History

January 19, 2024

In the bustling landscape of Southern California's construction industry, one name stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation, and resilience: Foundational Builders Corporation. Founded in early 2020 by Andrew Robles, Foundational Builders has rapidly carved its niche as a premier contractor in multi-family construction, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Inception and Early Years

The story of Foundational Builders Corporation began at a pivotal moment in history - the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew Robles, then a business student at Pepperdine University with aspirations in finance, found himself at a crossroads. Fresh off an interview with Goldman Sachs, fate intervened when his family reached out about a business opportunity in construction.

Robles' journey into construction wasn't a deliberate choice; rather, it found him. Yet, once immersed in the industry, he discovered its allure - a perfect blend of white-collar strategy and blue-collar grit. Drawing from his business education, Robles brought a unique perspective to the table, leveraging his problem-solving skills, stress management abilities, and meticulous planning to propel Foundational Builders forward.

Despite its humble beginnings, FB Corp quickly gained traction, securing its first project - a $6.8 million endeavor comprising 39 units. This early success set the stage for a series of notable milestones, including the landing of projects like Villa Bel Air, Glenrock, Mainstreet, York, and Goddard. Although naturally throughout the journey, there has been no shortage of significant challenges, from contractual disputes to project takeovers. One such project, Carlton, presented a unique set of obstacles as FB Corp inherited subcontractors and contracts from a terminated GC. Despite the challenges, the leadership team, led by Andrew Robles, demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ensuring the project's success within budgetary constraints.

One such partnership that has significantly influenced FBC's trajectory and the company’s ability to navigate these obstacles with finesse is its relationship with Burrell Construction, Robles' family company. With five years of experience working at Burrell, Robles gained invaluable insights into multi-family construction, honing his skills in estimating, project management, and client relations. Burrell's disciplined approach to construction administration and strategic operational processes laid the groundwork for FBC's success, shaping its leadership style and operational philosophy.

While both Burrell Construction and Foundational Builders Corporation share core values of safety, organization, and quality craftsmanship, they also exhibit distinct characteristics reflective of their respective journeys. Both companies prioritize effective communication and collaboration with subcontractors and suppliers, leveraging platforms like Blue Book and PlanHub to foster relationships and enhance project outcomes.

However, FB Corp distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to self-performing critical trades and its willingness to take calculated risks. FBCnhas developed in-house expertise in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, enabling greater control over project timelines and quality assurance. Additionally, FBC's firm stance on contractual integrity and client accountability sets it apart, ensuring transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships with developers and stakeholders.

Innovative Approaches and Community Engagement

Foundational Builders prides itself on its innovative and unique approaches to project management and execution. One such approach involves early buyouts of important materials to optimize costs and prevent delays. A prime example: FB Corp stores expensive materials off-site to prevent theft, ensuring seamless project progress and budget adherence. Community engagement and sustainability are also top priorities. Through newsletters, blogs, and donations to various foundations, FBC seeks to create a positive impact beyond the construction site. By prioritizing sustainability practices and fostering relationships with local subcontractors and suppliers, FBC strives to enhance project outcomes while contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves.

Establishing Presence and Industry Partnerships

Foundational Builders Corporation established its presence in the Southern California construction industry through Andrew Robles' extensive experience and expertise gained from working at Burrell Construction, his family's company. Robles' hands-on involvement in building and estimating projects provided invaluable insights into multi-family construction, laying the groundwork for FBC's immediate impact in the industry.

FBC fosters relationships with local subcontractors and suppliers through proactive outreach and collaboration platforms like Blue Book and PlanHub. By prioritizing transparency, communication, and mutual respect, FBC enhances project outcomes and fosters a network of trusted partners.

In the competitive realm of construction, success is not merely measured by the structures erected but by the foundations laid - of vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment. Foundational Builders Corporation exemplifies this ethos, charting a path of excellence fueled by innovation, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As Southern California's skyline continues to evolve, FBC stands poised to leave an enduring legacy, built one brick at a time, guided by the lessons learned from its predecessors and the vision of its founder, Andrew Robles.