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The Punchlist May/June 2008 Crossing Over in Illinois Commercial builder promotes infrastructure improvements By Debra Wood Assuming a long-term approach to stimulating the greater St. Louis economy, Illinois commercial builder Bruce Holland has spearheaded regional road- and bridge-building efforts. He’s also earned respect on both sides of the Mississippi River.
“I always felt that for growth in the St. Louis region, we needed good infrastructure,” says Holland, chief executive officer and founder of Holland Construction Services, Swansea, Ill., about 17 miles from St. Louis. “If that’s in place, everybody benefits, including our clients.” Holland grew up in southwest Illinois and says he has enjoyed construction since he was a child, helping his father, Ben, who worked as a carpenter and contractor. Bruce set off on his own at 18, and in 1986 with Mark Hinrichs founded the firm, then called Holland-Hinrichs, focused on pursuing relationships rather than just projects. Today, 95% of its work comes from repeat clients. That’s partly why Holland says he feels a commitment to give back, to ensure the area remains a desirable location for people to live and businesses to prosper. The company has built shopping centers, schools, sporting venues, industrial complexes, offices, churches and health-care facilities during the past 22 years.But it has never built a road or bridge. Still, the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, an economic development organization in Edwardsville, tapped Holland to serve on its transportation committee 20 years ago. “Bruce showed insight early into the impact of transportation’s importance to the overall economy and to the building opportunities it might offer,” says Tim Garvey, executive director of the Southern Illinois Builders Association, O’Fallon, Ill.
Holland has chaired the committee during the past 10 years, collaborating with the Illinois Dept. of Transportation and elected officials, offering business support for extensions to Interstate 255, light rail, airport expansions and the new Mississippi River Bridge that will connect St. Clair and Madison counties with East St. Louis. “I stayed with it because there were a lot of positive things happening,” Holland says. “It never was a committee with nothing to do. People were enthused about it.” Pat McKeehan, executive director of the Leadership Council, says Holland has a strong commitment to what’s right for the region. “He’s respected by business leaders because of his professionalism and approach,” McKeehan adds. Holland also chairs the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association’s New Mississippi River Bridge Committee. He met one on one with leaders in Illinois and Missouri to convince them to back construction of the bridge. “His business is on both sides of the river, and he understands things from both perspectives,” says Susan Stauder, vice president of infrastructure for the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association. “He is low key and works well with legislators and the public. He’s a great asset.” McKeehan also calls attention to Holland’s other civic pursuits and the culture of giving back that Holland has fostered at his construction company. In addition to donating time to securing better transportation for the region, Holland and other people in his firm mentor students from local universities and raise money for the American Cancer Society and United Way. “If the good Lord has been good to you, you have to give back,” Holland says. “We’re proud of the reputation we have at the company and what our people do for the community.”
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