Family Works Together to Make Burton Scot No. 1

Geauga contractor earns top spot in Established division

Even though officials at Burton Scot Contractors are accustomed to yearly growth and revenue increases, they all place the benefit of working with familiair faces at the top of a length reward list.

"We love working together," said owner David Paulitsch about working with his son and partner, Scot, and his daughter, Stephanie.

"It's nice for us, as the next generation, to have him to be able to rely on when we're up against the wall or we have a problem," Scot added.

While Burton Scot, a general contractor specializing in road and highway work, seemingly came from nowhere to the top ranking in the 2006 Fast Track 50's Established Companies list, David and Scot actually started the company in 1994.

Built on over 40 years of experience of David, Burton Scot Contractors, 8490 Kinsman Road in Russell Township, has gained an areawide reputation after completing some of the largest road projects in Greater Cleveland.

The staff is currently immersed in work for the Lake County Engineer's Office, including repairs on Route 2.

In the last year, Burton also has performed paving programs for the cities of Painesville and Willoughby.

Scot says he does not need to look too far to discover the key to juggling such large tasks.

"It's all about everyone working together and getting things done in a timely manner," Scot said. "We have a great team."

While work is seasonal for some, the staff has around 50 employees, Scot said.

After making just under $1 million in the company's first year, Scot estimates annual earnings to be around $20 million for Burton.

That amount increased each year with projects like the $1.5 million one in Kirtland for widening Route 306 near city hall; work at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor; or a $4 million reconstruction project of utilities and pavement in downtown Chagrin Falls.

Scot says the company performs best under the high expectations of such prominent projects.

Stephanie, the company's contract administrator, says there is also no sweating the competitive nature of the contracting business.

"We don't have a lot of turnover in our reputation," Stephanie said. "We just have a reputation with the cities for getting the job done."

An intense training regimen for the staff combats the industry's many variables, which include weather, safety adn efficiency, Scot said.

In addition to working with his children, David believes another family is also responsible for the company's recognition.

"It took years to build our team, but we owe it all to our team," David said. "They make it happen."