MSI General Corp.
W215 E Wisconsin Ave., Nashotah
www.msigeneral.com
Year founded: 1957
Product or service offered: Designer-led design, build and construction management firm
CEO: Dirk Debbink
Leadership team: Craig Coursin, AIA, president; Susan Butler, executive vice president of finance; Jim Olson, AIA, vice president of design; Ken Krahe, vice president of operations and estimating; Julie Mitchell, manager of select projects; Tim Melan, manager of field operations
Projected 2015 revenue: $40 million
Target clientele: A wide range of commercial project types including industrial, churches, nonprofit organizations, office build-outs, education, retail, grocery, aviation, country clubs
Business organization memberships: Wisconsin Independent Business Association, WCBA, MMAC, COSBE, Design Build Institute of America, American Institute of Architects, Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce, Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce, TEC, MRA
What has fueled your company’s growth?
“We have a high level of repeat customers in all of the sectors and, in general, they have all rebounded to some degree and are doing several small projects such as renovations and larger building additions. Several sectors that had gone down to almost no work such as retail, office and aviation have all started to return with new buildings being constructed. During the recession, MSI General focused on the smaller project needs of the clients we work with frequently. We found that they needed design and construction but were not willing to build large projects. We helped them plan, design and build the portions of their business that would give them the highest value in the shortest time frame.”
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth?
“Uncertainty in the business world. There continues to be a feeling of uncertainty by the clients we work with. It seems to be ending now, but has remained in the background for the last four or five years.Our subcontractors, and MSI General are also at max capacity, and looking for talent.”
Do you plan to make any changes to your company?
“We are always adjusting our focus and adding people where we need them. We will be adding some new positions over the next six months.”
Who are the business people you admire?
“I admire everyone who is running a good business and making the right moves to keep growing in a tough market.”
What is the outlook for your industry?
“Very strong growth.We see a nice 2015, with a very strong 2016.”
What is your company’s most important growth strategy?
“We plan to focus on our current opportunities, and give our clients the best value we can.”
