If you have driven on a freeway in Arizona, chances are you have Pulice to thank for the path under your tires. In 1963, they won their first highway contract for $360,000 from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Today, they have built more miles of new freeway alignment per year than any other contractor in Phoenix, and expect this year’s revenue to mark a company record. “Pulice is very visible all over the Valley because of our freeway work, but we do so much more,” said Maureen Varela, marketing manager. “We’re starting to challenge people’s perception by expanding into new markets and regions.”
Pulice’s continuous evolution has landed them in two new Southwest locations in the last five years – California and Texas. In California, their focus has been water and sewer. This year, Pulice was recognized with the American Public Works Association Award and the Award of Excellence by the United States Society on Dams for serving as the contractor for the San Vicente Marina Facility, a key element of the $1.5 billion Emergency and Carryover Storage Project for the San Diego County Water Authority.
Pulice secured their first Texas transportation project last year, the $815 million SH 288 Toll Lanes in Houston, with joint venture partner Dragados, who acquired Pulice in 2009. It’s their first public, private, partnership (P3) project.
Pulice attributes the company’s six decades of successful project delivery to their 700 employees and 900 pieces of equipment that they have between themselves and their subsidiaries, Roadway Electric LLC and McNeil Brothers. Pulice’s values of mutual respect, internal advancement, and continued education have resulted in having extensive tenured employees at all levels. “Pulice’s secret to success is we employ and promote great builders,” said Chris Rogers, Pulice president. “The average tenure of our field superintendents is over 20 years and we recently recognized four employees for 30 years of service.”
Pulice commits themselves to supporting the next generation of the construction industry by participating in AZ Construction Career Days, at local high schools, providing college internships and hosting sessions of ADOT’s Construction Academy. In addition, Pulice believes in giving back by performing charitable work for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Heart Association. “Our employees are enormously proud of the projects they build and the lasting impact they have on the community. We recognize our good fortune and know that we have an obligation to train the next generation of builders as well as help those in need,” said Rogers.
To commemorate the 60-year milestone, Pulice will host celebrations in Arizona, California and Texas. Additionally, the company has identified this milestone as a key opportunity to brand the company by unveiling a new logo and launching a website this fall.
