BBM Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation and Growth

BBM Structural recently marked its 40th anniversary with a fun-filled afternoon at Topgolf Lake Mary. The event brought together current and former employees, celebrating the individuals who have been the backbone of BBM’s success.

A Look Back

BBM’s journey began in the early 1980s when entrepreneur John Braga acquired an architectural firm with a growing interest in Tilt-Up Construction. With a background in structural engineering, John, along with Will Braswell and Gary Burton, laid the foundation for the firm’s future. While these three founders set the stage for BBM’s remarkable growth and success, many others have since joined the firm and continued their legacy.

 

The Rise of Tilt-Up Construction

In the early days, Tilt-Up construction was primarily associated with warehouse buildings. However, BBM saw the potential of this versatile building system and began to explore its applications beyond traditional industrial structures. The firm’s engineers recognized the benefits of Tilt-Up, including cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and design flexibility.

By pushing the boundaries of Tilt-Up construction, BBM has successfully applied this method to a wide range of projects, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and commercial buildings. The firm’s expertise in structural engineering has enabled it to design innovative and aesthetically pleasing Tilt-Up structures that meet the highest quality and safety standards.

A Culture of Innovation

From the early days of hand-drawn paper drawings to the adoption of cutting-edge CAD technology, BBM has always been at the forefront of innovation. The firm recognized the potential of technology to revolutionize the industry and was among the pioneers in adopting Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This transition was a significant leap forward, streamlining the design process, improving accuracy, and enabling greater creativity.

In the early days of CAD, the technology was far less advanced than today. Engineers had to work with monochrome screens and often relied on digitizers to input drawings. Despite these limitations, BBM embraced the technology and saw the value it could bring to their work.

A Client-Centric Approach

Beyond technical expertise, BBM has built a reputation for its client-centric approach. This means not only meeting the technical requirements of a project but also understanding the client’s vision and needs, and working closely with them to ensure their satisfaction. By treating clients as friends and prioritizing their needs, the firm has fostered long-lasting relationships and earned the trust of its partners.

A Celebration of People

The 40th-anniversary celebration was a testament to the people who have made BBM what it is today. By choosing a casual and enjoyable setting, the company emphasized the importance of its employees and their contributions to the firm’s success.

As BBM continues to grow and evolve, the firm remains dedicated to its core values of innovation, collaboration, and client satisfaction, ensuring a promising future for all associated with BBM.