We don’t look at a job as just another building. We look at it as another opportunity to make the community better. How? Through the people it benefits and supports. Hospitals, schools, hotels, they are all easy to take for granted but harder to ensure they don’t create problems by not being the cleanest, healthiest and most sustainable designs they can be. Because we live in the communities we help build, we look at these things first and design systems to optimize them. To us, this people first approach just feels right because it is right.
WHEN YOU ARE FAMILY OWNED
EVERYONE’S FAMILY
Since 1991, we’ve been the go-to firm for the toughest, most complicated, time-sensitive projects in the region. Why? We treat employees and clients like family, because, in our eyes, that’s the only way to do business. After all, when you put your people and your clients first great work is what you get. And that’s exactly what we deliver.
WE SERVE
FAMILY STYLE
WHAT IT MEANS
We keep a family atmosphere and build on the family values established by our company’s founders.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We treat each other and our customers as family. We demonstrate respect and compassion and treat others how we like to be treated.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We build trust within the company and our customers.
WE’RE ALWAYS
THE APPRENTICE
WHAT IT MEANS
We continue to learn and grow as individuals and as a company. We are always on the road to mastery.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We find self-development and career training opportunities. We take the time to share experiences and lessons learned.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We create at better product We are constantly improving and becoming the best person and company we can be on the first try.
WE DON’T LET THE
LEOPARDS OUT
WHAT IT MEANS
Based on a true story of improving a cage design we didn’t think was strong enough to contain a leopard. It follows our nature of taking nothing for granted and finding the best way to get things done where ever we see it.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We review and evaluate our tasks to find the best way to get them accomplished. We are not afraid to ask questions or ask for help.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We create at better product on the first try.
WE SWEEP
THE FLOORS
WHAT IT MEANS
No task is beneath us. We do what it takes to get the job done and pitch in where we can.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We stay humble, green and produce a high quality product, even if it will go quietly unnoticed.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We respect each other and know that everyone is moving toward the same goal regardless of their task.
WE’VE GOT
YOUR BACK
WHAT IT MEANS
Life is a team sport. Everyone achieves more.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We do anything for anybody, anytime. We help each other achieve our goals.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We become a cohesive team and create a support system where we pick each other up.
WE WORK AT THE
SPEED OF SAFETY
In our line of work, even the smallest mistakes can lead to catastrophe. So we take time to slow down and focus on safety. Doing so minimizes risk and builds trust among our employees, vendors and customers. Each day begins with a Job Safety Analysis that discusses risks and steps to mitigate them, even if it is only an office day.
Annual 8-hour safety trainer course for all Field Leaders
“Tool Box Talk” safety briefing mitigates hazards in each daily “Morning Huddle” meeting.
Internal and external third party safety audits provide feedback for continuous improvement. Constant safety training and retraining empowers our team members to speak out if something isn’t safe and pitch in to make it safe. Through our aggressive in-house safety training and continuous improvements programs, we work to make everyone feel safe because truly, Safety Is No Accident.
BEN GOOTEE
PRESIDENT AND CEO
A New Orleans native and graduate of Georgia Tech, Ben has earned his stripes throughout his more than 18 years in the construction industry. He quips, among his many duties, his key result area is to maintain “ecstatic employees and ecstatic customers.” Accordingly, Ben sees his role as providing the vision and direction for the company, with the input of his team. Ben works actively to create a positive company culture by engaging his team through professional development and encouraging input from team members. The goals are to grow the business and people, personally and professionally by making Gootee Construction more capable and innovative to meet challenges as they come up. Ben says, “our clients know that we do not walk away from a challenge and we come together as a team to create the best outcomes for everyone.”
At home, Ben and his wife enjoy spending time with their two boys, attending sports events, golfing and traveling as much as possible.
KYLE SHARBONNO
VICE PRESIDENT
Kyle is a graduate of Louisiana State University with both a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration. He leads Gootee Construction’s efforts in business development and operations. With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, he has held various positions from engineering intern to project manager, prior to becoming Vice President of the firm in 2013. Since the start of his new role, Gootee Construction’s size and capabilities have more than doubled. Kyle is a proven leader in the market, having successfully worked on a range of projects in hospitality, healthcare, education, industrial and commercial sectors. There is no challenge in this industry that he avoids. “Building buildings is fun, but building lasting relationships is where it all begins.”
When not grinding away at the office, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenagers. When not at home, they enjoy getting on the water, going to the beach, or visiting friends and family out of town.
BRETT COOK
SERVICE DIVISION OPERATIONS MANAGER
A member of the Gootee team since 2000, “Bean” as he is known to friends and colleagues, contributes more than 30 years of project management and fabrication experience to the team. In his current role, Bean looks after the financial stability and overall management of the Service Division. His many certificates include Certified Welder of multiple alloys, Medical Gas Installer, Gas Fitter and Backflow Prevention. “Nearly all of the basis of what I do is based on the experience I have in the business,” Bean says. His leadership ability, depth of knowledge, fab skills and problem-solving abilities are invaluable to us here.
Bean has lived in the New Orleans area for more than 35 years. He and his wife of 27 years are the proud parents of two children, one currently an electrical engineer, the other a nurse. In his spare time, Bean enjoys spending time with his family, golf, hunting, fishing, and enjoying local festivals.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES BEGINS WITH
BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY
Creating healthier communities and building trust. It’s in our mission statement because we truly believe it is the best way to do business. Why? Because being part of a community means being involved in the community. We are proud to partner with others who share our goal of making our communities better, stronger and healthier with every project we undertake on and off the jobsite.
Business Affiliations
WHEN YOU ARE FAMILY OWNED
EVERYONE’S FAMILY
Since 1991, we’ve been the go-to firm for the toughest, most complicated, time-sensitive projects in the region. Why? We treat employees and clients like family, because, in our eyes, that’s the only way to do business. After all, when you put your people and your clients first great work is what you get. And that’s exactly what we deliver.
WE SERVE
FAMILY STYLE
WHAT IT MEANS
We keep a family atmosphere and build on the family values established by our company’s founders.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We treat each other and our customers as family. We demonstrate respect and compassion and treat others how we like to be treated.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We build trust within the company and our customers.
WE’RE ALWAYS
THE APPRENTICE
WHAT IT MEANS
We continue to learn and grow as individuals and as a company. We are always on the road to mastery.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We find self-development and career training opportunities. We take the time to share experiences and lessons learned.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We create at better product We are constantly improving and becoming the best person and company we can be on the first try.
WE DON’T LET THE
LEOPARDS OUT
WHAT IT MEANS
Based on a true story of improving a cage design we didn’t think was strong enough to contain a leopard. It follows our nature of taking nothing for granted and finding the best way to get things done where ever we see it.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We review and evaluate our tasks to find the best way to get them accomplished. We are not afraid to ask questions or ask for help.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We create at better product on the first try.
WE SWEEP
THE FLOORS
WHAT IT MEANS
No task is beneath us. We do what it takes to get the job done and pitch in where we can.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We stay humble, green and produce a high quality product, even if it will go quietly unnoticed.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We respect each other and know that everyone is moving toward the same goal regardless of their task.
WE’VE GOT
YOUR BACK
WHAT IT MEANS
Life is a team sport. Everyone achieves more.
HOW WE EXPRESS IT
We do anything for anybody, anytime. We help each other achieve our goals.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME
We become a cohesive team and create a support system where we pick each other up.
WE WORK AT THE
SPEED OF SAFETY
In our line of work, even the smallest mistakes can lead to catastrophe. So we take time to slow down and focus on safety. Doing so minimizes risk and builds trust among our employees, vendors and customers. Each day begins with a Job Safety Analysis that discusses risks and steps to mitigate them, even if it is only an office day.
Annual 8-hour safety trainer course for all Field Leaders
“Tool Box Talk” safety briefing mitigates hazards in each daily “Morning Huddle” meeting.
Internal and external third party safety audits provide feedback for continuous improvement. Constant safety training and retraining empowers our team members to speak out if something isn’t safe and pitch in to make it safe. Through our aggressive in-house safety training and continuous improvements programs, we work to make everyone feel safe because truly, Safety Is No Accident.
BEN GOOTEE
PRESIDENT AND CEO
A New Orleans native and graduate of Georgia Tech, Ben has earned his stripes throughout his more than 18 years in the construction industry. He quips, among his many duties, his key result area is to maintain “ecstatic employees and ecstatic customers.” Accordingly, Ben sees his role as providing the vision and direction for the company, with the input of his team. Ben works actively to create a positive company culture by engaging his team through professional development and encouraging input from team members. The goals are to grow the business and people, personally and professionally by making Gootee Construction more capable and innovative to meet challenges as they come up. Ben says, “our clients know that we do not walk away from a challenge and we come together as a team to create the best outcomes for everyone.”
At home, Ben and his wife enjoy spending time with their two boys, attending sports events, golfing and traveling as much as possible.
KYLE SHARBONNO
VICE PRESIDENT
Kyle is a graduate of Louisiana State University with both a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration. He leads Gootee Construction’s efforts in business development and operations. With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, he has held various positions from engineering intern to project manager, prior to becoming Vice President of the firm in 2013. Since the start of his new role, Gootee Construction’s size and capabilities have more than doubled. Kyle is a proven leader in the market, having successfully worked on a range of projects in hospitality, healthcare, education, industrial and commercial sectors. There is no challenge in this industry that he avoids. “Building buildings is fun, but building lasting relationships is where it all begins.”
When not grinding away at the office, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenagers. When not at home, they enjoy getting on the water, going to the beach, or visiting friends and family out of town.
BRETT COOK
SERVICE DIVISION OPERATIONS MANAGER
A member of the Gootee team since 2000, “Bean” as he is known to friends and colleagues, contributes more than 30 years of project management and fabrication experience to the team. In his current role, Bean looks after the financial stability and overall management of the Service Division. His many certificates include Certified Welder of multiple alloys, Medical Gas Installer, Gas Fitter and Backflow Prevention. “Nearly all of the basis of what I do is based on the experience I have in the business,” Bean says. His leadership ability, depth of knowledge, fab skills and problem-solving abilities are invaluable to us here.
Bean has lived in the New Orleans area for more than 35 years. He and his wife of 27 years are the proud parents of two children, one currently an electrical engineer, the other a nurse. In his spare time, Bean enjoys spending time with his family, golf, hunting, fishing, and enjoying local festivals.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES BEGINS WITH
BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY
Creating healthier communities and building trust. It’s in our mission statement because we truly believe it is the best way to do business. Why? Because being part of a community means being involved in the community. We are proud to partner with others who share our goal of making our communities better, stronger and healthier with every project we undertake on and off the jobsite.