Patrick and Lorraine Reidy arrived in New York from Ireland, drawn by the promise of opportunity and adventure. Armed with complementary skills—Patrick with BS in Mechanical Engineering and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer based Engineering Systems and Lorraine as an ACCA- and MBA-qualified accountant—the couple laid the foundation for what would become a thriving partnership. Their journey to success was marked by years of dedication in their respective fields. Patrick climbed the ranks in construction, progressing from laborer to superintendent, project manager, and eventually account executive. On a similar upward trajectory Lorraine rose to become the CFO of a mergers and acquisitions firm.
In 2010, having established themselves as leaders in their fields, the couple joined forces to launch Reidy Contracting Group LLC. “We were coming out of the depths of the Great Recession,” Patrick recalls. “It was a grind to secure work and build momentum.” In the early years, Lorraine continued working full-time while managing the company’s accounts on the side, officially joining RCG in 2014 when the business had grown to sustain both founders. Since then, Reidy Contracting Group has grown into a trusted name in the industry, specializing in preconstruction, construction management, financial administration, sustainability, and project execution.
Launching in a post-recession environment instilled in RCG a commitment to resilience and adaptability. The Company’s success is rooted in creative problem-solving, transparent communication, and strategic diversification. Initially focusing on high-end commercial interiors for industries such as finance, banking, and law, RCG has since expanded into sectors such as hospitality, infrastructure, media and recently focusing on healthcare. “Diversification has been key to our success,” Patrick explains. “By branching into different sectors, we’ve positioned ourselves to navigate downturns in specific markets. “Notable clients include Columbia Presbyterian, Screen Actors Guild, Nitehawk Cinema, Hilton Hotels, Horizon Media, and many more.
RCG’s portfolio exemplifies its versatility and expertise, showcased through the Warner Bros. Discovery headquarters project. This 360,000-square-foot fit-out spanned 13 floors, a cellar level, and a penthouse, incorporating modern office spaces, high-end amenity floors, a new penthouse structure with rooftop landscaping, fully equipped kitchen studios, and state-of-the-art production facilities. Another landmark project was Soros Fund Management, completed in 2016. “That was a turning point for us,” Patrick recalls. “It was twice the size of any of our previous projects, demonstrating our ability to deliver value not just through execution but also through our strong subcontractor relationships.” The project’s standout feature—a James Turrell architectural art installation—required meticulous planning and innovative solutions to overcome logistical challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when much of the construction industry slowed, RCG secured a high-profile project for American Express: the 29,500-square-foot Centurion Lounge. The build-out included commercial kitchens, dining spaces, and event areas, requiring precise coordination and innovative virtual presentations. Another signature project was the 21-floor redevelopment of 360 Park Avenue South, a 400,000-square-foot transformation into a modern office building. Similarly, RCG’s work on the Empire State Building’s amenity space combined cutting-edge design with historic preservation, showcasing custom vinyl graphics, mosaic art, and unique features like a multi-sport court, and top of the line golf simulators.
Patrick emphasizes the importance of managing client expectations through clear and proactive communication. “Regardless of the technology you use, if you’re not communicating in real time with a level of clarity that ensures zero ambiguity, you are not managing expectations and you’re putting the project at risk,” he says. RCG’s use of virtual walkthrough technology and custom programming software underscores its commitment to efficiency and transparency. The company is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to enhance quality control and streamline processes.
At its core, RCG’s success is driven by its people. “It’s about surrounding ourselves with the right team,” Patrick notes. “You can teach someone to read drawings, but you can’t teach them to care. That’s something we prioritize in our hiring process.” Respect and collaboration are fundamental values that extend to subcontractors as well. “We focus on building relationships based on mutual respect and timely payments,” Patrick explains. “If issues arise, we want to know our subcontractors have our back, and in turn, our clients back.”
“You can teach someone to read drawings, but you can’t teach them to care. That’s something we prioritize in our hiring process.”
RCG’s commitment to its employees and community is equally strong. By fostering a culture of growth, appreciation, and social responsibility, the company has created an environment where staff feel valued and supported. This dedication extends to charitable initiatives, including partnerships with organizations like Play Rugby USA, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, St. Dominic’s Family Services and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.
Celebrating their 15th Anniversary, RCG remains as ambitious as ever, striving to provide the highest level of service while adapting to an evolving industry. “Retention and referrals have been the cornerstone of our success,” Patrick says. “We’re confident but never complacent, always looking to improve and move forward. If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind.”
