By Bill Quinnan
For O.C. Register Special Sections

W. L. Butler Construction, Inc. continues to build on its reputation as a model employer. For the last six years, the Orange County office of W. L. Butler Construction has been named among the Orange County Register’s Top Workplaces. Its Northern California locations have also received recognition by leading regional publications for the company’s work environment.

In January, W. L. Butler Construction announced that it had been recognized as a Fit-Friendly Worksite for 2014 by the American Heart Association’s initiative, “My Heart. My Life.”

The company was recognized at the Gold Level by the AHA, meaning that it offers all employees physical-activity support; it has increased the number of healthy eating options available to employees; it promotes a wellness culture; and it embraces at least nine criteria as outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.

The firm has also been recognized for its participation in philanthropic efforts within the communities it services.

W. L. Butler Construction’s motto is “Building What Matters.” The firm’s underlying philosophy is that treating people and communities the right way leads to collective success, growth and happiness.

According to the firm, the principles that it holds paramount are integrity, loyalty, respect, family, fun, pride and dedication, are held steadfastly and never compromised. W. L. Butler Construction works to maintain a culture in which its team members support not only the company in its vision to remain profitable, to grow and improve, but also the growth, success, dignity and goals of fellow team members. Everyone is encouraged to say what they feel without fear of punishment, while respecting the opinions of others.

The firm’s internship program offers students an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through academic studies in the construction field. The paid internship slots have been filled by construction-management and engineering students hoping to gain hands-on experience during the summer, as well as students interested in business, finance and general administrative work.

William L. Butler founded the company in 1975 as a small construction company based out of the back of his pick-up truck. Butler had grown up around construction in his hometown of Clifton Park, New York, but had decided to take a leap of faith and relocate across the country in 1973.

Over time the firm grew into what it is today, a full-service construction company specializing in healthcare, educational, financial-service, automotive, mixed-use, retail, office, industrial, food-service and non-profit establishments. W. L. Butler Construction has offices throughout California and is registered or licensed in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The company now builds for virtually every sector of the economy, with a client roster that includes such Fortune 500 companies as Target, Costco and Chase.

Butler remains the chief executive officer of the company and is also actively involved with a number of charitable organizations, including Rebuilding Together Peninsula, Shelter Network and the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center. An industry veteran who is routinely sought after for his expertise in construction matters, Butler also participates in Vistage, an organization designed to enable CEOs to networks and share strategies with one another.

Butler has infused his philanthropic spirit into his company. The firm has established the goal of supporting local charities that have a positive impact on the youth, disabled, elderly and those in need of proper housing.

The company has been named a Top Corporate Philanthropist by the San Francisco Business Times and by the Silicon Valley Business Journal and has received the Community Commitment Award for giving more than 1 percent of pretax profit to charitable causes. Among the dozens of organizations to which the firm has contributed are the March of Dimes, Thomas House Shelter, Walton Special Center of Stockton and Rebuilding Together Peninsula.

The Irvine office was involved in a variety of charitable events in 2015. In April, the office hosted its sixth annual fundraising event to support the Donate Life Run/Walk, which the office has helped support in previous years. Its “Back to the Eighties”-themed bowling night raised $90,000; directly benefitting the California Organ and Tissue Donor registry. Later in the month, employees participated in the Donate Life Run/Walk event at California State University, Fullerton, which supported Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry.

In July, the Irvine office sponsored the 21st Annual Catalina Ski Race Kid’s Day at Marine Stadium in Long Beach. This event celebrates summer with water-related activities, entertainment and gifts for local youth and adults who have developmental disorders or conditions.

In September, the office will host its ninth annual golf tournament at the Oak Creek Golf Club. Brett Crail, vice president of construction for W. L. Butler Construction, was among the founders of the event, which benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event has raised nearly $800,000 to date on behalf of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

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