Building on Our Core Values

Jim Collins said it best when he spoke to a group of us more than two years ago: “Customers benefit from interacting with DPR’s culture. Lots of companies build buildings but very few do it with the self-motivated enjoyment that DPR does. It’s the culture that sets it apart.”

DPR’s strong company culture and core values (integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and ever forward) help keep us on course as we navigate the realities of the current economic environment. Over the last two years, the commercial building industry has experienced challenges similar to other sectors, including an overall 3.2 percent drop in collective revenue in 2002, according to ENR magazine, which marks the first decline since 1995. ENR also reported “an overriding concern among contractors” regarding insurance, limited bonding capacity and the financial health and stability of subcontractors, as well as increased competition on fewer available projects.

At DPR, we also have been tested by the issues facing the industry. And, we have made strategic decisions, based on our culture, core values and long-term goals, to ensure that we continue to build great things—a financially solid company with a deep-seated mission, an innovative organization to serve customers more effectively and efficiently, a great place to work for employees.

A Solid Business

With some 785 projects in various stages of construction nationwide and a projected annual volume of $1.2 billion for 2003, our proven business model and collaborative approach enable us to maintain our profitable growth and deliver stellar results for customers across the country. In fact, on more than 450 customer satisfaction surveys, DPR’s customers ranked us better than the “Best in Class” contractor on our projects, averaging a 4.03 compared to a 3.68. We also continue to focus our energy and resources on our core technical markets, including, most notably, biotech and healthcare, where we have secured approximately 51 percent of the projects that we have pursued so far this year.

Innovative Organization

Earlier this year, DPR launched a company-wide, mandatory global training program to help our teams better meet increased customer needs and demands. (Story on Page 2) In addition, DPR offers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) training across the country and has 25 LEED™-accredited professionals on staff-more than any other general contractor in the nation. Most recently, we put our “sustainable” expertise to the test on our own newly completed, LEED™-registered office building in Sacramento, which is targeting a silver certification.

A Great Place to Work

At DPR, we believe work should be fun and intrinsically satisfying, and people who play well together often work well together. Each year, we host a wide range of celebrations and team building activities—from participating in Rebuilding Together and sponsoring charity golf tournaments to employee picnics and jobsite safety BBQs.

Our ongoing commitment to our culture, customers and employees is what truly sets DPR apart from other companies, especially right now. Successful companies are not dwelling on the discouraging headlines or reacting to the tough day-to-day challenges that often seem overwhelming. They are looking to the future, making necessary changes and planning for tomorrow.