At an early age Louis T. Smith began what would be a lifetime of work making his own mark in the construction industry. Louis joined the U.S. Army for several years during the early 1960’s, and after his discharge he returned to the Richmond area where he found work with a local concrete contractor. From his mid 20’s through his early 30’s Louis worked for several different contractors in Virginia including English Construction and P. E. Eubank Construction. It was with the experience that he gained while working for other contractors that would lead him to establish his own construction company in 1973, Louis Smith Construction Company. At first Louis was responsible for all facets of the business from marketing to estimating, to completing the actual work on the job sites. Many long hours were invested in his new business, whose office was located in the family home. Louis would work long hours building drop inlets and various other drainage structures, and his evenings were spent making business calls, paper work, and handling other matters.
Five years after establishing his own business, Louis Smith Construction Company became incorporated. With the incorporation of the business and the moving to a larger office, Louis hired several employees in order to take on larger projects. Dave Johnson was one of the first project managers and estimators, and was critical in helping to oversee projects and personnel for the growing business.
The business grew in the 1980’s and the continued growth of the business enabled Louis to expand. The continuing growth in the Richmond metro area allowed Louis Smith Construction to become what it is today, a respected constructioncompany doing business in and around central Virginia. The combination of hard work and a talent for completing projects successfully in addition to the personal relationships that Louis developed with other contractors have helped his business become a success.
Louis’ son, Curtis, grew up in the business and was very familiar with construction sites from an early age. Beginning at the age of 16, Curtis’ summer breaks from Benedictine High School were spent working in the company office and on the job site. It was this involvement with the family business at an early age that taught Curtis the various aspects of what is involved in running a business such as Louis Smith Construction.
Upon graduating from Hampden-Sydney College in 2006, Curtis took on a full time position with Louis Smith Construction. His job duties included project management, work scheduling, plan take off, and bidding. Curtis worked alongside Alan Gray, current estimator and longtime construction consultant, learning many valuable lessons and skills that would be important when working in the construction industry.
Also, in 2006, Louis hired Warren Tuck as a project manager. Warren began his time with the company bidding and managing the Shops at Whiteoak Village, and continues to serve as project manager and secretary-treasurer of Louis Smith Construction.
After the passing of Louis Smith, in July 2011, the company looked to Curtis Smith to lead the company as president and to carry on his father’s legacy. Today, Louis Smith Construction continues to prosper with the same attention to detail and values that Louis Smith established over 35 years ago.
