During the Great Depression, when virtually no major construction was being done in Providence, an ambitious builder named Joseph Dimeo launched Dimeo Construction Co. In the ensuing years, Dimeo managed to make his living by doing small jobs -- such as the gun emplacements in Jamestown and Point Judith -- and building his reputation on quality construction services and unequaled performance.
The jobs kept getting bigger, as did the business. Today, Joseph Dimeo's basic values of honesty, fairness and teamwork have led Dimeo Construction to become Rhode Island's third largest construction company. With more than $110 million in sales annually over the past 10 years, Dimeo is ranked among the top 300 constructions firms in the nation. Yet, the firm remains a family-run, privately-held operation headed by Thomas P. Dimeo, who was named president and chief executive officer in 1971.
Dimeo has worked with many of the country's leading architectural and engineering firms. Its landmark buildings such as the Clarendon Building in Boston, Mass., dot the New England landscape. It has renovated or restored many historic buildings to extend their use and value.
Thomas Dimeo continues the family traditions as chairman of the board, and The Dimeo Companies is now a holding company with a number of affiliates including Dimeo Construction Co. and other companies. With offices in Providence, R.I., Boston, Mass., New Haven, Conn., and Bedford, N.H., Dimeo Companies has more than 140 professional employees including project executives, project managers, superintendents, planners, estimators, purchasing agents, accountants and MIS specialists.
Family ownership has its advantages. The firm's operating philosophy over the years has been nourished by family ownership and has focused on building with teamwork, pride and quality.
What sets Dimeo apart from its competition today is the company's ability to respond and be flexible by reducing corporate bureaucracy. Access to top management is fast and easy. Client needs are fulfilled with qualified personnel who build quality construction projects in a cost-efficient manner.
Its byword of "quality" has its roots in workers who are inspired by craftsmanship and quality each day. In fact, compensation is tied to performance and shortcuts are not allowed, whether building a structure or a career. For instance, all project managers must undergo a stepping-stone training program, regardless of experience level.
Thomas Dimeo has led the company through a period of rapid growth. During the past decade the firm's revenues have increased almost fourfold. The company has become known as a competitor throughout the region and has been awarded several prestigious projects such as the renovation of the Radcliffe College Quadrangle at Harvard University/Racliffe College.
"If we are successful it is because we are secure in our market niche," says Thomas Dimeo. This niche is institutional work, particularly hospitals and colleges, and the renovation of older buildings.
"There aren't many major construction businesses that will take on rehab work," says Dimeo. "It's very exacting, and you never know what you will find. That's another niche that gives us an edge."
Dimeo Construction's primary function today has shifted to construction management in which the property owner hires the firm to oversee all phases of the building process, regardless of whether it is serving as the general contractor.
Locally, the firm has built such notable institutions as the new Women & Infants Hospital and Old Stone Square, and was involved in renovations to the Providence Public Library, the Providence County Court House, and Trinity Church in Newport.
Much of Dimeo's business is from repeat clients. Those include the Hasbro toy company, for which Dimeo has built a computer center and has converted a turn-of-the-century mill into a $50 million world class headquarters facility in Pawtucket. It has also built more than 11 projects for Brown University, including the ongoing $10.5 million renovations to Andrews Hall.
In Boston, Dimeo built a new $55 million hospital facility (with renovations) for the Boston University Medical Center. It also built the new $75 million Suffolk Trial Courthouse in Boston.
The company plans to grow its market share throughout the Northeast before trying to expand outside the region. Officers of the company say it will continue to nurture its expertise and capability in the select markets of health care, educational, corporate facilities, retail shopping centers, and laboratory and research facilities.
Founded during economic uncertainty, Dimeo Construction Company has a history of surviving, regardless of the direction the economy takes, building upon the strong foundation established by founder Joseph Dimeo more than 65 years ago.