In an effort to instill a sense of ownership and responsibility in local residents, Chip, Kenneth and Scott Marous, the president, secretary/treasurer and vice president, respectively of Willoughby-based Marous Brothers Construction Inc., implemented the Participating Area Resident (PAR) program in local neighborhoods.
Foremen at the Longwood Apartments on Cleveland’s near East Side acted as mentors to PAR employees and taught them basic construction techniques so Marous Brothers staff could determine where their skills could best be worked into the construction company’s apprentice program.
As a supplement to union training, Marous Brothers’ Total Quality Management Program has been implemented to instruct apprentices on the proper ways to complete specific tasks, gain a better understanding of their jobs and learn trade secrets from supervisors or experienced journeymen to make them better tradespeople and more valuable as Marous Brothers employees.
Understanding the value of cooperative education, Marous Brothers has hired 18 college students from throughout Ohio as office and field personnel.
Occasionally, a project requires the services of a construction manager. Marous Brothers Construction has accepted this challenge from two local organizations:
* Hard Hatted Women needed construction management assistance to convert an existing office/warehouse building in Cleveland to house its new Pre-Apprentice Training Facility. The upgrades and improvements are estimated at $65,000.
All labor on the project is being donated by various construction trades and local union apprentice committees, and local companies are donating all material. Marous Brother’ in-kind donation to this project is $6,000.
* The Willoughby Fine Arts Association asked Marous Brothers to oversee the construction of a 20-by-20 stage that would be strong enough to support a theatrical performance or concert. Marous Brothers’ site, concrete, carpentry and landscape divisions and other companies donated labor and material.
The staff, faculty, board, students and patrons were so pleased with the results, Marous Brothers staff members were invited to be guests of honor at a concert and dedication of the outdoor stage in July. The company’s in-kind donation to this project was $9,100.
Chip, Ken and Scott also believe the legacy that you leave behind isn’t always made of bricks and mortar. Marous Brothers’ management and staff are committed to their communities and partner with organizations that improve the lives of individuals and the condition of the world at large. In 2003 and 2004 combined, they gave nearly $24,000 in charitable donations and $68,000 in sponsorships.
HOW TO REACH: Marous Brothers Construction Inc., (440) 951-3904 or www.marousbrothers.com.
