Go, go, Bobo

Chris Bobo is building the mom-and-pop construction company his grandfather started in 1952 into a fast-growing enterprise.

When Bobo began taking over Bobo Construction Inc. from his father in 1999, the Elk Grove company pulled in revenue of about $1.1 million. Last year it did $12 million, and Bobo Construction is on track for about $20 million this year.

Growth has come with a shift in focus from public works to private jobs.

Gary Bobo, Chris' father, was more. interested in the real estate development side of the business.

"I like sticking more with the actual construction," Chris Bobo said, adding that he has more patience and desire to work with employees and to develop the contacts necessary to build the business than did his father, who now consults for the firm.

About six years ago, Gary Bobo began to cut back on his involvement with the business, in preparation for retirement. He struck a deal with Chris that would allow him to assume complete ownership.

Each year, Chris bought 20 percent of the stock. While his parents spent more time traveling, Bobo ran the company that would eventually be his own.

Bobo asked his sister, Wendy BoboMazzoni, to join him a few month ago. Part of her role as marketing director is to develop relationships with architects, real estate agents and other industry contacts.

"We look out for work which may have higher profit margins," Chris Bobo said.

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