Construction Cost Management Inc.
2413 N. Main St.
Fort Worth
817-625-6200
www.buildcostcontrol.com
Four decades ago Keith Kothmann began Construction Cost Management Co., a sole proprietorship in Fort Worth with a goal of accuracy and timely delivery.
Since 1979 the firm has become legendary in those areas while providing estimating and construction consulting to a broad base of professional architectural and engineering firms.
Now, the company, which is located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, continues as strong as ever under the guidance of his daughter, Katy Abraham, now the president. Kothmann, though, is still on board and very much involved, stepping into the vice president’s role in 2013.
Quite simply, CCM excels in its services from concept to completion.
“There is nothing more important to CCM than delivering projects as promised: on-time and on-budget,” Abraham said. “We’ve built our reputation by helping our clients build their own. Ninety percent of our growth is due to word of mouth and referrals from current clients.”
CCM has strategically aligned itself with some of the largest architecture and engineering firms worldwide. This has opened opportunities to partner on projects all over the world.
“I consider CCM’s sustainability as one of its greatest accomplishments. Not many small businesses get to celebrate 40 years, and I credit my father for bringing us this far,” Abraham said.
However, the company has grown exponentially in the seven years under Abraham’s leadership.
“Providing jobs to 15 people in the community is something we’re very proud of,” she said.
Also, in 2018 CCM was named to the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City 100 list from Fortune magazine (No. 20). According to the magazine, CCM reported revenues of $1.2 million in 2017, with a growth rate of 538%.
Abraham’s background is in sales and marketing, something she said has helped tremendously in the growth of CCM.
“When dad approached me about buying the company, I was hesitant. However, after considering the potential and the growth opportunity I went for it,” she said. “At times, I’m not sure we’ve fully transitioned into my total leadership.
She also said she learned much from her father before buying the company and still enjoys working alongside him as he acts as the chief estimator.
“Dad and I have different approaches to things. However, I try to remember that he built this successful company and it’s my mission to continue its legacy. I feel so honored to be able to work and learn from my dad every day – it’s a gift.”
Among the local projects on which CCM has partnered are the Tarrant County Civil Courts Building, multiple Fort Worth Independent School District schools, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and many projects for the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base and Lockheed Martin.
“I was born in Fort Worth, and as I’ve traveled all over the world – and enjoyed many places — I always say there’s no place I’d rather live. Being a part of this city and its development is crucial to our vision and growth,” Abraham said.
CCM encourages its employees to give back to the community in a variety of ways, including through Habitat for Humanity and participating in various community 5Ks. At the end of the year, CCM contributes to each employee’s favorite charity.
Kothmann also gives in his free time, working on projects with his church through the Masters Builders Program, a ministry that he co-founded. He has built countless ramps, remodeled a children’s home, helped with disaster relief and participated in many more mission projects.
Among the iconic projects the company has been a part of are the historical restoration of the Texas Capital in Austin and the U.S. military base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The company also has a long history with the National Parks System, so it’s been a part of projects at Mount Rushmore National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, Mammoth Cave and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, to name a few.
Major projects CCM is involved in now include the Trans-Canyon waterline in the Grand Canyon, Walter Reed Medical Hospital and the Pentagon.
“I don’t think we’ve maximized our full potential yet. Our ‘oldest’ new employee additions have only been with the company two years. We have built an amazing group and I’m thrilled to watch them all flourish and take CCM with them,” Abraham said. “It is my honor to employ people and to create jobs for this amazing place. We’re also a dog friendly workplace. We celebrate the culture and holidays of all our employees.
“My goal is to have CCM celebrate an 80th anniversary in 2059. I mean, my dad got us to 40, I need to – at the very least – make sure we make it to 80.”