In the realm of Texas based construction, few companies embody the spirit of integrity and community quite like Bartlett Cocke General Contractors. With a legacy stretching back over six decades, this employee-owned company has built a reputation not just on the quality of their projects, but on the trust and relationships they forge along the way. Angela Cotie, Vice President and influential figure within the company, shares insights into Bartlett Cocke’s ethos, their approach to construction, and their vision for the future.
A Storied Legacy in Construction
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors was founded in 1959 by Bartlett Cocke himself, a man whose passion for building was as innate as it was profound. "He started the company because, in his words, 'I thought that's just what I was supposed to do, and I love to build.' His vision was always about making a difference in the community," says Angela. This ethos of community and commitment has been the bedrock upon which the company has grown.
Angela Cotie, with 26 years in the industry and a diverse portfolio that includes building the Houston Astros Stadium and major projects for the Houston Zoo, brings a wealth of experience to the company. Her journey from the East Coast to Texas, driven by a passion for construction, mirrors the dedication that Bartlett Cocke employees bring to their work every day.
Building Better Lives: The Core Mission
Bartlett Cocke's tagline, "Building Better Lives," is more than just a slogan—it's a promise. "Our mission is deeply rooted in the idea of accommodation, not confrontation. We believe in doing the right thing and maintaining honesty and trust as our core values," Cotie explains. This approach has helped the company maintain a consistent focus on improving the communities they serve, particularly through educational facilities.
For over 60 years, Bartlett Cocke has been a pillar in Texas, constructing schools and educational facilities that stand as testaments to their commitment to building better lives. "We've been building schools in Texas for the majority of our existence. It’s about creating spaces that nurture the next generation," says Cotie.
Emphasizing Relationships Over Transactions
One of the standout features of Bartlett Cocke’s approach is their emphasis on relationships over mere transactions. "Our typical project sizes range between $30 million and $200 million, but we are about relationships. If someone needs something small done, we'll do it because it's about the relationship," Cotie emphasizes. This philosophy underscores the company’s dedication to long-term partnerships rather than one-off projects.
This relationship-driven approach is a cornerstone of Bartlett Cocke's business strategy. "Over 80% of our work is from repeat clients. People like to work with us because we do what we say we're going to do," Cotie adds. This consistency and reliability are what set Bartlett Cocke apart in a crowded market.
The Foundations of Success
The foundation of Bartlett Cocke’s success is built on trust and integrity. "Trust is a big factor. Clients trust that we have delivered repeatedly, whether it's a smaller job or a larger project. We're willing to go that extra step to show how good we are and stand behind what we do."
This trust extends to their approach to problem-solving in construction. "When I think about construction, we're building someone's dream. It’s about trusting that we are not going to compromise the vision because of the cost. We're going to figure out how to give them that dream within their budget," Cotie explains. This commitment to maintaining the client’s vision, regardless of challenges, is a testament to their dedication to excellence.
Expanding Horizons: Geographic Reach and Market Sectors
Ensuring the highest standards of quality is a multifaceted endeavor at Five Star Contracting. With a seasoned team of tradespeople and a robust project management framework, the company sets and maintains high benchmarks for workmanship and service delivery. "Most of our trades guys have been with us many years," Sal notes, underscoring the importance of experience and continuity in achieving quality outcomes. The synergy between Five Star Contracting's internal team and its network of subcontractors further reinforces the company's capability to deliver exceptional results. "Our relationship is good because 75 percent of our suppliers have been with us for you know, 12 to 15 years plus," Sal reveals, highlighting the stability and cohesion of the team.
Marketing Through Community Involvement
Bartlett Cocke’s marketing strategy is deeply intertwined with their community involvement. "In Houston, marketing is about being out there, representing yourself, and showing that you participate in the community." This approach goes beyond traditional marketing tactics, focusing on building a positive reputation through consistent, meaningful engagement with the community.
"Volunteering and participating in community events make a significant impact. When you’ve done something good for the community, people notice," Angela adds. This organic marketing strategy has helped Bartlett Cocke build a strong, recognizable brand in the regions they serve.
Commitment to Quality: Ensuring Excellence
Quality control is a critical aspect of Bartlett Cocke’s operations. "Quality control should be everyone's responsibility. It’s about having pride in your work and accountability," Cotie says. The company employs a robust quality control process that involves on-staff structural engineers and mechanical and electrical experts to ensure the highest standards are met from start to finish.
Using advanced technology like BIM, drones, and laser scanning, Bartlett Cocke ensures precision and quality in every project. "We can make recommendations early to our clients or architects about concerns that may not have been noticed from the drawings," Cotie explains. This proactive approach ensures that potential issues are addressed early, resulting in a superior final product.
Strong Partnerships with Subcontractors
Bartlett Cocke’s success is also built on strong partnerships with subcontractors. "We treat our subcontractors well, pay them on time, and they can come to us if they need help," says Cotie. These long-standing relationships ensure that Bartlett Cocke can consistently deliver high-quality projects.
However, the construction landscape is changing, with new challenges arising in labor availability and market dynamics. "Houston is a tough market. There are different subcontractors for each market sector, and it takes a lot of bandwidth to build relationships with so many different types of contractors," Cotie notes. Despite these challenges, Bartlett Cocke remains committed to fostering strong, reliable partnerships.
Embracing the Future: Growth and Opportunities
Looking to the future, Bartlett Cocke is poised for growth. "Houston is the largest market in Texas, our company has the opportunity to grow by finding the right people to put on the bus," says Cotie. The focus is on smart, sustainable growth that aligns with their values and capabilities.
The company is exploring new markets and opportunities, particularly in the Houston area, where they see immense potential. "There's still so much to explore in Houston, I'm excited that we landed a project right in the heart of the city," Cotie shares.
Conclusion: Building a Legacy of Integrity and Community
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, under the guidance of leaders like Angela Cotie, continues to build on a legacy of integrity and trust within the industry.
As they look to the future, Bartlett Cocke’s vision remains clear: to continue growing sustainably, expanding their reach, and making a positive impact on the communities they serve. Their story is one of dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, proving that in the world of construction, integrity and relationships are the true foundations of success.
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors: Building Dreams, Building Trust, Building Better Lives.
Written by
Skylar Grey
Editor in Chief
Built America Magazine
The Key to Long-Term Success
In Angela Cotie’s extensive experience, the key to forming solid, long-lasting relationships with clients is honesty and transparency. "I always say sometimes I'm honest to a fault, I'd much rather let my client know that there is a problem and come up with a solution," she says. This approach ensures that clients are always in the loop and trust that Bartlett Cocke has their best interests at heart.
Cotie also believes in the power of personal connections. "I start all my meetings with a positive moment. It's about building a team of people that are excited about doing their job," she explains. This philosophy extends to every level of the organization, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.