The Portland Building Reconstruction Project Success Story: Faison Construction 

In 2004, James founded Faison Construction, a minority-owned, COBID certified firm, to meet the increasing demand for concrete in the Portland area. A committed union journeyman, James aligned his business with the Masons and Carpenters unions, allowing him to work across multiple fields with great success. 

During the early years of the company, several of TriMet’s light rail projects were in the development or planning stages, and miles of concrete flat work was needed. TriMet express

ed its commitment to working with disadvantaged business enterprises, helping the businesses grow and providing mentorship where needed. James was able to benefit from this commitment, and the relationship between Faison and TriMet solidified as Faison’s reputation for excellence continued.

To James, known as a man of his word, mentoring is an important part of life. Troy Dickson, Senior Vice President and Oregon Manager for Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company, (HSW), has been a mentor to James for many years, sharing his commitment to fostering personal and company growth and development. Troy says of Faison, “our firms are aligned on the commitment to build Faison’s capacity in traditional core strengths and also integrate mentor/protégé partnering opportunities to provide business growth and open new general contracting markets for the company.” High-profile projects for Faison have included the Pioneer Courthouse Square project, which involved a mentorship component with HSW, providing the opportunity for an increased management role for Faison.

Now in its 15th year of operations, Faison has spread its wings and works on a range of projects including the Portland Building Reconstruction project for which the company provides concrete services.

Faison Construction staff feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the many firms and agencies it has. The firm is particularly grateful to have been mentored by Howard S. Wright and is looking forward to a continued successful relationship. With mentoring and partnerships at the forefront of its business philosophy, Faison Construction will continue to be an asset both to its clients and the Portland area minority and disadvantaged businesses with whom it partners.