Dream Big. Work Hard.
Plumbing contractor Burk Mechanical succeeds through technology, tenacity and training
Burk Mechanical (Burk) is a commercial plumbing contractor built on extensive knowledge and experience. “We start jobs on time. We work hard to build our customers’ businesses and dreams. And we help them bring their vision to life,” explains Tammy Burk, who co-founded the company in 2012 with her son, Jon Burk, senior superintendent. “It took a leap of faith to start the business,” says daughter Robynn Langley, operations manager and head estimator. At that time, the economy hadn’t fully recovered from the 2008 recession.
Business took off quickly, starting with five jobs at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington, installing kitchenettes and bathrooms. Dave Burk, Tammy’s husband and Jon and Robynn’s father, came on board a few months later. A union plumber for 38 years, he was well-equipped to join the business.
Based in Gig Harbor, Washington, the family-owned and operated business now employs 22.
Walking Hand in Hand with Clients
Burk operates in Washington state, up and down the Interstate 5 corridor, from Bellingham to Vancouver. The team has developed a niche in memory care, assisted living and mid-rise, multifamily projects. The company also does a lot of tenant improvements and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) work.
“We walk hand in hand with clients throughout their projects and build relationships for the long term,” Robynn says. “We meet with them, discuss their budgets and their goals. We do a lot of value engineering and find ways they can save costs without cutting quality.” Repeat business results.
“We do quite a lot of design-build. Big shops hire their own in-house engineers; most smaller shops [outsource that work] and don’t work as closely with design. We use leading-edge engineering techniques; we draw the design then take it to engineers to review what we’re planning to do and obtain their approval,” Robynn explains.
She adds, “We often help re-engineer projects; we can see ways to be more efficient and make the work flow more smoothly than the original plan. We’ve been known to step in and clean things up on some large projects that weren’t going well.”
A Technology Edge
Using new technology is one of the reasons for Burk’s success.
“We use 3D modeling for all of our projects,” Dave says. “We use a Trimble Robotic Total Station; basically, a computer with a tripod on top. This equipment is typically used by surveyors; Burk uses it inside buildings. We take the 3D model and set up all of our points. This means we can cut all the pipe off-site, then bring it in and assemble it. This technology makes our work fast and accurate.”
It’s also a competitive advantage. “It’s unusual for a plumbing contractor our size to use this technology. Most of the people using it are large, union companies. We have a young company and our employees love the new stuff!” Dave says.
The plumbing industry in Washington has also moved toward utilizing new materials, in particular PVC water mains and solid-core PVC pipes. However, “we see a lot of specs calling for cast iron,” Dave says. “Many older engineers are accustomed to using copper and cast iron.” Also, these older materials are often the only ones that out-of-state contractors have had experience with in their home states. Burk works with its clients to educate them on the benefits of using the newer materials. “We can value engineer PVC; it’s a better product than copper, but engineers don’t always know that; they’ve done it one way for a long time,” Dave says.
Burk also uses all battery-powered tools. “Just a few years ago, the only battery-powered tools in use were screwdrivers. Now, all of our drills are cordless,” Dave adds.
Sequencing Keeps Jobs on Schedule
Burk is particularly adept at sequencing jobs, ensuring they are always ahead of schedule.
“By emphasizing and maximizing sequencing, we complete jobs in optimum time,” Dave explains. “When effort isn’t put into sequencing, it’s easy for a contractor to fall behind and never catch up.”
By sequencing jobs together so well, Dave also ensures there are no lapses between jobs. As a result, Burk employees stay working throughout the year. Tenant improvement work fills in any gaps between projects. “We always and forever seek long-term relationships with our employees. Avoiding gaps keeps them working regularly,” Dave says.
Opportunities for a Good Life
“We are driven to succeed, but really care about our employees and providing an opportunity for them to make a better life,” Tammy says. “We look for people who want to work hard and have a can-do attitude. We can teach them what they need to know as long as they have the passion and desire to learn. We’ve seen the lives of some of our employees changed and turned around. They learn the business and succeed through skills and solid work habits,” she adds.
The company has a low employee turnover rate. “Our guys have been with us a long time,” Tammy says. “Everyone here is invested in the company. They truly take pride in their work and the outcome of projects. We all work together as a family—even the employees who aren’t technically family are treated as if they are. It is important to us all.”
Community and Compassion
“We like to give back, too,” Robynn says. The company supports charitable organizations including Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, the Kitsap Rescue Mission, Homestead Community and Compassion International.
The Burk family and its employees also contribute time and talent to churches and private Christian schools by completing certain projects at no cost, from helping build a brand new church to replacing hot water heaters and rebuilding bathrooms.
The Heart of a Business
Dream big. Work hard. That’s the company’s motto and “the heart of our business,” Tammy says. “We strive to be our best. Our word for 2019 is: ‘driven!’ ”