How Timberline Construction Group helps rebuild communities faced with disaster
Timberline Construction Group, which was founded in 2013 by three friends who had spent over a decade working together in construction, emerged from a pursuit of excellence. This is a goal that has remained central to all aspects of the company as it has grown into a larger business with more diverse interests. It is divided into a civil division, a manufactured housing division, and a division dedicated to providing disaster relief services.
Daniel Burnham, one of the owners of the business elaborates on some of the services Timberline Construction Group provides: “We work with states to support the rebuilding of communities that have been affected by natural disasters including flooding, fire damage, earthquakes and hurricanes. We assist first with the demolition of the existing houses, then in rebuilding the property. We work with the state and local communities to assess which construction method we offer will
best suit the situation and location. The houses are then constructed using either a modular build method, a manufactured home, fabricated in our facility, or an on-site construction.
“We have provided homes supporting disaster relief efforts in California, Florida, North and South Carolina, and Alabama, and we are currently working with FEMA to provide housing in Hawaii which will be a modular project.” Daniel goes on to explain the central importance of the company is its flexibility and sensitivity to each project’s needs. “In Hawaii for example, the best solution to the specific challenges was to provide modular homes that we construct in California. These are then transported by ship to Hawaii, where local contractors will perform much of the installation. We are proud to be able to utilize tradesmen from the area, supporting and empowering them to rebuild their own community from the ground up.”
Core values
Daniel expands on the approach that works best in challenging environments: “Building lasting relationships is essential. In many of the areas we go to for example, whether that’s Hawaii, Florida or South Carolina, rebuilding communities typically requires a creative approach. Being able to respond to these challenges and seize opportunities as they emerge relies on us maintaining strong and positive relationships, we do this by under-promising and over-delivering.
“This is also reflected in the company’s core values,” Daniel continues. “Alongside preaching the benefits of good relationships, not just with clients, but with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors and employees as well, we also strive to achieve the highest quality products and services. We want to make sure that we are all proud of a product when it leaves the facility because with our level of expertise and experience if we are satisfied with a product’s quality then the client will be as well.
“We also realize that our people are the heart of our business. Over the years we have managed to curate a highly skilled and dedicated team that are able to seamlessly execute the mission for each project. This ties into another core value: action. Because we are often faced with unique circumstances, without much time to gather data and analyze situations, we have learned to be flexible. This means becoming accepting of external dynamics and influences beyond our control. We can then make decisions quickly and move forward.
“Being a construction company, safety is also paramount for us and plays a central role throughout the manufacturing and construction processes. Accountability is also a guiding light throughout each project; making sure we hold each other to account also ensures we can better meet our other core values. It maintains positive relationships, and ensures the products are delivered to the highest quality and in a safe manner,” Daniel adds.
“Sustainability and environmental responsibility are also very important to us as a company,” he explains. “There are many benefits to leaning more heavily on a prefabricated product. The manufactured construction process allows us to substantially minimize the impact we have on a site. Because the process requires much less disturbance of the ground, we don’t need to clear areas of trees for example and can really keep the footprint of the project to a minimum.
“Within our homes we also offer specifications that can really maximize sustainability. Building these products within the controlled environment of our production facility allows us to better assist our customers and realize their goals,” Daniel adds.
Looking to the future Daniel outlines the company’s bold ambitions: “In the next five years we are looking to expand our manufacturing capabilities by opening a further facility. We would also like to rebuild communities further afield than the United States and its territories.”
Building on a wealth of construction experience, the founders have grown Timberline Construction Group into an company that can not only provide customizable homes, utilizing the optimum method for each project, but can also work with state and federal agencies, as well as locals, to rebuild communities affected by natural disasters. By having manufacturing capabilities in-house, the business can remain agile and adaptable to the unique demands and sensitivities of each project. Timberline Construction Group’s ongoing success positions it well to expand its facilities as well as its reach across the globe, facilitating continued support to communities in the wake of disaster.