The Catholic Charities grounds are among Western Builders big projects.
Western Builders’ roots date back to 1945, when Robert Cantu’s grandfather founded Western Builders Empire Glass, which he ran until 1979.
“I started as a laborer when I was 14 years old,” shares Cantu. “I worked with my grandfather, who was more of a father figure to me, and other various trades until I went on to college.” In 2002, Robert Cantu founded Western Builders, carrying into his business the same values and passion for community partnerships that his grandfather instilled in him.
Today, the company offers commercial building, tenant improvement, residential construction, remodeling and real estate analysis services with a focus on the advancement of industry practices and creating community and industry partnerships.
“My grandfather was admired for his honesty and integrity in the industry and he passed those same core values down to me as a role model,” Cantu says proudly. “This is one reason relationships are so important to us,” he continues, pointing out that the biggest indicator of success for them is when the phones at the company’s office are continually ringing. “When clients call us, wanting to work with us again and again, that’s an indicator we’re doing good work,” Cantu says. “We tend to do about 85% repeat work and these relationships are highly valued. [Because] when we build a client’s next project, we know we did it right the first time.”
When asked what he thinks sets Western Builders apart from competitors, Cantu believes that when it comes to their relationship with clients it is their unparalelled level of engagement along with their honesty, integrity, efficiency and willingness to customize their services to meet clients’ needs.
Even through economic slumps and pandemics, Western Builders has continued to have a steady backlog of projects, says Cantu. “In 2010, which was by far our worst year ever by volume, we acquired 33% more contracts that year than any other year. That told me that our relationships were working—that we were relevant in the marketplace. That was a really positive sign. Those repeat relationships are critical.”
Another reason for the company’s continued success is that they strive to achieve the untypical, according to Cantu. “We know we are a service business and we provide a unique method of project delivery”, says Cantu.
Being voted the “Best of the North Bay” by their community is especially satisfying for Robert Cantu and his team. “Being recognized by our community and peers is the highest form of compliment.”
As for the future, Western Builders plans to continue its efforts to make a difference through industry advocacy through the boards and committees they serve on, participation in city and county task forces, creating advantageous partnerships between the community and their industry, and continuing to provide their services with honesty and integrity.
