The Salvation Army is used to coming to the rescue of others, but it needed help itself after a fire destroyed the dining hall at its Camp Keystone in July 2013.
Scherer Construction of North Florida responded, building a superior modern dining hall at the camp, which is located in Bradford County, within four and a half months of the blaze.
“They did the impossible in moving through design, permitting and construction,” said Captain Preston Lewis of the Salvation Army in Gainesville. “They were patient with the long and tedious approval process that the Salvation Army uses to make sure it gets what it pays for.” Leading the process was Scherer Construction President Doug Wilcox.
“I always push the schedule,” he said. “I have a sense of urgency.”
Scherer has a long history of working for the Salvation Army, including building 13 camp cabins, a holiness center, and multipurpose facility at Camp Keystone and remodeling over 15 Family Thrift Stores.
Another satisfied customer is the City of Alachua. Scherer recently completed a $2 million project for the city that illustrated its capacity to self-perform site work — including excavating, constructing stormwater drainage, utilities, and paving — as well as building structures.
Below ground, the project includes an elaborate network of underground utility lines and concrete storm water holding tanks.
Above ground, the work features a baseball/softball field, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, parking and new roadways.
The project was challenging because of surprises along the way, including the nature of old buried utility lines.
“Scherer was very responsive in addressing difficult concerns, and they maintained clear communications,” said Alachua Assistant City Manager Adam Boukari. “They are top-notch.”
The company was also exemplary in minimizing the disruption to downtown merchants, Boukari added.
“We have a beautiful park, and we’ve dramatically reduced downtown flooding with the help of Scherer,” he said.
Jerry Benton, the President and CEO of CAMPUS USA Credit Union, has worked with Scherer on 12 projects over the 15 years that he has been with the credit union.
“Scherer Construction’s wide range of expertise is very beneficial and efficient,” Benton said. “Doug Wilcox and his team seek to build a long-term relationship with their customers — ensuring that they are always looking out for our best interest.”
By meeting deadlines, Scherer has kept the credit union’s projects under budget.
“Their superintendents and project managers stay on top of the jobs, which allow them to avoid or foresee problems early,” Benton said.
Clark Scherer founded the company in 1984. Today, Scherer has branches located in Jacksonville, Orlando and St. Petersburg as well as in Gainesville.
Wilcox joined the company in 1986. He assembled the current team of 49 employees at the Gainesville branch — many have now been with the company for several decades.
Long time staff members include Senior Project Manager Keith Journey and Project Managers Wesley Emmanuel, Jeff Godman, Superintendent Monte Lewis, and Equipment Operator Duane Thomas.
Wilcox fostered a corporate culture that not only emphasizes integrity, ability and experience but also sponsors a strong working environment.
“I’ve never worked anywhere before where everybody likes each other,” Journey said.
MAKING LAS MARGARITAS SPECIAL
Scherer did both the site work and the construction for the Las Margaritas restaurant building, located in Gainesville at 4405 NW 39th Ave.
Owner Alberto Roman presented Scherer Construction the challenge of completing the job within six months so that he could open in the new location before the lease at his previous location expired. Another challenge was integrating imported tile, woodwork, artwork and fountains (most of it from Guadalajara, Mexico) into the project.
Scherer completed the project a week ahead of the August 2011 deadline.
“It was a great experience,” Roman said. “Everything arrived when it was scheduled, and Scherer made all the changes that needed to be made as the work was being done.”
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Scherer Construction is a major contributor to the North Central Florida YMCA.
The contribution includes advice from President Doug Wilcox, who served on the YMCA’s board for more than a decade, and Marketing Director Sara Emmanuel, who replaced Wilcox on the board.
“They both have provided a lot of expertise,” said CEO John Bonacci. “Sara’s help with marketing has done wonders, which has a value well beyond the money the company has donated.”
Scherer also built an expansion in 2007 that doubled the size of YMCA’s building.
Scherer employees are active as board members and volunteers with many other local organizations, including the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, the Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County, Rebuilding Together North Central Florida, March of Dimes and Relay for Life (sponsored by the American Cancer Society).
President Doug Wilcox has a strong connection to the Boy Scouts. He is an Eagle Scout along with his twin sons, Brad and Zach.
“We all have a duty to give back and get involved, whether it be volunteering time, mentoring, serving on a board or committee, donating to or sponsoring an event for a good cause,” Doug Wilcox said.
“One of the reasons Gainesville is such a unique and great place to live and work is because so many people get involved on multiple levels.”