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LVEDC Newsletter Features OHA
October 31, 2008
The following article appeared in the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Newsletter, November 2008
Integrity Defines Business Model, Equals Best Value for Clients
Rigid adherence to a strict code of behavior; the state of being united; soundness; completeness; honesty. . . these definitions for “integrity” characterize the foundation of construction management firm Ondra-Huyett Associates, Inc., of the Lehigh Valley. That’s no coincidence. Integrity is the cornerstone of their operation (and not just because it says so on their web site). In fact, it is exactly the vision Mike Ondra and the late Keith Huyett set out with when they started the company in 1995.
“Integrity is one of those qualities that can be obscure and nebulous – but, when well defined and part of a corporate culture of solid communication, cooperation and collaboration, it can make the difference between a good company and a great one,” said Mike Ondra, co-founder and company president.
Today, the 50 individuals employed at the award-winning company take a unique approach to projects ranging in scope from the restoration of the Penn Theta House at Lafayette College in Easton, to large hospitality projects like the near 200,000 square foot Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center, to the Cenix optoelectronics manufacturing facility and many of the office and flex buildings along the Rt. 22 business corridor.
“We champion our client’s interests within a team approach to project delivery. Delivering the best value for our clients includes collaborative methods we use with design professionals and trade contractors to achieve on-time, on-schedule and on-budget construction projects,” Ondra added.
Project sizes range up to $30 million and with more than $250 million in projects completed in the region over the past 12 years, Ondra-Huyett’s style is working and the company is thriving.
The same can be said for the relationship Ondra-Huyett has built with the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. Ondra and his staff recognize the value of the relationship and are committed to supporting the work of LVEDC not only as corporate investors but with active participation on committees like the Investor Relations Committee.
“The LVEDC does a great job showcasing the Lehigh Valley to prospective businesses looking to relocate to the Valley and works professionally to help local firms remain and grow in our region,” said Ondra.
“Ondra-Huyett’s participation and enthusiasm shows a commitment to the Lehigh Valley by helping in the LVEDC’s overall mission,” said Pete Reinke, vice president regional development. “We consider them partners, another resource the Valley has to offer business looking to re-locate or expand operations in our region. They believe in the Lehigh Valley and want to see other companies come here and prosper here, just like they do.”
Ondra-Huyett continues to grow as they focus their skills on the renovation and new construction of office, manufacturing, industrial, healthcare and hospitality projects in the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania. The company is organized in two separate firms each employing about 25. Ondra-Huyett Associates, Inc., provides construction management services and Ondra-Huyett Construction Services, LLC., provides general contracting services.
“We recently re-organized the company to most efficiently and effectively deliver construction services to clients no matter what form of contract they desire,” said Bud Hackett, director of business development. “The key to running a successful construction firm is having the right people in the right jobs bringing the right skill set and expertise to coordinate, manage and supervise the work.”
“We are fortunate to have highly trained construction veterans and other professionals on the Ondra-Huyett team. In fact, we’ve attracted the very best from the field; people who have extensive experience, who want to work hard, and who have been attracted to our collaborative approach to construction management,” added Ondra. “We have attracted construction professionals with integrity because integrity IS the cornerstone of our business.”
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