The highs and lows of building a 50-year construction business with Josh and Alan Bomstein

October 10, 2024

This week we speak with Josh and Alan Bomstein. Alan Bomstein is the founder of Clearwater-based Creative Contractors, which he launched, a bit by accident, he says in 1974. His son Josh Bomstein was recently named CEO of the company. With about $190 million in revenue, the company’s portfolio of notable projects includes the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, BayCare corporate headquarters and the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon spoke with Alan and Josh about the early days of the business 50 years ago (it involved building an ice rink inside a Florida mall in 1979) and the projects that define the business today. Alan also talked about how the company overcame an audit crisis in the late 1980s, while Josh talked about the lessons he’s learned while working with his dad.

3 Takeaways

(01:45) I wanted to instill integrity in everything we do
(02:45) Do not underestimate the power of the referral
(22:00) Knowing what is going on financially in your business is paramount

Timestamps

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkerking Barberio!
(00:25) Introducing Alan and Josh Bomstein, Founder and CEO of Creative Contractors
(01:10) What defined Creative Contractors 50 years ago?
(03:22) Growing up in the business
(05:10) Defining projects for Creative Contractors
(13:00) Lessons learned from running this business
(18:05) Setbacks you overcame
(22:25) What are we looking forward to in 2025?
(24:30) Rapid fire questions

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders and much more.