Delmarva Veteran Builders Completes Renovations for Columbia Care

SALISBURY, Md. – July 16, 2018 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it has completed a 4,500 square foot interior fit-out for Columbia Care at 200 South Dupont Blvd in Smyrna, Delaware. The project was completed in seven weeks and included new electrical and mechanical systems, fire suppression, new walls and interior finishes, while meeting all safe construction standards. 

“The required occupancy date, and tight schedule caused other general contractors to pass on this project,” said Gregory Murphy, national construction manager, Columbia Care. “Delmarva Veteran Builders delivered the space on time and on budget. The superintendent, Brian Sanders, understood the urgency and was incredibly proactive solving each and every problem that arose. DVB understands customer service, and demonstrates a true pride in their efforts and end product. I would highly recommend them.” 

“As the nation’s largest manufacturer and provider of medical cannabis products, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Columbia Care’s first medical cannabis dispensary in Delaware to life,” said Chris Eccleston, president, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “With this being only the second medical cannabis operator in the state, DVB values the relationship it has with this client for supporting the local community through job and industry growth in Delaware.” 

For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com.

Allen Harim Moving Corporate Headquarters to Millsboro

SEAFORD, Del. – December 18, 2017 – Allen Harim, a leading producer and processor of No Antibiotic Ever Chicken on Delmarva, will be moving its corporate headquarters just outside of Millsboro, Del., to the former Vlasic pickle plant it purchased in 2014. 

The company has hired Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), a company based in Salisbury, Maryland, to oversee construction of the new headquarters. DVB hires primarily veterans for construction projects, and has promised the new office space should be ready for occupancy by the first quarter of 2018. 

“This is an exciting time for our company, as we approach our 100th anniversary on Delmarva in 2019,” said President and CEO Joe Moran. “Seaford has been our home for the past century, but it’s time to look forward to the future and where this company is heading. We’ve outgrown our space in Seaford, and this location puts us closer to our processing plant in Harbeson, and our brand new hatchery in Dagsboro which should be finished by next fall. This is an ideal location that gives us an opportunity to create a more modern and efficient workspace and we look forward to the next 100 years for Allen Harim.” 

The project will involve extensive interior renovations of about 20,000 square feet of space for the 50 employees who work in the company’s headquarters. Plans call for improvements to the exterior façade and the company is exploring the use of solar energy to help power at least part of the facility. 

“We are honored to have been chosen to be a part of this project,” said Chris Eccleston, President of DVB and a U.S. Navy veteran. “This is another great project that will help put veterans to work, and we applaud Allen Harim’s continued investment on Delmarva and their commitment to our veterans.” 

Other uses of the 460,000-square-foot building will include a consignment warehouse operation that will store boxes and other packaging materials from International Paper and other vendors that are used in the Allen Harim production process. 

The company is also planning to house a deboning operation in about 50,000 square feet of the facility, where chicken that has already been processed at its Harbeson, Del., processing plant will be deboned and repackaged for customers. No additional chickens will need to be processed in Harbeson to accommodate the deboning operation. 

“This is work that’s already being done outside of the state and we’re excited to be bringing that work back to Delaware,” Moran said. “We will be creating about 165 jobs in Millsboro and bringing back economic activity to our home state.” 

Moran said the company is keeping the promise it made in late 2015 to not use the plant as a slaughter facility. The deboning process uses just a fraction of the water used in a traditional slaughter plant and perhaps most importantly, the company is committed to upgrading the wastewater treatment process to provide a wastewater solution that is environmentally friendly. 

“We listened to the neighbors and heard their concerns. Ultimately, we are working toward the goal of getting out of the stream,” Moran said. 

About Allen Harim Foods, LLC 

Allen Harim combines an approach to growing the healthiest chicken possible with a commitment to implementing the latest technology for the continuous improvement of all processes. Headquartered in Seaford, Delaware, Allen Harim operates a chicken processing facility in Harbeson, Delaware; a breeding operation in Liberty, North Carolina; a hatchery in Dagsboro, Delaware, and a hatchery and feed mill in Seaford. The company employs more than 1,750 people in the United States, as well as more than 230 independent growers and 20 company farms across Delmarva.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Completes Virginia Department of Transportation Accomack Residency Vehicle Maintenance Shop Project

SALISBURY, Md. – October, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced the completion of a new construction project for a 10,000 square foot, VDOT Accomack Residency Vehicle Maintenance Shop to be located at the corner of Rt. 13 and Courthouse Avenue in Accomack, Virginia. 

“Delmarva Veteran Builders went above and beyond to respond to any concerns and deliver a quality product,” said Robert Isdell, Virginia Department of Transportation. “Their work ethic and attention to detail was top notch. The project manager and superintendent on the job did an excellent job at communicating with us on a regular basis. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Delmarva Veteran Builders again in the future.” 

The “missile impact rating” structural steel and masonry construction used 120 tons of steel to build a single story facility equipped with offices and twelve maintenance bays for servicing VDOT vehicles. Delmarva Veteran Builder’s Daniel Mills was the project manager and Fletcher Schrodt served as the superintendent on the job. 

“It was a privilege and pleasure to work with HBA Design Team Consultants and the Virginia Department of Transportation on this project,” said Daniel Mills, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “At first glance the building looks like a big box but in actuality there are many intricacies and customized features inside the building, including a runway crane, four post lifts, a bridge and jib crane installation and custom fitted utility reel stations for each individual employee.” - 

“Having the opportunity to serve the needs of an Eastern Shore of Virginia service provider allows Delmarva Veteran Builders to expand our reach on the peninsula,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders, president. “It was a pleasure to work with VDOT to enable them to ensure safety to travelers on Accomack’s network of roads.” 

For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com. 

Delmarva Veteran Builders Welcomes New Project Manager, Kathryn Ellis to the Team

Kathryn Ellis

SALISBURY, Md. – September 25, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced the addition of Kathryn Ellis to the DVB team. Her role as project manager includes the coordination and direction of day to day construction projects from inception to completion, managing the technical side of projects and business development. 

“Kathryn’s extensive leadership experience with high performance design and sustainability will help strengthen our team,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “She is respected in the industry for her thoroughness with customers which is and always will be a high priority for Delmarva Veteran Builders. In the short time she has been with the 

company, we have already seen an impact from the strong relationships she established with vendors, manufacturers and sub-contractors. 

Kathryn has nearly 10 years of experience in project management in new construction and renovation for a variety of commercial projects. Her diverse portfolio features corporate, government and medical projects in addition to car dealerships, hotels and multi-family housing. 

A certified interior designer, Kathryn earned the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certification. She graduated in 2008 from George Washington University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Interior Design. Her work experience started the summer after graduation with BBGM Architects and Interiors in Washington DC. When she moved to the Eastern Shore she worked for Temco Builders for four years and Fisher Architecture for six years. 

Kathryn has a strong design background and extensive familiarity with accessibility standards and experience with understanding efficient circulation. Her strong insight into the functionality and practicality of selected materials help deliver a quality product to each customer within the projected timeline and budget. 

Kathryn and husband Jonathan live in Ocean Pines with their dog Finn. She enjoys helping Jonathan grow his family owned business.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Hired to Renovate Former Red Cross Headquarters into a New Administration/Admissions Office for Hudson Health Services

SALISBURY, Md. – August 23, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it has been hired by Hudson Health Services Inc. for the full renovation of 1505 Emerson Avenue in Salisbury, the former Red Cross Headquarters. 

Both the interior and exterior of the 4,200 square foot building is
being renovated and will serve as the organizations new administrative and admissions offices. The building will also include space for family groups, employee trainings, community trainings, and board meetings. 

“When our services as builders can better serve our community, we become passionate about the mission,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “More rooms for more beds on campus means more opportunity for recovery.” 

“Over the years, we have continued to grow according to our community’s needs,” said Leslie Brown, President and CEO, Hudson Health Services Inc. “Because of this growth, our staff size has doubled and we have increased our patient capacity so we needed the additional space. We hope that by staying in tune with the urgency of the need for treatment, our flexibility and willingness to expand, along with the support of our local community, we can continue to provide quality patient care right here in Salisbury. We currently have 48 beds on campus and will likely be adding more. I 

needed a general contractor to handle everything - someone I could trust. I have seen a lot of positive press on Delmarva Veteran Builders and when I met Chris I knew instantly it was going to be a good relationship.” 

According to Delmarva Veteran Builder project manager Lee Beauchamp and superintendent Brian Anderson, the project is scheduled to be complete by November 2017. 

For more information about the project, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com. 

Delmarva Veteran Builders Hired to Renovate Salisbury University Downtown Art Gallery

SALISBURY, Md. – July 14, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced work has begun on renovations to the Salisbury University Downtown Art Gallery in the Gallery Building at 212 West Main Street in Salisbury. 

“We are excited to transform this space into a downtown destination for Salisbury University to use as an outlet to showcase local talent,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders, president. “The exhibits will attract community members and visitors alike and complement the revitalization that is evolving in our downtown.” 

The 4,150 square foot, single floor project is scheduled to take three months and include the addition of a catering kitchen, café, a sliding wall and four art galleries. The space will also be equipped with a high tech lighting system 

“We have a good working relationship with Delmarva Veteran Builders,” said Max Verbits, project architect for Salisbury University. “They have a great superintendent on the job, a dedicated project manager and have put together a great team of sub-contractors. We are excited for the outcome and opening up a top notch gallery space in downtown Salisbury.” 

The Grand Opening for the Downtown Art Gallery will feature The Smithsonian Show and is scheduled for September 15 to coincide with 3rd Friday. 

Salisbury University is a repeat client for Delmarva Veteran Builders. The team also helped build the Guerrieri Academic Commons and renovated the Richard A. Henson Medical Simulation Center. 

For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com. 

Delmarva Veteran Builders Hired to Renovate Ashley Furniture Store in Delmar

SALISBURY, Md. – July 5, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced interior renovations are underway on the Ashley Furniture Store at 3 Gerald Ct. in Delmar, Delaware. The renovations are being made for the store to continue to maintain corporate brand standards. 

“This is an exciting project for us,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “Our client totally understands the importance of customer experience, a value that keeps us in business. We are pleased to have the opportunity to help Ashley Furniture provide enhanced in-store experiences for their customers through these interior renovations.” 

Delmarva Veteran Builders is working on projects to integrate interactive technology for customers, installing a monument wall and a 34 slot mattress sleep spa. The customer service are will be equipped with a virtual reality show room, touch screen catalogs and four different walls with unique technology to provide customers with enhanced interaction. Work is scheduled to be complete by August. 

“I was so impressed when I saw how the team from Delmarva Veteran Builders maintained the showroom,” said Justin Barnes, owner. “They are working at night because we need to operate during the day. The first day and every day since when I walk in the door, everything is neat and there are dust coverings and protective matting to protect our inventory. We have a great partnership with DVB and are thrilled to have their deuce parked in front of our store.” 

For more information about the project, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com.

Chris Eccleston of Delmarva Veteran Builders Awarded Bright Lights Award by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot

SALISBURY, Md. – April 20, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced president Chris Eccleston has received the Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“I accept this award on behalf of the entire DVB family,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders, president. “If it weren’t for them, their work ethic and commitment to our mission, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Chris was joined by family members, friends, business colleagues and local dignitaries on April 20, 2017 to receive the award. The event was held at Salisbury’s newest Your Doc’s In job site on Business Rt. 13 (formerly Horner Honda), across from Salisbury University. 

More about the Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

The Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, established in 2017 by Comptroller Peter Franchot, recognizes and celebrates innovation in the private and nonprofit sectors that strengthens Maryland’s economy, generates jobs and tax revenue and develops new ideas that more effectively deliver services and products within the marketplace. One winner will be selected from Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Completes Renovation for the Patient Connection in Salisbury

SALISBURY, Md. – January 5, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it has completed renovations for The Patient Connection at 105 Pine Bluff Road in Salisbury, Maryland. The 2,400 square foot medical office renovation included a complete gut and remodel with the addition of five patient exam rooms and a conference room. The Patient Connection is a healthcare treatment center providing an appropriate setting for healthcare professionals (specialists) from other parts of the area to treat patients closer to home. 

“Having the opportunity to work on a project that is making healthcare more accessible to our community is a great way to kick off the New Year,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “This fully functioning medical office is another example of how healthcare is moving closer to patients and we are proud to be a part of the process.” 

“We chose Delmarva Veteran Builders because of the company’s veteran status,” said Melissa Graves, business manager, The Patient Connection. “One of our owners is a Veteran and it means a lot to him to be able to contribute to the veteran workforce. The team did a great job and met all unexpected challenges head on.” 

Delmarva Veteran Builders project manager, Daniel Mills reported the project was completed on time and is now open for business. 

For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com.