Jacksonville-based Multifamily and Commercial Contractor Reaches New Business Milestone
April 25th, 2019 marked the 5-year anniversary of Live Oak Contracting, a Jacksonville-based multifamily and commercial contractor with projects spanning across the East Coast of the United States. Founded by Paul Bertozzi, the company has a commitment to building long-term partnerships based on integrity.
Paul realized a void in the market and set out to start a company that would provide both developers and investors with services that would not only result in exceptional projects delivered on time and within budget but would also oversee each phase of development to ensure successful longevity well after the construction phase was completed. Building long-term business relationships was at the core of Live Oak’s mission 5 years ago, and it remains a critical component to the company’s success today.
“When I first started the company, someone advised me that if I make it a year, my company will be successful. A year passed, then I was told if I make it to three years, that will be the new milestone for success,” said Paul Bertozzi, Founder, and President of Live Oak Contracting. He continued, “Five years have passed, and I don’t think anyone could argue that we haven’t solidified our presence in the market and within the community. Our qualities and virtues have continued to help us grow and sustain long-standing relationships with our clients, subcontractors and our community for five years and that is a milestone worth celebrating.”
Live Oak Contracting’s hard work has paid off. The company has completed eight multifamily and projects and has nine currently under construction, totaling 3,613 units and a total project value of $427,421,000. In 2018, the company landed on the INC 500 list of fastest growing private companies, earning #34 overall and was recognized as the #1 fastest-growing private construction company in the US. Live Oak Contracting has also been recognized by American City Business Journals, receiving accolades including Fast 50, Top General Contractors, and most recently was awarded among the Best Places to Work in Northeast Florida. Paul has also been recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, Top 100 CRE Executives, and he also earned a spot on the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2017.
“Being named the fastest-growing construction company in the nation was undoubtedly a tremendous honor, but being able to give back to the community that we have established ourselves in year over year is the most rewarding,” said Paul.
Live Oak Contracting is devoted to giving back to the Jacksonville community and supports a number of organizations including the Monique Burr Foundation, Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, Boys and Girls Club, United Way, North Florida School of Special Education, NAIOP Developing Leaders Mentorship Program, Greenscape Arbor Day Tree Festival, Safe Harbor Boys Academy, PAAL, The Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and The Arc.
The road to success hasn’t always been easy, however. Paul explained, “We’ve consistently had to adapt to a shifting business environment, an industry labor shortage, and economic challenges but because of that, we have become stronger and more solidified. We have learned not to base our decisions solely on monetary value. Instead, what is going to be the best for the company is what holds considerable weight. Ultimately, our employees, our subcontractors, and our client relationships come first.”
Looking ahead, Live Oak Contracting will continue to expand throughout the southeast. The company has a significant focus in the housing industry as a whole and plans to build on that. Currently, they are working on new projects surrounding Jacksonville’s Urban Core and farther south in Nocatee. There are many opportunities locally that they are excited to be a part of in the future.
