Relationships Matter
Chesapeake Contracting Group cultivates strong connections with staff, clients and project partners
Chesapeake Contracting Group (CCG) was founded on the belief that strong relationships lead to success. Established by Stuart R. (Bobby) Ginsberg in 1979, CCG is a general contractor based in Reisterstown, Maryland.
“From day one, we’ve operated on the principle that relationships matter,” says Bobby, the company’s CEO. “Creativity in construction means and methods save our clients time and money and maintains strong client relationships,” he says.
The award-winning firm specializes in new construction, design-build, renovations, tenant improvements, pre-development, sustainable design and site development. CCG works throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including those in the retail, automotive, commercial, industrial, multifamily and mixed-use, self-storage and affordable housing markets.
This year, the company will celebrate its 40th anniversary, a testament to how true partnerships withstand the test of time.
A Family Atmosphere Abounds
Bobby is joined at CCG by his longtime business partner, Frank Settleman, President, and his two sons, Michael Ginsberg, Executive Vice President, and David Ginsberg, senior project manager.
As a family-focused business, many siblings and child/parent pairs work at CCG—the majority of whom have had long tenures with the company. According to superintendent Scott Peper, whose father also worked at CCG, “No matter what size the company has been, there’s a feeling of being part of a family that makes you believe your commitment is worthy and appreciated. I started at CCG 35 years ago as a laborer and have advanced to a superintendent role. The opportunities to grow exist here!”
Today, CCG employs more than 100 people. Bobby explains one reason his company has seen consistent growth: “For example, when we shop for health insurance, we do it as if we’re buying it for our families—and make sure the benefit packages are good. We strive to show our employees appreciation in this way and others.”
A Long-Term, Trusted Partner
Today, CCG’s primary construction markets are self-storage, senior living and industrial, but the company’s clients and projects fluctuate. Bobby expects to see a move toward more retail development and multifamily development projects, specifically in the Washington, D.C. area, in the near future.
“We see ourselves expanding into the D.C. area and farther south. We continue to look for relationship-driven clients,” he says. Many clients invite CCG into a project early in the design process, allowing team members to work with consultants and engineers to provide value throughout the project’s lifecycle. According to Bobby, “CCG has joined clients in completing projects in North Carolina and elsewhere. Our clients and partners want us to go where they are going.” This is more testimony to CCG’s culture and commitment to acting as a long-term, trusted partner.
CCG brings value to the project by continuously questioning means and methods and finding ways to reduce cost and save time. Bobby says, “Our clients have come to appreciate this added value resulting in many long-term relationships.”
Community Is Also Top Priority
Giving back to the communities where staff members live and work is also a major driver that has flourished since CCG’s inception. This past holiday season, team members divided into nine regional groups and each was given $1,000 to help a family in need. Nine underserved families across the Mid-Atlantic received money or gifts.
The company is also involved in the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Corporate Internship Program, providing students with entry-level jobs where they receive mentorship as they learn about the world of construction.
Bobby serves on the board of advisors of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is chairman of the institute’s biennial golf tournament. Under his leadership, this charitable event has raised more than $1.5 million since 2014.
While raising these funds has been for advancing cancer research and treatment, Bobby believes “it is just as important to raise public awareness about the Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and the wonderful discoveries and breakthroughs that have happened there.”
Corporate Culture of Promotion
In 2018, CCG was a finalist in the Baltimore Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” 2018 competition. This honor comes as no surprise, as the scoring was based on great work/life balance, positive work environments and exciting perks.
There are many reasons why employees choose to work at CCG. The company has a mentor/ambassador program for new hires (or those transitioning roles) and offers continuous education and training, including tuition reimbursement. It also does a “Kudos Spotlight” where team members can highlight their colleagues on a job well done. CCG even has a wellness program rewarding both employees and their spouses for healthy lifestyle choices.
With a focus on elevating and promoting team members, the company encourages staff to be their best, both professionally and personally. Trevor Fidler, junior estimator, says, “CCG is all about personal and professional growth, and that is what really makes it a great place to work.”
CCG doesn’t just construct buildings. It also builds and strengthens its team members and their families, clients, project partners and communities, following the company mantra of: “We are relationship driven and have a sense of loyalty to everyone we encounter—from the client to our CCG team to our subcontractors,” Bobby says.
Through this mission, CCG continues to cultivate the special relationships that are required for employees to flourish. Bobby affirms, “When the company develops a relationship, it stands behind it and stays with it.” This fact remains as true today as it was when the company began—and will always be how CCG conducts business.