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The Mobile Chamber is a private business organization with more than 1,700 members and the economic developer for the City of Mobile and Mobile County. The Mobile Chamber’s focus is to provide members with networking, marketing and professional development opportunities, expand jobs in the area, develop the local workforce, advocate legislative priorities and offer resources to help small businesses grow. Additional information is on the Chamber’s website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

G.C. Specialties Expects Growth as Construction Rebounds

The Business View – April 2018 / Small Business of the Month

 

 

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Steve Whitworth worked for companies that either sold or installed specialty construction products. Then he had a better idea: Why not start a company that does both?

 

So in 1998, Whitworth founded G.C. Specialties with his wife, Luci, who serves as president. The company, located on Mauvilla Drive in Mobile, specializes in Division 8, 10 and 11 construction specialty items, including overhead doors, bathroom partitions, bathroom accessories, operable room partitions, athletic equipment and much more.

 

Whitworth, who serves as vice president, says the company stands out by offering its clients “a more complete materials package for their projects so they would only have to deal with one person, making it easier for the customer.”

 

G.C. Specialties is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month, and a member for the last 10 years.

 

With 16 employees, the company’s mission is to give contractors, architects and business owners peace of mind when facing special construction needs. And Whitworth believes that offering installation as a service, in addition to selling quality products, gives G.C. Specialties a unique ability to ensure that its customers get the right product for each specific application.

 

The Whitworths believe giving back to the community has helped make their business successful. Steve donates his time to various churches in Mobile and to Hope Outdoors in Washington County. Luci has volunteered with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council as a site inspector. The company contributes to civic and charitable organizations like McKemie Place, UCP of Mobile and Feeding the Gulf Coast, and employees are involved in organizations like the Fuse Project, Young Life of Mobile, the Associated General Contractors of America and UMS-Wright Preparatory School.

 

As the construction industry has rebounded from the housing crash and the BP oil spill, Whitworth expects growth in government and private construction to continue in the foreseeable future. Technology has created new efficiencies. Project documentation such as drawings, request for proposals, submittals and schedules that can now be accessed online, eliminating a lot of the paperwork once associated with large projects.

 

G.C. Specialties looks to expand its customer base while continuing to evolve by empowering its employees with ethical principles, expert construction and interpersonal skills to meet the needs of its customers and the community

 

Click here to read The Business View – April 2018