Integrity Above All
The name Di Pompeo stands strong in the construction industry for nearly 100 years Di Pompeo Construction Corporation
The way companies operate has changed significantly over the years. The saying “My handshake is my word” was once a commonplace statement of reliability in the business world, often used when closing a deal. It communicated an agreement—“What I say, I will do; no paperwork or legal documentation is required.”
Although this adage and the practice of using verbal agreements to finalize business deals may no longer be part of everyday operations, it still holds meaning for John Di Pompeo Jr., President and operations manager of Di Pompeo Construction Corporation (DCC). For John, it communicates the core principles the business stands by: honesty and integrity.
He also believes loyalty, hard work and treating people the way you want to be treated are important aspects of running a business—elements he feels are sorely missing in portions of the corporate landscape today. DCC distinguishes itself by remaining true to these values.
Headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida, with a satellite office in Jensen Beach, the company caters to clients across a variety of industries throughout South Florida. “We are a full-service general contractor, construction manager and design-builder that self performs about 30 percent of our own work. We have total control of our schedule, as we possess our equipment and tools for demolition, concrete, sitework and carpentry,” John explains.
He recognizes that having the ability to self-perform jobs is something that also sets the firm apart from its competition because, he says, contractors in the area typically subcontract most or all of their work.
History of Success
The Di Pompeo family legacy began in East Orange, New Jersey. Joseph Di Pompeo, an Italian immigrant, started as a block mason, then founded his own company in 1927. Thirty-five years later, he transitioned control to John Di Pompeo Sr. and his two brothers in 1962. The company grew quickly, providing construction services for hospitals, storage facilities and warehouse/manufacturing complexes in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York State.
In 1986, after graduating from Purdue University’s Construction Management program with honors, John Di Pompeo Jr. moved to South Florida. From 1986 to 1992, he worked for other contractors to learn Florida construction methods and building codes as well as to meet local subcontractors. In 1992, he formed Di Pompeo Construction Corporation, a bonded and state-licensed general contractor performing construction management, design-build and hard bid public and private projects from Miami to Martin County. His decision marks the third generation of the Di Pompeos to continue the family contracting business. His sister, Maria Di Pompeo, is the insurance, safety and warranty manager and has been with the firm for nearly two decades.
The 20-person DCC field and office staff apply their skills and expertise to a wide variety of projects, including aquatic facilities, clubhouses, community centers, historic renovations, educational facilities, churches, water parks, fire stations, retail centers, manufacturing and warehouses, office buildings, public health facilities, road beautifications, parks and recreation complexes, and financial institutions. John says the company has very few limits on the type of projects they can and will take on.
Recent examples of the company’s work include the design and construction of the Tamarac Park Recreation Center and Tamarac Multipurpose Center in Tamarac, Florida, which included demolishing a 10,000-square-foot building and replacing it with a 15,000-square-foot, two-story community center, including parking lots and ballfields with dugouts. The firm also performed complex build-out services for a 6,600-square-foot BankUnited branch in Boca Raton, Florida. The difficult project involved wood ceilings, quartz teller lines, glass-partition walls, light cove soffits, intricate wood-stained trim and doorways, and LED lighting throughout.
Customer Satisfaction
“Our staff has extensive knowledge of the trades, consistently follows through, understands what it takes to design, solves issues, provides high-quality work with minimal punch lists, and is very dependable, which results in lots of repeat business,” John says. Although each assignment has its unique requirements, one thing that remains the same for all projects is the goal of making the client happy by working closely with the design consultants and owners in a team-oriented, solution-driven environment. Some of the customer testimonials confirm that the DCC team has been meeting that goal.
One compliment came from Frances M. Esposito, former chief operating officer of Camillus House: “The quality of the construction was good, and the relationship was driven by a very positive team approach.”
For this new construction project, DCC was the general contractor responsible for building a 37,000-square-foot, four-story office/medical complex, which included doctors’ offices, patient rooms, dental facilities, private doctor facilities and communal restrooms. Additional construction included a single-level underground parking area and a parking lot. A distinctive glass curtain wall feature incorporated precast concrete panels.
Another project, the Southwest Miami Senior High School Vocational Center in Miami, earned accolades from Nicolas A. Betancourt, senior design and construction officer for Miami-Dade County Public Schools: “Di Pompeo’s staff was knowledgeable and cooperative. The quality of work was above average and the coordination of the concrete tilt-up panels was exceptional.”
This project began with the demolition of an existing vocational building. The new construction included erecting several two-story, tilt-up vocational buildings. These facilities house a drafting technology resource center and laboratory space for the school’s programs in photography, automotive mechanics, construction technology, cosmetology, 2D and 3D art, communications (graphics) and business education. Additionally, renovation and remodeling work was completed on two existing buildings and a parking lot was added.
Another commendation came from Danny Ezzeddine, Design and Construction Director, City of Plantation, for DCC’s work on the development and construction of its equestrian center in Volunteer Park: “You have exhibited diligence and cooperation in working with the city staff and the design team,” he says. “You had the commitment and dedication to complete the Plantation Equestrian Center project to our satisfaction within the defined project time and construction budget.” The scope of work consisted of excavating lakes, new horse trails, show rings, horse barns/stalls, parking lots, concession/restroom buildings, upland buffers with aquatic wetlands, bridges, fishing pier, basketball courts, playground and horse arenas.
Scott Teschky, Senior Project Manager for the City of Fort Lauderdale, praised DCC for the work done on the South Side Cultural Arts Center restoration project: “Due to the historic nature of this renovation, numerous challenges were encountered throughout construction, and your team worked through them in a professional manner. Your staff was extremely knowledgeable, communicated with the city at all times and worked well as a cohesive team. The end result was a quality project that was completed on time and within budget. The city looks forward to working with Di Pompeo Construction Corporation on future projects.”
This project entailed the renovation of South Side School, a historic landmark built in the 1920s. This building was converted into a new hub of activity for the community. It is a 12,000-square-foot facility that houses the Parks and Recreation Department, a fitness center, locker rooms, a teaching kitchen, restrooms, administrative offices, arts and crafts space, break room and a conference room. Additional work done on this project included adding new parking lots, sidewalks and landscaping.
These examples of DCC’s project work and the recognition it has received from its clients demonstrate what can result from a company that maintains strong ethics, employs a talented team and invests time in developing customer relations. As DCC approaches its centennial year, one thing is clear: its passion for client service has resulted in resounding, long-lasting success.