Bjerk Builders, a full-service commercial construction company that began building in the Valley for nearly 40 years, has been purchased by a group of investors led by Nate Lowrie, who hails from a multi-generational Arizona family.
Lowrie will become CEO of Bjerk Builders, which has completed over $750 million in projects since it was founded in 1986. The terms of the transaction are not public but company founder Scott Bjerk will remain a minority owner.
“The Bjerk team is just fantastic and that’s one of the reasons why I targeted them for acquisition. I have sold a couple of companies over the years but never bought one, so it had to be the right one,” Lowrie said, adding, “their employees are terrific and some have been there since day one.”
Investing in the general contracting company along with Lowrie are Tim Louis, president and CEO of Desert Capital Investments; Steve Schramm, founder of Optumas health-care reform consulting firm; Lee Benson, CEO of Execute to Win LLC; Keith Galbut, a director with Galbut Beabeau PC Scottsdale law firm, and private investor Brett Ellens.
Lance Meilech of IBG FoxFin brokered the transaction and Arizona Bank and Trust handled the financing but the terms of the privately-held company sale are not being disclosed.
Lowrie grew up in the construction business, working for his father’s company as a youngster so he well understands the rigors of the industry.
“My first memories in life were on my dad’s job sites, and I always thought I would return to the building business. Bjerk is one of the finest companies in the Valley, in any industry really, and I am fortunate to now be associated with them.”
Prior to acquiring Bjerk Builders, Lowrie was a board member and then CEO of Valleywise Health Foundation for 15 years. There he led the organization through year-over-year growth, while also extending the new Valleywise brand name throughout the company.
Bjerk Builders has worked throughout the valley and the majority of their construction projects have been in the retail, office and healthcare sector. They specialize in tenant improvements, general contracting, construction management, design-build, and self-performing walls, trim carpentry and electrical services.
“This is a dream come true for me to be able to return to an industry that I’ve always loved,” Lowrie said.