When you're driving through Central Florida, stuck in that inevitable I-4 traffic or navigating a newly paved stretch of road in Orange County, you probably aren't thinking about who laid the pipes or stabilized the earth beneath your tires. But honestly, if you live in the Orlando area, Prime Construction Group Inc has likely touched some part of your daily commute or the water coming out of your tap.
They aren't the guys building the flashy high-rise condos with the floor-to-ceiling glass. Instead, they’re the "heavy lifters" of the municipal world. We're talking heavy highway work, massive utility overhauls, and the kind of wastewater treatment plant projects that keep a city functioning.
Who Is Prime Construction Group Inc, Really?
Founded back in 1991, this isn't some new-age startup with a ping-pong table in the breakroom. It was started by a trio—Roy W. Smith, Jr., Reynolds C. Holiman, PE, and Thomas M. Perley. Since then, they’ve quietly spent over three decades embedding themselves into the literal foundation of Florida.
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You’ve got to understand that "Prime" is a popular name in construction. You’ll find a Prime Construction in Texas doing home remodels, and another in Washington state focused on real estate brokerage. But the real Prime Construction Group Inc is headquartered at 1000 Jetstream Drive in Orlando, Florida. They are a private, heavy-highway and utility specialty contractor.
Current leadership includes Charles J. Brackett as President. They employ around 60 to 100 people, which in the construction world is a sweet spot—big enough to handle multi-million dollar government contracts, but small enough that they aren't a faceless conglomerate.
The Gritty Details: What They Actually Do
If it involves moving a mountain of dirt or burying massive pipes, they’re probably on the bid list. Their specialty list reads like a "how-to" for building a city from scratch.
- Underground Utilities: This is their bread and butter. Think water mains, sewer piping, and storm drainage systems that prevent Florida from becoming one giant puddle every time it rains.
- Wastewater Treatment: They handle the rehabilitation of lift stations and the construction of wastewater plants. It's not glamorous, but it's essential infrastructure.
- Earthwork and Grading: Clearing, grubbing, and prepping the sub-base and base for roads. Basically, making sure the ground doesn't sink when you build a highway on top of it.
- Heavy Highway: They aren't just filling potholes; they're doing the structural work that supports regional transportation.
Major Projects You Might Recognize
They’ve done some pretty heavy-duty work for the public sector. For example, they were the force behind the Eastern Regional Reclaimed Water Distribution System. They also tackled the Rock Springs Road roadway and utility improvements.
If you've ever been near the Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility, you should know they handled the Master Pump Station rehabilitation there. These aren't just "jobs"—they are massive, multi-year civil engineering puzzles that require a licensed and bonded team that knows Florida’s unique (and often swampy) soil conditions.
The "Veterans" of Central Florida Infrastructure
One thing that stands out about this specific group is their longevity. They’ve been serving Central Florida counties and municipalities for over 30 years. In an industry where companies often pop up, underbid a project, and then vanish when the lawsuits start flying, staying power matters.
They are a licensed General Contractor in the state of Florida, and their bonding capacity allows them to take on projects that would bankrupt a smaller residential outfit. Most people don't realize that a single lift station project can easily run into the millions.
Clearing Up the "Prime" Confusion
Because "Prime" is such a generic name, people get confused. Let’s be clear:
- This is not the "Prime Construction" that does bathroom remodels in Anna, Texas.
- This is not the "Prime Constructions" that builds retail centers in New South Wales, Australia.
- This is not the "Prime Construction Group" in Washington that handles property management.
The Orlando-based Prime Construction Group Inc is strictly about heavy civil and municipal infrastructure. If you’re a homeowner looking for a new roof, you’ve got the wrong company. If you’re a city manager needing a $5 million sewer main installed, you’ve got the right one.
Working with Prime: The Subs Perspective
Construction is a small world. According to data from industry platforms like Levelset and Procore, Prime Construction Group Inc typically acts as a General Contractor. For subcontractors (the guys who do the specific electrical or specialized concrete work), Prime is known for having a steady stream of public work.
The average project size for them often sits in the $7 million range, though they handle plenty of smaller service and repair contracts too. They use modern project management tools like Procore to keep the paperwork from becoming a disaster, which is a big deal when you're dealing with government audits and strict municipal timelines.
Actionable Insights for Partners and Clients
If you’re looking to bid with them or hire for a major civil project, keep a few things in mind:
- Check the Specialty: Ensure your project aligns with heavy civil/utility. They don't do vertical residential construction.
- Verify the Entity: Always confirm you are dealing with the Orlando headquarters on Jetstream Drive to avoid the "name-alike" confusion.
- Public Sector Track Record: If you are a municipal planner, look at their specific history with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Their license is their lifeblood.
- Employment: They are often hiring for heavy equipment mechanics and pipelayer leadmen. It's a high-skill, high-intensity environment, often with pay scales ranging from $25 to $35 an hour for experienced tradespeople.
Prime Construction Group Inc isn't trying to be a household name for the average consumer. They're content being the name on the side of the excavator that makes sure your neighborhood doesn't flood and your roads stay level. In the world of Florida's explosive growth, that's arguably the most important job there is.