Franko - LaFratta Construction

Introduction History Partner Biographies Philosophy

Introduction

Franko - LaFratta Construction, Inc. specializes in high quality residential and commercial renovation and construction. The company has three divisions: Franko - LaFratta Construction specializes in residential and commercial renovation and construction, FLF Services performs repair and maintenance work for homes and corporations, and Vangarde Woodworks builds custom cabinetry and custom designed furniture. From historic renovation to custom homebuilding to award-winning furniture design, Franko - LaFratta provides distinctive custom work for discerning residential and commercial clients.

History

Franko - LaFratta Construction was established in 1990 in Richmond, Virginia. Mark Franko and Louis LaFratta, both of whom had worked in general construction with specialties in masonry, concrete work, and tile work, formed the company during the 1990 recession. They began with two used trucks, a few tools, and no capital. The partners were self-taught in their areas of expertise.

They shared a vision of a company that would dedicate itself to providing the highest quality construction and renovation work. The company has steadily grown and currently employs approximately 40 talented crafts people. It has expanded its services to include a full-service cabinet shop that undertakes work for outside contractors as well as for Franko - LaFratta, and a home repair and maintenance division. Franko - LaFratta has established a reputation for consistently delivering quality workmanship and for successfully executing complex and challenging plans and designs.

Partner Biographies

Mark Franko - "I love being a part of a business that helps people to live or work in structures that are satisfying to them and meet their needs. I enjoy the tremendous variety of work and people that are a daily part of the business. In particular, I find great satisfaction in making sure that the "business" side of Franko - LaFratta runs smoothly and efficiently and in thinking strategically about where the business is going and how we can do things better. "

Mark Franko oversees sales, marketing, and business administration for the company. Since his beginning as a masonry contractor, Mark has compiled over twenty years of experience in construction. He has special expertise in developing estimates and in conducting construction cost analysis and feasibility studies.

Louis LaFratta - "What I love most about my job is being able to help make my clients' dreams become reality. I enjoy the whole process, the unforeseen challenges, and working together with the team to produce creative solutions."

Louis LaFratta heads up Franko - LaFratta's Construction and Services divisions. He has nineteen years of experience in construction that includes commercial construction, commercial tile and glasswork. Louis is an accomplished tile setter and serves as the company's expert on tile and glass construction. He has special expertise in project management.

Philosophy

The mission of Franko - LaFratta Construction is to profitably provide its residential and commercial clients with the highest quality renovation, custom building, cabinetmaking, and maintenance and repair services in a timely manner and in accordance with their needs and expectations.

The company's vision is to be the leading provider of the highest quality renovation, custom building, cabinetmaking, and maintenance and repair services to the residential and commercial markets in Central Virginia.

Franko - LaFratta Construction is committed to the following values:

Growth – Continuing profitable and controlled organizational growth and innovation, while striving for constant improvement through individual challenge and involvement.
Reputation – Being recognized as a preferred provider of the highest quality renovation, custom building, cabinetmaking, and maintenance and repair services.
Professional Relationships – Building longstanding relationships based on mutual respect and shared ethics that will help consistently provide the highest quality products and services.
Employee Relationships – Creating a positive work environment characterized by mutual respect that enables employees to develop their skills, abilities, and knowledge; to be well compensated for their work; and to have opportunities for advancement within the company.
Client Relationships – Assisting clients in developing and understanding their needs and expectations and meeting these in a timely manner with honesty, integrity, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Productivity – Achieving profitable productivity through sound organization, individual initiative, teamwork, planning, measurement, and the appropriate use of technology and other productivity tools.
Immediate Earnings – Earning sufficient profit to support and accomplish all of our other values and yield an adequate return on the shareholders’ equity.