In the world of construction, the spotlight often shines on the completed structures—the grand designs and the architectural marvels. But, behind the steel beams, beneath the slabs of concrete, and within every trimmed interior, there exists an unsung team whose grit and skill make it all possible. Today, as Consolidated Construction Company celebrates our 75-year journey, it’s time to tip our hard hats to the people who’ve helped build this legacy from the ground up. For both individuals and company, the result is a reflection of ingenuity, risk, skill, and spirit.
The skilled construction worker embodies flexibility with dedication. They are the men and women who show up day after day with determination etched into calloused hands. These folks are more than laborers; they are artisans, problem-solvers, and the foundation of the company. Consolidated and its crews have grown into a powerhouse of construction expertise over the last 75 years and are highly respected in the market—agile, proficient in multiple trades, and ready for ANY challenge.
Twin brothers Al and Mel Novotny started Consolidated with a handshake business philosophy back in 1950, building simple structures with transparency, trust and accountability. Over the decades, these straightforward core values have fostered loyalty among employees and associates who are not only experts in their fields but exude these core values every day while earning the trust of clients and the respect of industry partners.
Designed to Succeed
It’s these unceasing core values that allowed the once tiny, two-man Consolidated Construction to flourish and expand its expertise into manufacturing, retail, and commercial buildings. By the 1980s, with the second generation of Novotny family members leading the charge, Consolidated became one of the first firms in the area to offer a “turnkey” delivery method, integrating on-site architectural staff and launching a property development company to simplify site acquisition. This endeavor propelled Consolidated through the 1990s and established it as a northeast Wisconsin leader in commercial, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and food and beverage construction. With it, Consolidated has grown a team capable of handling both straightforward construction and complex projects. Collaborating closely with in-house architects or other design professionals, the construction team applies real-world knowledge to optimize project sequencing, reduce waste, and deliver efficient solutions for the future, making sure any changes or additions down the road will easily tie into the structure—which is not typical when constructors and architects play on different teams.
Setting the Foundation
Over the years, Consolidated Construction has poured millions of square feet of concrete, laying the literal foundation for countless projects. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Consolidated delivers high-tolerance flatwork that exceeds industry standards.
1955: A fleet to build the future. From our humble beginnings with basic equipment, the commitment to quality and serving local communities has never wavered.
Similarly, Consolidated transitioned to an employee-owned model in 2006, building on the rock solid foundation of the Novotny family legacy. The move not only preserved the culture, but also positioned the company to continue its growth and penchant for exceeding industry standards in more new markets including hospitality, education, multi-family, and senior living. National recognition followed in 2007, with the first of four awards for excellence in construction and design-build ingenuity. The addition of an economic development division further set Consolidated apart, providing clients with in-house expertise to secure funding for their projects—a rarity in the industry—and just in time to respond to the economic recession in 2008. The move resulted in dozens of new project starts during a time when other builders experienced contraction.
Reaching New Heights
As steel beams rise to new heights, so has Consolidated. Locally, the company continues its strong presence in the greater Fox Valley and Wisconsin, completing dozens of projects of all shapes and sizes every year. In the new millennium Consolidated expanded its reach further, establishing two new branch offices in Bismarck, North Dakota and Rapid City, South Dakota and taking on notable projects as far away as Texas, Arizona, North Carolina and Washington. The decision to grow geographically didn’t come lightly, however. Though sales would grow exponentially, managing projects in new markets came with its own set of challenges. Producing award-winning projects and exceeding customer expectations was non-negotiable. Every project, no matter where, would be true to Consolidated’s Midwest origins, serve a critical need in its community, and create a lasting, positive impact. That resolve has earned Consolidated a reputation for reliability and excellence in both the Midwest and beyond.
Crafting Final Touches
The final stages of a construction project often determine its lasting impression. Masterful finish carpentry, quality hardware and specialty work done efficiently for an on-time completion represent the final flourish of a successful project. In 2017 and 2022, Consolidated choreographed its own flourish by acquiring and incorporating two distinct companies, both integral to delivering lasting impressions: Vincent Wood Works, a premier nationwide provider of interior systems and carpentry to the hospitality industry—and James J. Calmes Construction Company, a local company celebrated for its custom carpentry. These additions brought a new level of artistry and coordination to projects and changed the company composition, streamlining the finishing process and offering that sweet icing on the cake.
Forging Ahead
Looking toward the horizon, we are filled with anticipation and purpose. For Consolidated, the journey is far from over. As we prepare to step into the next decade, our focus remains on the commitment to quality and integrity carried out with Midwestern values and sometimes calloused hands. As we celebrate 75 years of success, we do so with deep gratitude for the people who have contributed to and share our vision of quality. This celebration is more than a reflection of our past—it’s a promise for the future. It’s a celebration of our shared commitment to delivering quality experiences, building stronger communities, and forging legacy in impact and inspiration.
Here’s to 75 years of building together and to many more quality years ahead.
Information:
1355 Airport Road
Bismarck, ND 58504
800-642-6774
1call2build.com