Keeping it in the family is the Trevino Group’s blueprint to success
Family-owned businesses aren’t all that unique in the small business world. But, a family-owned business with three veterans as owners certainly breaks the traditional mold.
NaVOBA member Guillermo “Bill” H. Trevino started The Trevino Group in 1976. Since then, the ownership group has expanded to include several more Trevinos into the mix.
Band of Brothers
His sons Dale and Dave serve as president and operations manager respectively, as well as part owners. Amazingly, all three are veterans of the Air Force and Navy. The other part owner, Gilbert DeLacruz, is an Army vet who served in Vietnam.
For those keeping score, that’s four partners, one dad, two sons and three branches of the military.
“I couldn’t be any more proud of our company, in terms of being a father as well as a veteran,” Trevino said. “We definitely understand discipline and the importance of family around here.”
The family mentality extends beyond the Trevino bloodline though. Trevino said his company’s mantra is to treat everyone from employees to clients as family, and the rest falls into place.
The perfect example is the company’s clientele, some of which have been with The Trevino Group for over 20 years.
The Company
The Trevino Group, with its three Texas locations, has earned revenues exceeding $15 million for the last four years. That wasn’t always the case though, Trevino said.
In the beginning, he couldn’t even scrape together enough money to expand the company beyond its initial concentration: residential painting. Today, the company oversees practically every aspect of building and design.
“Being the little guy, it was tough getting started, lots of sacrifices,” Trevino said. “But I can’t complain. (Our past) makes me prouder to be in a good position now.”
The company specializes in healthcare construction management, having worked on The Methodist Hospital System, Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, among others.
One project close to Trevino’s heart was the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities.
“We’re always looking for ways to incorporate veterans into every aspect of our business,” he said. “We actively recruit veteran employees and subcontractors and we really love working on projects that benefit veterans.”
Lessons Learned
Trevino is adamant about the fact that lessons learned in the military stick with you a lifetime... So adamant that he said he believes “every young man should serve.” And while that may be a lofty expectation, Trevino’s heart is in the right place.
The Air Force made him realize he wanted to do good for other people, he said. He learned the traits of discipline, leadership and determination – all essential to running a successful business.
He said he also learned humility as well.
“One day my NCO called me in and told me I was good at what I did but way too cocky. He told me no matter how great I thought I was, there’s always someone better.’ That stuck with me,” Trevino said.
Company Information:
Name: The Trevino Group
Location/headquarters: Corporate: Houston, Texas
Additional sites/facilities: North Texas Regional Office: De Soto, Texas
Company Web site: www.trevinogroup.com
# of employees: 75
Military/Veteran Employees (if available): 10
Year founded: 1976
2006 revenues: $15.3 million
2007 revenues: $19.4 million
2008 revenues: $20.1 million
Ownership: Corporation (Bill Trevino being 60% majority owner)
What services or products do you provide? General Contracting, Project Management, Design/Build and Job Order Contracting focused in the areas of Healthcare, Government, Commercial and Education.
Fun Facts
What is your favorite TV show? Golf and History Channels
What is your favorite sports team? Houston Astros
What’s in your refrigerator? Health food
What CD is in your car? Mexican Folk Music and Dixieland Music
What is your dream car? 1958 Ford T-Bird
What do you do to relax? Golf, listen to my music and exercise
What would you be doing if you weren’t a business owner? Working for a construction firm
Age: 71
Service branch: U.S. Air Force
Military service: 1956 – 1960
Highest rank attained: Airman second class (E-3)
What did you do in the military? Requisition Clerk; and participated working with the B-47’s during Reflex Alerts
Why did you join the military? To serve my country, improve my quality of life and pursue education opportunities provided in the military.
Any significant military achievements/experience you’d like to mention? The four years in the Air Force taught me discipline, respect for others and self esteem.
What were your goals getting out of the service? Get a good job, start a family
Does your military experience (general or technical) apply to your success in your current business? It has had a direct impact on how I lived my life personally and have run my business.
What is your fondest memory of the military? I met my wife of 51 years