METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS; September 1996; (Full Article)
Span Construction & Engineering Inc., Madera, CA, is the first metal building contractor in the industry to attain $100 million in steel purchases. With a history of steel sales in the millions of dollars that started in 1980, it is no surprise the company reached this milestone within 16 years under the direction of King Husein, president and CEO. Husein grew up in Bombay, India, and received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Bombay in 1969. Then, after having come to the U.S. later that same year, Husein earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from Brigham Young University in 1971. He started his career by designing high-rise structures in Boston, MA, and then worked his way to Priggen Steel Building Co. (which was later acquired by Varco-Pruden) where he was chief design engineer. Through Husein’s experience working for other VP builders, he soon after founded Span Construction & Engineering Inc. in 1980.
Bill Crabtree, business development manager for Varco-Pruden said, “When I first met King, I was impressed by his innate ability torelate to people. He had a strong sense of integrity and an incredible determination to succeed. I set King up as a Varco-Pruden builder 16 years ago. What a challenge! I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this dynamic organization. To my friend, I say congratulations as you reach this amazing milestone of $100 million in steel sales.”
As a design/build contractor for 16 years, SPAN has provided its customers with three basic elements-service, quality and value. Using those principles, the company was able to keep the momentum going by steadily increasing volume every year, and accelerating growth during specific intervals when SPAN would build one or two large projects, Husein said. Of course, a driving force behind the success of SPAN is Husein’s emphasis on professionalism. He made a promise to himself, his employees and the industry that when a commitment is made, it will be followed through. R
Reflecting on this accomplishment, Husein said, “This milestone is a testimony to the dedication of all the SPAN employees and our relationship with Varco-Pruden. Together we have elevated this business to a new level in the industry. The set of values we have followed will continue to guide us into the future.” Through a strong relationship, both SPAN and Varco-Pruden able to help each other become a better company. On regional, national and corporate levels, the companies are able to monitor each other’s needs and make sure a commitment is made on both ends. With the help of VarcoPruden’s National Services Team, SPAN is able to effectively handle projects across the U.S., without compromising the company’s professionalism and quality programs.
According to Dave Gilchrist, president of Varco-Pruden, “Span Construction, under King Husein, has demonstrated to this industry that with vision, tenacity, stubbornness and customer focus, anything is possible. In this short period of time, Span has achieved a milestone that was unheard of ten years ago. This accomplishment will serve as a challenge to the rest of the industry. Much like the Olympic athletes who performed in Atlanta, Span had a vision to raise the bar and achieve a new benchmark rather than settle for old or established records and goals.”