113 years of experience are cornerstone for thriving CM.

From humble beginnings in the late 19th Century as a small family-run masonry and cement company, John Gallin & Son, Inc. has grown to be one of New York's most distinguished and respected interior construction firms.

In an industry where change is the norm, and where companies come and go, the firm has maintained its uncompromising commitment to excellence for four generations. Today, John Gallin & Son is recognized for its heritage, integrity and dedication to providing the highest quality construction on a timely and cost-effective basis.

"A devotion to family and strong ethics have been the cornerstones to our success over the past 113 years," notes John Gallin, the firm's president and great grandson of the founder. "By following the principles set forth by our founder, we have built client relationships which have lasted well beyond the conclusion of individual projects."

One of the company's ongoing relationships is with prominent bank and money management firm Bessemer Trust. Most recently, John Gallin & Son participated in Bessemer's expansion at 630 Fifth Avenue, which included the installation of a state-of-the-art video conferencing center.

"What distinguishes John Gallin & Son, Inc. from its competitors, and brings them repeat business, is the active involvement of the company's principals in the management of every construction project," notes Mary Hyland, assistant vice president of Bessemer Trust. "Gallin's hands-on approach enables the firm to maintain the high standards of professionalism, reliability and on-time delivery that are its hallmarks."

This stellar reputation has helped John Gallin & Son attract clients from such diverse industries as fashion/retail, law, accounting, telecommunications and Internet, among many others. "We bring the perfect mix of expertise, technology and dedication to each and every project we undertake," explains John Gallin.

The firm's ability to build and maintain long-term relationships and attract prestigious new clients is attributable to the bonds that cement the Gallin family business. Today, the firm is managed by the fourth generation of Gallins, headed by John Gallin, who joined the company in 1964. John spent his first four years familiarizing himself with every aspect of the construction management business, participating in projects and consulting with senior management on administrative issues. His hard work and dedication to the family business paid off. Over the next 18 years, John worked his way up through the ranks to achieve the post of president in 1986.

"John's insight and vision has guided us to our present standing within New York's real estate community," remarks Mark Varian, the firm's vice president in charge of estimating and purchasing. "He has been instrumental in developing and maintaining client relationships at the highest professional level."

John's commitment to the industry as a whole is as strong as his dedication to administration, management and new business development at John Gallin & Son. He has participated as a director of the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association, member of the New York Building Congress, president of the Building Contractors Association and vice president of the New York Building Trades Employees Association.

"The groundwork has been laid for the younger members of the Gallin family to take over and propel John Gallin & Son, Inc. into the next millennium," says John Gallin. "Our company's success, just like the success of a good team, is due to the quality of its personnel and the chemistry among them. Our core professionals are the finest in the industry, and many of them have been with the company for decades and we expect them to lead the firm to further success in the future."

Michael Gallin, Christopher Gallin and Mark Varian, like John Gallin before them, joined the firm at entry level and worked their way up to top management positions. "Nobody just walked into the president's office," says Michael Gallin, who joined the firm in 1976 as a mason tender and is now vice president of production. "Although we are a family operation, our executives and employees must work hard to achieve success regardless of their position."

Christopher Gallin also began his career as a mason tender at John Gallin & Son in 1979, while pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked part time in the field, supporting the construction effort and learning the basic construction process. In 1983, he received his Civil Engineering degree and began work as a superintendent. Today, Christopher serves as the firm's vice president and director of marketing and client relations.

Mark Varian, a Gallin family member, joined the firm in 1983 as an assistant superintendent. From early in his career, VarJan's focus was on the cost of various construction alternatives. Now vice president of estimating and purchasing, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the estimating portion of each project and a strong ability to break down large scopes of work into pricing packages.

"We have a great diversity of talents to offer to our clients not to mention 13 years of staying power," notes Christopher Gallin. "A passion for the business, years of experience and a strong fundamental work ethic are the mainstays of our continued growth and success in the jungle of New York City's construction market. Although John Gallin & Son, Inc. has changed drastically since its inception in 1886 - we're larger, stronger and smarter - we plan to push ahead into our second century by taking lessons we've learned in the past and applying them to present and future challenges."