The majority of Exxel Pacific’s work is in commercial and mixed-use projects.

Premier Business Partners:

DCI Engineers Morse Steel Mathis Lumber Emerald Glass One Way Plumbing Coast Crane

Managing growth has been one of the top challenges this year for Exxel Pacific Inc. President Kevin DeVries says the Bellingham, Wash.-based company closely examines potential projects to determine which ones fit its philosophy and business culture.

“We are a relationship-driven company, but we are also part of a development team,” DeVries says. “We really have to look at every aspect of the project and work with the development team to identify issues in advance – not work out problems after they have happened.”

Exxel Pacific was founded in 1989 by DeVries and Sid Baron, chairman of the board. The company started as Exxel Development Group, a multifamily and commercial development company, but expanded its capabilities to include general construction.

“We started as an arm of a development company,” DeVries recounts. “As a developer, we felt that there were a lot of things we could also do well as a general contractor and decided we would have even better success if we got more involved. So, we started a construction company to perform the work of our development company.

“But then other customers started calling and wanted us to build for them,” he continues. “So, we decided to commit to the general construction route. In doing so, Tim Spink was brought into the company and was very instrumental in developing policies and structure for the company. Spink came from a large contractor in San Diego and wanted to get closer to his roots in Mount Vernon, Wash. Our development background continues to be an asset because we know what matters to our clients. We’re truly an extension of the development teams we work with.”

About 70 percent of Exxel Pacific’s work is in commercial and mixed-use projects. The remainder is split evenly between office and hospitality projects. More than 90 percent of its projects are negotiated.

In all its projects, Exxel Pacific strives to foster close relationships. “We don’t just get plans and build,” DeVries says. “Our teams spend considerable time in the development phase to deliver the best product for the best value. As a company, we are small enough to care, but big enough to manage the project and develop a sense of trust with our team members.”

DeVries stresses that the “personal touch” is important, which is why he is personally involved in projects. “It’s important for the client to know that the company cares – from the top down. Our people enjoy the construction process, and our goal is to make that process enjoyable for us, as well as the developers.” If its fun, we are quite likely to do it again.

For employees, working on trouble-free projects builds loyalty. Many employees have been with the firm for more than 10 years. “If employees are constantly dealing with issues on a project and they don’t feel like they are getting the support of the home office, it wears them out,” DeVries says. “We benefit from high retention rates because we care about our people and make things enjoyable for them. If a person working on the job isn’t happy, it’s a direct reflection of the project. So, it’s crucial to have the best team, treat them well and do the best job.

“Quality of life is very important,” he continues, “and if employees don’t feel satisfied with their quality of life, it will show on the job. That’s why we try to place people on jobs where their personalities fit well with the development team. It is also important that employees’ quality of life transcends down to their own families.”