Tim Gorman, Key Builder’s project design manager, went to work identifying possible locations, but of the five selected, none was a match for Fastenal’s physical, budgetary, and schedule requirements. As options waned, Key’s project team came up with an innovative solution: get Fastenal the space it wants in the timeframe it needs by building it from scratch as an addition onto Key Builders’ headquarters.

Once Fastenal approved the concept, Key Builders put the project on a fast track, completing both design and construction in 10 weeks. As a result, Fastenal was open for business prior to their May 2010 deadline.

“Fastenal had an immediate need,” Tim explains, “and Key Builders stepped in to save the day by designing and building a space that met their needs on their stringent time requirements. We finished on budget and ahead of schedule.”

Lightwells Bring Green Technology to Fastenal
Key Builders integrated four lightwells into the building, helping Fastenal meet its goals under the company’s green corporate social responsibility initiative. This program calls for reducing electricity consumption at Fastenal’s retail locations and incorporating energy conservation into new construction. Key Builders’ lightwells were an innovative solution that helped Fastenal meet its goal of operating in a more efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

The lightwells are a proprietary natural lighting technology that Key Builders distributes in 19 Midwestern states stretching from Canada to Texas.

For Fastenal, the lightwells allow them to turn off or turn down their florescent lights for up to ten hours a day, providing them with significant savings on their monthly electricity bill. Thanks to the energy savings and various tax incentives, the lightwells usually pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years.

About Fastenal
Fastenal is a distributor of construction equipment and supplies with 2,300 retail locations around the world. The company is listed as one of the top 100 nonfinancial companies on the NASDAQ. For more information, see http://www.fastenal.com.

About Key Builders
Key Builders is a leader in the provision of design-build and construction management services. Its design and construction solutions help clients save money — during construction and throughout the life of their buildings.

With the relaunch, the company seeks to highlight its past accomplishments and to explain to potential clients how Key Builders can improve the functionality and reduce the cost of owning, operating and maintaining a building.

The new website features a selection of Key Builders’ past projects, in-depth testimonials from both owners and architects, and a description of Key Builders’ services in construction management, design-build and traditional design-bid-build.

Key Builders would like to receive your input on our site. Feel free to send any feedback to Sara (sara@kbc-inc.com).

Q: Tell us a little about Festival 56 and its plans to build a theater.

A: Our theater group has been in existence since 2003 as a small performing arts nonprofit. We had been presenting multiweek summer theater festivals for the community, and we were using three different venues for the performances, such as the high school auditorium and a community park. The organization reached a point where we wanted to consolidate performances and find a single venue we could call our own.

We acquired an empty building in downtown Princeton, and we did a capital campaign in 2008 to renovate it. It was an old newspaper facility and basically needed a gut renovation to turn it into a proper theater space. Beyond the theater space, we needed a box office, concession area, a lobby, and more.

Q: Did you have much construction experience when your group began this project?

A: Being a representative for the organization that owns the building can be very stressful. It would have been great if I had built a house in the past, because it would have helped the process. I knew nothing about building, but we had a couple of people step forward who knew more than I did about these things. The executive director knew what he wanted but didn’t have detailed knowledge about lighting, electrical, or things like that.

But the final product is that we have a great building and quality renovation that we can use for years to come.

Q: Considering your organization’s lack of construction experience, how did Key Builders work with you to make the process a smooth one?

A: When I think of construction, I think of a guy leaning on his pick up truck with a clip board in his hand. But when it comes to Key Builders, they are proactive in communicating. We had weekly meetings at the construction site with mock-ups and updates on schedules and cost. It was all very calming. They seemed to have it all under control. They just asked us to make choices by certain dates, and assured us that everything would be good.

It’s a nerve-wracking thing to be spending all of this money. But every time I dialed the phone, a real person answered. And not only would a real person answer the phone, but they would patch me into the project manager’s cell phone. They’re very, very responsive and easy to work with.

Q: Why did you choose Key Builders?

A: Key builders does a broad scope of projects. And they did such a fantastic job with the renovation of the Princeton Public Library. The library is such a large building, and it’s fascinating how they worked with the original structure. When you see the kind of work that they do, you’re drawn to them.

Q: Did you feel like you got a unique product through Key Builders?

A: Our theater project was unique for Key Builders, so Key suggested we go to Chicago with people from our board to tour theaters there. Key got inspired by the trip and designed a really great ceiling for the lobby, which was then painted by a local artist. I was so impressed that they offered to do this trip to see other theaters, and the artist was thrilled with the ceiling’s gorgeous lines and angles. I definitely felt that they had an above-and-beyond attitude that I wouldn’t expect other companies to have at the drop of a hat. We have a really beautiful renovation because Key Builders does quality work.

Q: From your perspective, what are Key Builder’s best qualities? What differentiates them from their competition?

A: Responsiveness is a great quality that they have. They are always there and they will always get you an answer. They are also extremely professional.

I don’t know about other companies, but when you walk into Key Builders, everybody seems to be pretty happy. They seem to have good morale there and all seem to be pulling in the same direction.

They are also very well respected and I understand why. They are very upfront with you. They don’t cut corners. They will tell you what work they recommend and don’t recommend. They will tell you what it means if you want to cut corners. Also, they do a broad scope of work.

Q: How does working with Key Builders make you feel?

A: Most of the time I felt confident. I looked forward to those weekly meetings to find out what was going on with our project.

Q. Dollar for dollar, is there added value in working with Key Builders, in comparison with other firms?

A: I feel they have a lot of integrity. If you’re building a building, you’re not doing something that you’re going to throw away in a couple of years. Key Builders explained that they try to go for as much value as possible for the money. They are very dedicated to that, and that’s a great thing. In this day and age, I often have to say that they don’t make things the way they used to, but Key Builders is definitely on the opposite end of that spectrum.

Q: Did Key Builders save you money during construction?

A: I got the impression that they try to do things strategically. They take steps to make sure things are done in the right order. They seemed very organized in their communications with and scheduling of contractors. I would think that this would transfer into money savings.

Project Info | Testimonials | Why Choose Key Builders? | Festival 56

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