Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1519935
BUSINESS PROFILES | MAY 2024 | HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 23 Address: 55/35B Robert Jackson Way, Plainville, CT 06062 Phone: NI: (860) 793-1188; NDC: (860) 621-9164; NFS: (860) 747-4580 Website: NI: www.network-interiors. com; NDC: www.ndccorp.com; NFS: www.network-framing.com Product or Service: NI: Metal framing, drywall contracting; NDC: General contracting, construction management, design build; NFS: Cold-formed steel prefabrication No. of Employees: 68 (for all three companies) Top Executive: Melissa Sheffy and Jacqueline (Jackie) Laramee Year Founded: NI:1991; NDC: 2016; NFS: 2018 Dynamic duo powers trifecta of construction firms I n 1991, Melissa Sheffy set the gears in motion for what would become one of Connecticut's leading, women-owned construction compa- nies. Undaunted by what was then – and still is – a male-dominated construction sector, Sheffy launched Network Interiors, a company focused on commercial steel framing and drywall. Under her leadership, the company has has completed a range of projects, from hospitals to universities to private schools. And by blending off-site prefabrication with on-site construction expertise, Sheffy has built her enterprise on a foundation of efficiency and excellence. After a quarter-century of growth and thousands of completed projects, Sheffy spotted a new op- portunity after working alongside Jacqueline Lara- mee. The two women first met at a board meeting of the Southington YMCA, when Laramee was still a senior at Southington High School. Their work on the Y's property committee led to a friendship that altered Laramee's career path. Seeing a potential home in the construction industry, Laramee switched her major at Central Connecticut State University to construction management. She learned everything from carpentry and craftsmanship to the skills needed for estimating large construction project – and worked for Network Interiors as a project engi- neer while still an undergraduate. After she graduated in 2011, Laramee enter- tained numerous job offers from prestigious firms. But, against the advice of her college advisers, she chose to work for Sheffy, eventu- ally becoming a partner, president and majority owner of one of Sheffy's three companies, NDC Commercial Construction. The general contrac- tor and construction manager specializes in pre-construction planning and on-site direction for commercial projects of all sizes, including new buildings, additions and renovations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Georgia. The pair wasn't done yet, though. After brain- storming ways to improve their operations and enhance the construction process, they recog- nized the value of bringing steel fabrication in- house. Sheffy invested in roll-forming machines, started buying their own steel and opened a shop in Plainville in 2018. Six years later, Network Framing Solutions is making cold-formed steel walls and other struc- tures in up to half the time it took previously. The resulting efficiency gains are redefining industry standards, allowing projects to be completed with fewer people on-site at a lower cost, with- out compromising quality or design flexibility. Technology is only part of what makes the three enterprises successful. Sheffy and Laramee are equally committed to bringing out the best in their employees. Together, they have crafted a corporate culture characterized by mutual respect and collaboration, and an environment where every team member feels empowered. The three companies offer an array of in-house training programs and professional develop- ment opportunities, as well as mentorships and state-approved apprentice training. "Our companies could not achieve what they do without our talented employees," Sheffy said. "Their commitment to excellence is the reason our clients can count on expert craftsmanship and timely delivery on every project."