Wes Reeder

2021 Year-end Message From Wes Reeder

Year-end Message From the President

It is hard to believe that 2021 is coming to an end. June 3rd marked the beginning of my eighth decade on the planet, which is somewhat significant for me. I don’t feel and hopefully don’t act like an old guy, but my perspective on things is reflective of the many miles I have traveled, knowing that there is more in the rearview mirror than there is looking ahead. Perhaps I am more focused on looking ahead now more than ever, which is a good thing.

I remember last year at this time, and despite all the calamity in this world; I remained optimistic. For me it is not about the calamity of the world; all the things I can’t change or control. It is more about being a good steward of the things that I can change and control. It is about doing the best I can one day at a time. Moreover, it is about staying true to my personal values and responsibilities. I tell people, “If your motives are pure…you’ll succeed.” That probably flies in the face of what today’s culture is teaching people…but I’m right. Despite all the hand-wringing and mindless chatter we all witness…there is a calm, cool, and collected way in which to live. It probably starts with waking up each day with purpose and responsibility knowing that you can love yourself…and you can love your neighbor. All the universities in this world cannot teach any of us anything more important to our success in life than that one simple precept.

2021 has been a good year for our company. We have ushered in some new folks, and sadly said goodbye to others. It is the nature of business. It is worth mentioning that we continue to succeed in a very competitive industry. Over the years, we have seen many of our competitors dissolve, but we are still standing; and we are standing strong. Our revenues were down this year, which we expected, but we were prepared for it. I am very grateful to the executive team for navigating through this past year. I am also grateful to each of you who in your position do the heavy lifting for REEDER. It is truly my privilege to be surrounded by so many capable and loyal employees.

2022 will undoubtedly usher in its fair share of angst. We should expect it; but we should not fear it or give it more credibility than it deserves. If we continue to live our lives from our hearts and minds, there is nothing we cannot overcome. John Lennon said, “All You Need is Love.” He said that about 2,000 years after Jesus Christ demonstrated it. I hope in this coming year we can in some small way attain to that most simple yet profound tenet.

God bless you all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…and God Bless America.

Wes Reeder

REEDER Celebrates 27th Anniversary

27th Anniversary Notable Events and People in 1994

Johnny Carson, O.J. Simpson, Kurt Cobane, Exxon Valdez, MLB canceled because of the strike, John Candy, Harry Nilsson, Jackie O., Richard Nixon, Kurt Cobain, Henry Mancini, Burt Lancaster

A Look Back at 27 Years

The painted image of an old historic library in Hillsboro, Texas can be seen in the mural in our office foyer. It was the first construction project for Reeder General Contractors, Inc. This year marks our 27th anniversary since that first project in early 1994. I put the proposal together with a yellow legal pad and a calculator. We did not own a computer, and the only sub-contractor bid I received was for the electrical work. Our bonding limit was $170,000…so I bid the job at $169,000. The man who painted the mural, John Stout, reproduced the historic balusters and handrails by making rubber molds. We experimented with different mix designs which included adding dye to match the existing 90-year-old color. I mixed the mortar, removed and replaced about 13 of the balusters and handrail because I didn’t trust the local mason. They are still there.

We installed an elevator. Twelve laborers spent 10 days demolishing about an 8-foot by 8-foot, 2-foot-thick, 90-year-old concrete floor for the opening. The jack hole was drilled below grade in the basement with a portable hydraulic auger. We hit ground water and after we set the casing, I pumped water out into the street for four months before we could install the elevator – 24 hours a day for four months at 5 GPM amounts to about 864,000 gallons. No permits, citations or citizen complaints.

The project was an historic remodel, so we had to match and duplicate everything. I built the 4-inch thick wood doors in my barn. I had a carpenter helper help me frame, sheetrock and install doors, door hardware, cabinets and the like. I drove from Weatherford to Hillsboro for the 6 months it took me to do the job. Deb and I were the only employees, so we did everything. I don’t recall ever having an OAC (Owner, Architect, Contractor) meeting, but the architects would visit the project occasionally. I did all of the punch and make-ready work myself. The close of our documents consisted of a roofing and elevator warranty, and the AIA consent of surety. When the job was complete, I towed the office trailer back myself…I was on my way.

That year our gross income was about $200 thousand. I officed out of our home. Last year our gross income was about $82 million; and most of you have seen where I now office. In these 27 years we have been the beneficiaries of great working partnerships, loyal employees and generous friendships. My career begins and ends at Reeder General Contractors, Inc. Deb and I would not have it any other way. Neither of us take it for granted and can only express our gratitude to everyone who is a part, and thankfulness of being Americans. Our freedoms and liberties allowed us to build this company. It is true that life is not fair, however it is more fair in America than it is anywhere else. One thing I have learned also, is that the work goes on. We will always face challenges and setbacks…disappointments and loss; but that is what makes success and winning so much more valuable.

I believe the future is what we make it. Our collective goal should be to build that future with our continued passion, creativity, generosity, dedication and faith in one another. If we can do that…we can do anything.

Cheers,

Wes Reeder

Year-end Message From Wes Reeder

As we look forward to the New Year, it is difficult to reflect upon, and make sense of…2020. The year has, despite what we each believe, resulted in profound change. I don’t know how permanent this change is, or if it is permanent at all. I hope to return to the old normal…and have nothing but disdain for media acolytes that refer to a “new normal.”  I also am grateful that we have weathered what is arguably the greatest economic calamity of our lifetime. I have thought that all of this is Orwellian, or Back to the Future…but it is not a novel…nor is it a movie. It is the reality of 2020.

If this year had been a football game, somehow both teams lost; coaches were ejected, players left injured, and fans beat each other up in the parking lot. Nothing good comes of it…or does it? It could be that because of all the challenges and adversity of 2020, we may actually become stronger. It is possible that America’s immune system was strengthened in 2020; and despite my imaginary football game example…we may return next week and cheer on our heroes.

As we look forward to 2021, I remain optimistic. Despite all the challenges of 2020, we continue to work hard; stay cool, calm and collected; and show respect for and encourage one another. We have been and continue to be accountable to each other; in prayer and support.  As far as our economic health, we hit our revenue goals and had our best year ever. I think a big part of what we do is solve problems, and I think it is remarkable. This is what makes America great. If we as Americans would unite in solving problems, instead of creating them and complaining, just imagine what that would look like.

It would be woefully inadequate for me to simply say that I am proud and humbled by each member of our team. When I started this company, I believed that someday I would be surrounded by people who were way out of my league, but I really had no idea. Each of you make me better. The reason our company is successful is because of what each of us do together, individually and collectively. We are the American dream…family…woman…man…mother…father… innovator…problem solver…entrepreneur…artist…poet…dreamer…achiever. We make America great.

Thank you for what you do, but more importantly, thank you for who you are. Let’s make 2021 the best yet.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Wes Reeder

REEDER Gives Back To Three Local Charities This Christmas

REEDER’s philosophy on philanthropy and personal giving has always been quite discreet. We have been truly blessed, and with those blessings come responsibilities to our neighbors who are less fortunate. This year, we decided to redirect the funds we would have spent on our Christmas party, which we canceled due to COVID precautions, and donate to three local charities.

Donations included seven bikes with helmets and gear to Casa Hope for Children, which advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the court system through trained community volunteers’ services; a number of toys to Manna House, which serves local families in need; and a monetary donation to the KLTY Christmas Wish, in which 100% of all funds raised are given back to the Dallas/Fort Worth Community.

2020 has certainly been a year to remember. Wishing you and your family good health, safety, peace, and joy in 2021! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at REEDER!

Give Me Shelter | Art Auction & Fundraiser

#GiveMeShelter With Special Guest, Pat Green!

Join us as we raise funds to help build a shelter for Bochy’s Place a safe home for women rescued from sexual exploitation and trafficking. They break the cycle of exploitation by leading them into a new normal, empowering them to build the character and integrity to stay there.

MORE EVENT DETAILS:
Goal: Raise money to help build a shelter for human trafficking victims here in DFW.
Attire: Dressy Casual
Food/Drink: Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres & Beer/Wine
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm. Auction starts at 7:00pm.
Location: Galleywinter Gallery, 3525 Lovell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Parking: Complimentary Valet
Auction Items: Paintings and sculptures from Pat Green and other artists.

Can’t attend? Donate here and choose, Give Me Shelter.

Have a question? Contact marketing@reedergeneral.com.

ABOUT BOCHY’S PLACE: Bochy’s Place is a subsidiary to Sparkle Living, Inc. (a non-profit 501C3 Texas Corporation) A safe house focused on rebuilding the lives of women who have been rescued from sex trafficking and exploitation. Our mission is to provide a Christ-centered, nurturing family environment to enhance women emotionally, physically and spiritually according to God’s design.

REEDER Wins CMAA North Texas Chapter’s 2019 Buildings/New Construction Less Than $25M Award

REEDER Construction team members accepting the CMAA North Texas Chapter’s 2019 Buildings/New Construction Less Than $25M Award

We are proud to have been awarded the CMAA North Texas Chapter‘s 2019 Buildings/New Construction Less Than $25M Award for our new REEDER headquarters. Thank you for recognizing all of our hard work!

About REEDER Construction: Since 1994, the team at Reeder General Contractors, Inc. have provided the Texas construction industry with a solid reputation of integrity and performance. We take pride in our ability to build quality, cost effective buildings by creating a new type of construction culture. A culture where Architects, Contractors, Owners, Consultants and Subcontractors are part of a Construction Family. The goal is always to represent the client’s best interest by providing upfront communication and a dedicated management team. Our purpose is not just to build another great building, but to help create a construction process that will satisfy the needs and wants of every client, every step of the way. To learn more, visit www.reedergeneral.com.