L.I.C Builders Ltd epitomizes the American dream, a testament to the power of ambition and hard work in building a company from the ground up. Renowned for its exceptional expertise and unwavering commitment to quality, L.I.C’s journey is a captivating story of perseverance, resilience, and success in the NY construction industry. Founded by Gerry McEntee, the company has rapidly ascended to prominence since its establishment in 2017. Initially focusing on drywall, glass, and acoustical ceilings, L.I.C Builders has since diversified its services to encompass a comprehensive range of offerings, including glass partitions, elevator surrounds, and lobby doors.
This strategic expansion has allowed L.I.C to offer clients a seamless, full-service experience; simplifying project coordination by managing multiple trades under one roof. L.I.C’s diversification has allowed the company to deliver a streamlined approach to exterior envelopes and interior fit-outs. Operating primarily in the commercial sector, L.I.C Builders also contracts select high-end residential projects, only taking on projects that will help the team develop its skills and improve in technique. The company’s dedication to service and craftsmanship has earned it a solid reputation for exceeding client expectations and delivering exceptional results. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and advancements, L.I.C Builders consistently exhibits cutting-edge solutions that set new standards in construction.
McEntee’s teenage years in Ireland were characterized by a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed. Growing up in a large family, Gerry was expected to contribute to his family’s welfare. As soon as he was old enough, McEntee took after-school jobs, and he quickly developed a taste for earning. At the age of 16, Gerry made a pivotal decision to leave school and pursue a regular income. This decision led him to work in a factory close to home, where he witnessed the long-term effects of complacency and lack of ambition. McEntee recalls, “I was working in the factory beside my house. I was just loading furniture on the trucks and one day I was talking to an older guy who has been there forever. I said ‘How long have you been working here?’ And he said, ‘45 years.” I thought to myself, ‘Oh my! If I don’t get out of here, that’s gonna be me.’ So that day I was walking home. It was a lovely, sunny day, and there was a plane going overhead and I just said to myself, there and then, ‘I’m getting on one of them!’”. Motivated by a desire for a brighter future, Gerry made the bold move to immigrate to the United States at the age of 21, driven by a determination to achieve success and fulfill his dreams.
Gerry McEntee’s journey into the construction sector began in 1993 when he moved to the United States. Starting as a laborer and bartender, he quickly immersed himself in the industry, learning from every opportunity that came his way. After gaining valuable experience with various companies, Gerry established his first company in 1999. His journey from humble beginnings in Ireland to becoming the founder of L.I.C Builders is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and unwavering belief in the power of hard work to overcome adversity. L.I.C Builders emerged as a culmination of Gerry’s dedication and proficiency in the construction field. With a top-notch team of skilled tradespeople and estimators, the company prides itself on its ability to self-perform tasks, ensuring quality control and timely project completion. The team’s commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
“L.I.C Builders sets itself apart from other construction companies through its innovative approach and commitment to providing comprehensive solutions.”
Under McEntee’s visionary leadership, L.I.C Builders has become synonymous with innovation and quality, garnering the trust and respect of clients and peers alike. Through its unwavering commitment to excellence, L.I.C continues to be a trusted partner for clients seeking high-quality construction services. As the company looks to the future, it remains humble but steadfast in its mission to deliver superior results and uphold its legacy of excellence in the construction industry.
L.I.C Builders’ success can be attributed to its forward-thinking approach and commitment to customer satisfaction. By embracing new technologies and materials, the company delivers superior results while adhering to strict timelines and budgets. “Our philosophy is: every day is a learning day. We take on something new and we work hard to become the best at it,” says McEntee. For their clients seeking reliable and skilled construction services, L.I.C promises to be a transparent, trustworthy, and dependable partner. Focused on quality, safety, and efficiency, the company strives to set new standards in the construction industry.
L.I.C Builders sets itself apart from other construction companies through its innovative approach and commitment to providing comprehensive solutions. One key factor that distinguishes L.I.C is its ability to tackle complex challenges and find practical, cost-effective solutions where others may struggle. This problem-solving prowess allows the company to deliver projects with unmatched versatility, regardless of the building requirements, zoning laws, or budget constraints involved.
L.I.C Builders takes a proactive approach to work. By meticulously planning and anticipating potential issues, the company is often able to catch mistakes before they occur. This not only saves time, but also prevents costly change orders, ultimately leading to a smoother and more efficient construction process. The company’s diversification into new areas, such as glass office fronts and partitions, further sets it apart from its competitors. Its strategic expansion has enabled the company to offer a streamlined, full-service experience, simplifying project coordination and elevating the customer experience.
L.I.C Builders has recently completed several high-profile projects that showcase the company’s expertise and versatility in the construction industry. One of these projects is the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, where L.I.C Builders served as the exterior envelope specialists for a ground-up new medical facility building. The company designed, engineered, and built the entire exterior envelope, including load-bearing GWB walls, exterior ACMP panels, and PAC-CLAD Kynar finish metal panels. L.I.C Builders also installed windows and waterproofing around them, demonstrating its comprehensive approach to construction.
Another notable project is the Terminal Warehouse in Jamaica, NY, where L.I.C Builders was responsible for all interior walls, columns, and ceilings of a new warehouse building for Terminal Logistics. The company also designed, engineered, and built the entire exterior envelope, including load-bearing GWB walls and PAC-CLAD Kynar finish metal panels. L.I.C Builders handled waterproofing, exterior insulation, and the installation of all windows, showcasing its ability to deliver complex projects from start to finish.
At Wagner College’s new sports complex in Staten Island, L.I.C Builders custom-built YKK aluminum storefront glass entry doors and windows for the new campus football facilities, highlighting its attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Another exciting project to note is the company’s involvement with Eastdil Commercial Real Estate Agency on W 57th St in New York City. This project showcases L.I.C’s expertise in office renovations, including the installation of special wooden fixtures, waffle ceilings for sound absorption, and various glass and mirror fixtures for restroom areas. Eastdil exemplifies L.I.C’s expertise in combining beautiful design with function and space usage.
The current market conditions have posed challenges for L.I.C Builders, as with many other companies, leading to a slowdown in business. Factors such as the upcoming election year and global events have contributed to a sense of hesitancy among clients, resulting in fewer major projects in hand. Despite these challenges, L.I.C Builders is not sitting idly by. The team is busy preparing for the expected upturn by honing their skills and best practices on the products and services they have brought on board and pitching and pricing for projects upcoming in the season. “Right now, we are working hard to fine-tune our work with our new product lines. As we perfect our glass and metal work, we will add new lines and products to continue to offer our clients an expanded service. We don’t want to run to the end. We want to take careful, calculated steps to deliver excellent solutions to our customers,” says McEntee. This strategic approach ensures that when the market rallies, L.I.C Builders will be well equipped to take on bigger, more challenging contracts with a broader scope. By offering clients a full-service experience and being ready to meet their evolving needs, L.I.C Builders is positioning itself for future success.
