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Maxus Construction was riding high at the end of 1996.
The company's revenue had grown from $2.5 million in 1991 to $39.2 million in 1995. Its work force tripled to 75 employees as it picked up commercial and multi-family projects across the Southeast. It cracked the Inc. 500 as the nation's second fastest-growing commercial general contractor.
Then, in September 1996, chairman Grady Burrow told BBJ he was exercising his option to buy the 40 percent share of Maxus he did not already own from president and CEO Ron Johnson. The partners had split, and Burrow was promoting senior vice president of operations Bill Windle to take Johnson's place. He also was contemplating the liquidation of Maxus' assets.
Wrapped up its projects
Burrow, whose National Computer Print Inc. and Designer Checks Inc. had enjoyed growth similar to that of Maxus, said his limited knowledge of the construction business made it unwise for him to continue as owner and chairman. He admitted there was no financial reason to shutter the company and did not disclose the reason for the split, although BBJ later learned that Johnson had tried to acquire total ownership in Maxus from his minority position.
Maxus wrapped up its projects already under construction, dismissed the majority of its employees and disappeared from its former prominence as one...