Premier Structures: Dan Mankins – New Owner, Same Commitment
With new ownership, people think of change. Change is inevitable in the construction business, especially with the onset of new codes and regulations. Construction companies have to adapt to their environment, and we at Premier Structures will experience some change, but the foundation upon which we were built will remain.
Premier Structures was started by the late Mr. Will Evans, and his wife, Helen Evans. In 25 years, they were able to build a reputable company that has survived through two major recessions. I believe that this was accomplished by being honest and doing what you say you’ll do. There have been many construction companies that have come and gone in those 25 years, and I hope to continue what Mr. and Mrs. Evans started.
I have twenty years experience in construction, starting with residential construction in the early ‘90s, moving into industrial construction in the late ‘90s, to commercial construction in the early 2000s. I have been with Premier for almost 10 years, and have recently purchased the business from Mrs. Evans. In my time with the Evans family, I have learned a lot about the construction business, and also how to treat people. In days gone by, before I started at Premier, at times I worked for people where the dollar was all that mattered. By contrast, Mr. Evans always told me to do what I thought was right, and the money would take care of itself. My background is more from conventional construction where it’s block, brick, and wood, whereas, Premier Structures has been known more for metal buildings. My plan for the future is to blend both types together. We will also expand our design build team to encompass residential construction where there is a need.
I plan to introduce several new aspects and services to our business in the near future. I want to be able to meet any construction need where we can provide the most valuable service. There are some needs that we know we can’t meet, and I realize that. With a company our size, we can’t do some projects as efficiently or as economically, and that’s not good for the company or the customer. We do have a lot of repeat business, however, and I believe that is a testament to Mr. Evans. I am looking forward to the future of the business and of our city, and even the whole North Alabama area.
One new addition to our services is a roof coating division. The roof coating division will be working with those customers who have deteriorated metal roofs which are in need of replacement or leak stoppage, but who don’t want to take on the expense of replacing their roof. This added ability will allow us to reach more customers and provide them with other options on maintenance of their existing buildings. We can offer this option on commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings that have rust issues or leak issues. We also can offer 5, 10, and 20 year warranties on the roof coating. I believe that this will be a service that we can offer our customers that is hard to find in our area.
We have begun work on several new projects: Athens High School auditorium and cafeteria renovation, Belle Chevre Creamery in Elkmont, and Woodville Football stadium. The variety in the size and scope of these projects reflects our company’s ability to bring customer satisfaction. Belle Chevre is in a charming historical building with all the accompanying challenges involved in renovation and restoration, the school projects are larger and more utilitarian. All are receiving the same customer care and precision construction for which Premier Structures has become well known, and we are looking forward to many years of serving the North Alabama area in years to come.
Premier Structures, Inc.
General Contracting
Design / Build
2311 S Hine St
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-2500, 256-232-2092
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
