Talia J. Nelson, Marketing & Member Services

The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) presented the 2003 Contractor of the Year Award to Randy and Deb Friemoth of Walls Are Us, Inc at the Annual Meeting Dinner on February 17, in conjunction with the World of Concrete in Orlando.

Members of the CFA since 1996, The Friemoths’ selection recognizes their outstanding achievements and dedication to the poured wall industry. They are known throughout the industry for their hard work and their commitment to build great relationships with everyone they work with. Brian Kuhs of Kuhs Quality Homes, states, ” We don’t solicit business with any other contractors because service is important to [Walls Are Us] and [they] are so great to work with. They take care of everything.”

Established in 1993, Walls Are Us, Inc. currently has 74 years of combined employee experience. With 34 employees they are able to perform such services as excavating, foundations (currently pouring six basements a week), waterproofing, flatwork, concrete swimming pools, and above grade concrete homes in the Southeast Wisconsin area.

Over the years, Walls Are Us was able to expand from a used set of 7′-8″ forms and an old grain truck to new forms, two Boom Trucks, Backhoes, and Dozers. They also incorporated a computerized estimated billing and job costing laser system for layout into their process of conducting business. This has increased the efficiency of estimating, as Randy states, “It is quicker and more accurate along with the billing. Extra charges on jobs aren’t missed.”

Through these changes Randy has stayed true to the three pieces of advice his prior employer, Buck Sweet of Perma Struct Inc., gave him. He never takes short cuts, but gives the customer a quality job. Walls Are Us, Inc. provides “a turnkey foundation, from digging the hole to having the foundation ready for carpenters.” He always charges a fair price, but never works for free. Thirdly, and “Most importantly, become a member of the CFA. It will be the best investment you can make in your company.”

With those values, it is obvious why the Association awarded the Friemoths Contractor of the Year. Future goals of Walls Are Us include increasing their market share of work in Southeast Wisconsin, as well as concrete housing.