libraries, high end hotels, clean rooms, and recreational facilities.

Question: What differentiates The Pike Company from its competitors?
Judson: We are one of the oldest family owned construction companies in the US. In order to accomplish that we have sustained and nurtured a culture of trying to "delight" our customers. We know that customers expect projects on time, budget and schedule but we try to go beyond that by working to make what can be a trying experience, an enjoyable one.

Question: What does it mean to your business to be on the on the Top 100?
Judson: We are proud to be a part of the Rochester community. We work hard to please our customers and we want to be their "Top Choice". Recognition that we are part of the Top 100 is icing" on the cake" and reaffirms that we are on the right track.

Question: What value do you find in your Rochester Business Alliance membership?
Judson: The real value is the strength in numbers aspect. Unshackle Upstate is an example of how businesses can work together to advance an agenda that is important to all Upstate New Yorkers.

Question: What would you like to see happen in our region, and in our state, to help businesses thrive?
Judson: Implement the Unshackle Upstate agenda.

Question: What trends are you seeing among your customers in terms of preferences?
Judson: Our customers focus on what is good for them. Right now we are seeing three trends that impact The Pike Company: First, shorter time to market. This means quicker delivery for our projects. Second, more focus on team work. The Pike Company becomes a part of the team at an early stage bringing value by earlier participation in the decision making. And third, an increased emphasis on energy conservation. We see many more customers asking that their building be LEED certified (also known as green buildings).