A.C.E. works with clients beginning with preconstruction through roofing

By Noelle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Name of business: A. C. E. Building Service Inc.
Ownership: Stan Johnson, Bill Shimek, Jim Steuer
When business started: Allen Charles Eberhardt founded A.C.E. Building Service as an offshoot of A.C.E. Agricultural Supply Co. in the 1950s. The business was incorporated in 1963.
Location: 3510 South 26th St., Manitowoc
Phone number: (920) 682-6105
Web site: www.acebuildingservice.com
Hours and days of operation: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday (and other times as necessary to fulfill clients' needs)

Services provided/products sold: A.C.E. Building Service Inc. is a company dedicated to "building solutions" for their customers.

The company provides comprehensive commercial and industrial construction.

Services include preconstruction services, design services for construction, new facility options, building and building maintenance, renovations and expansions, masonry, wood or Butler metal buildings and metal re-roofs.

The company also has land opportunities available for build-lease consideration.

Helping customers with their construction needs from start to finish is the foundation of the company's success along with exemplary customer service and attention to detail.

The Web site features a portfolio of retail, commercial, office, professional, industrial, manufacturing and religious construction projects.

A.C.E. performs all of the major work including concrete, steel framing, wood framing and finish carpentry ensuring quality workmanship throughout each construction project.

A.C.E. employs engineers, draftsmen, estimators, building consultants, tradesmen and their support staff that have been trained in every aspect of building program development.

A.C.E. also promotes continuous education and training of their employees including attending building code updates.

How has business changed since opening? A.C.E. started as an agricultural builder and today the company does all types of construction for commercial and industrial clients from church buildings to manufacturing plants.

Johnson said that today technology has changed in how the building industry does business. Sending out paper plans is becoming less frequent with people using e-mail and other electronic media to communicate.

Green building techniques and products are becoming more prevalent, such as using recycled steel.

Johnson said the company is in the process of retooling to provide the services required for sustainable construction. Johnson and another associate have been accredited in the internationally recognized "LEED" certification system — Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design.

Who are the customers and from where? Johnson said the their customers are usually within a two-hour drive of Manitowoc. "We have a very strong existing customer base and enjoy ongoing relationships with our clients, serving their comprehensive building, remodeling, renovation and maintenance needs. A new client is often a referral from an existing client."

Who or what is the competition? Johnson said there are other quality competitors in the marketplace and that is why it is important to be sharp, competitive and up to speed on new techniques and products.

How is marketing done? A.C.E. Building Service has defined niches and they have developed separate, but integrated marketing plans to reach those target areas.

The company has an extensive and informative Web site. They also use direct mailing and some radio ads.

What are the keys to future success? Johnson said customer service is a key to future success by developing and maintaining long-term relationships with their clients. "We don't just do a building project, we offer a lifetime of building solutions," he said.

Another key to success are the outstanding employees working for the company, Johnson said. Many have been with the company for decades, some for multiple generations.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership: Johnson said, "Capital spending has slowed during the current economic slowdown. That has caused quite a few of our customers to delay their planned expansions or renovations."

What is your role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling your products or services? Creative, imaginative problem solving is what A.C.E. does, Johnson said. "No customer's problem is the same and we work very hard to find the best, lowest cost solutions for our customers. We all challenge each other to find the best way to meet the customer's needs."

What is challenging or frustrating? Johnson said, "Every building or renovation that we do is a challenge in some way. Even a simple building can be challenging as far as budget, schedule or some technical aspect of the construction. That is what we all enjoy."

What is enjoyable? "The most enjoyable part of my work is working with an individual customer and discovering what their needs are and then using our creativity and expertise to find a solution for that need in a way that exceeds their expectations. Through this approach we many times feel that we become part of our customer's company, sometimes even like part of the family," Johnson said.

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