Portzen Construction prides itself on its ability to self-perform most aspects of a project.
By Tim O’Connor
Mike Portzen’s first job was at a supermarket, where he learned two facts about running a business that have stuck with him throughout his life: The client is always right and always greet the customer with a smile on your face. Portzen has instilled those lessons in his general contractor business, Dubuque, Iowa-based Portzen Construction Inc. “We always get comments about how our employees treat the customer and affiliates,” Portzen says, adding that respect drives respect. “I think if you treat your employees that way they will treat their people that way.”
Portzen founded the construction firm in 1983 with a few employees and incorporated six years later. The company began its life doing housing rehabilitation projects, but has since morphed into a general contractor capable of a wide range of jobs, from high school football stadiums to swimming pools, streetscapes and waste-water treatment facilities.