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When Dave Wells started remodeling houses with his brother, Ken, in 1978, it didn't take him long to decide where to take their company, Key Construction.
In the early 1980s the brothers got their first commercial job remodeling the lower level of Parklane Shopping Center for Wichita businessman Willard Garvey. That job set the company in a new direction.
"As soon as we got into commercial construction, we knew that was the path we wanted to go. We were better suited to working with architects, business owners and other professionals than working with individuals," says Wells.
In 2000, the value of completed contracts for Key Construction was $122 million, a number Wells says his company will surpass in 2001. The company has recently completed or is working on high-profile projects including NewMarket Square, Wichita State University's McKinley Hall and Math/Physics building, Warren Theatre at Plazzio, Goldsmith's Inc. corporate headquarters, Feist Corporate Center, Kansas Blue Print and Eaton Place.
Founding principles
When they founded their company, Wells says he and Ken Wells, who is the company's CEO, spent a lot of time trying to learn to be good businessmen. Dave Wells attended...