Florida’s D-Mar General Contracting is hiring in-state workers to fill high-wage construction jobs
As Florida’s construction industry experiences a strong resurgence following the housing crash and subsequent economic downturn, scores of builders are having difficulty filling key roles with skilled workers — and many are tapping out-of-state workers to meet their needs. This trend has inspired Doreen DiPolito — owner and president of D-Mar General Contracting and Development in Clearwater, Fla. — to step up efforts to hire local workers and strengthen the Florida economy.
Florida’s construction industry was hit particularly hard during the recession. While overall employment in Florida declined 11.5 percent from the pre-recession peak to its low point, the state lost over half of its construction industry jobs, as employment fell a whopping 53.3 percent¹. As a result, scores of experienced construction workers left Florida to seek jobs in Texas, North Dakota and other states with greater opportunities².
Today, Florida is experiencing a building boom; in fact, the state led the nation in new construction hires last year. Of 39 states with increases in construction industry hires between September 2013 and September 2014, Florida added 41,900 new jobs, for an 11.2 percent increase and the highest construction job creation in the U.S.³. Southwest Florida added 1,700 more construction workers between December 2013 and December 2014, for a 10 percent year-over-year gain, and officials with the Associated General Contractors of America predict continued expansion in 2015 4. Ironically, such growth presents a challenge to employers who are finding it increasingly difficult to fill local construction positions with qualified workers — leading many to expand their hiring search to include out-of-state laborers.
DiPolito asserts that keeping construction hiring local is essential to rebuilding Florida’s economy, particularly in the Southwest region. Construction jobs not only offer workers high-wage opportunities, but they boost the local economy with the many ancillary jobs created by increased demand for local goods and services.
“During the recession, construction projects in Florida came to a near standstill, and we saw a great deal of talent leave the state,” said DiPolito. “Now, the industry is booming, and opportunities for high-skill, high-wage positions abound for individuals interested in learning the construction trade. My passion is making sure that local workers — especially women and other under-represented groups — benefit from these opportunities, creating a win-win-win situation for the industry, the workers and the local economy.”
D-Mar General Contracting and Development has achieved success in hiring local workers for major projects throughout the state of Florida with nationally known franchises, such as McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Quiznos, Wendy’s and Arby’s. Her firm recently completed a successful re-conversion for Hess, which will serve as the model for rebranding under Marathon’s Speedway. D-Mar continues to expand in charter schools and also recently cemented a contract with LSG Sky Chefs.
Since taking the helm of D-Mar in 2001, DiPolito has nurtured the company through industry booms and busts, managing conservatively to ensure long-term sustainability. Under her leadership, the firm has expanded into full-service general contracting and large-scale commercial development. “I am extremely proud of every success the D-Mar team has achieved for our clients and employees,” she said. “As the construction industry faces unprecedented growth — as well as new challenges — we stand ready to embrace innovative solutions to keep providing job opportunities to our talented and deserving local workers.”
1. “Fed Report: Florida Lost Half of its Construction Jobs in the Recession;” Financial News & Daily Record, November 09, 2012; accessed March 20, 2015. jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=537992.
2. “Florida’s Surging Construction Industry Faces Worker Shortage;” Tampa Bay Times, February 20, 2015; accessed March 19, 2015. tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/floridas-surging-construction-industry-faces-worker-shortage/2218378.
3. “Construction Employment up in 39 States;” Construction Equipment, October 21, 2014; accessed March 19, 2015. constructionequipment.com/construction-employment-39-states-0.
4. “Southwest Florida has Third-best Construction Job Gains in State;” Herald-Tribune, February 4, 2015; accessed March 20, 2015. heraldtribune.com/article/20150204/ARTICLE/150209856/2107/BUSINESS?Title=Southwest-Florida-has-third-best-construction-job-gains-in-state&tc=ar.
