Mar 17, 2026

Washington Patriot Construction

Powell

Florance

Washington Patriot Construction (WA Patriot), a Gig Harbor based general contractor, has promoted Zerah Florance to director of Preconstruction and Alex Powell to senior project manager and assistant operations manager.

Florance was the first employee hired to WA Patriot in 2010 and has been managing constructions projects for 16 years with over a decade leading design-build preconstruction efforts. Florance holds a DBIA professional designation and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Notable projects include Tool Gauge Expansion, University of Puget Sound Athletics and Aquatics Center, and the almost complete Helpline House on Bainbridge Island.

Powell joined WA Patriot as project engineer and later became a project manager. Notable design-build projects he's led include the Gig Harbor 7 Seas Waterfront Taproom and the Gig Harbor Peninsula Food Bank. In 2025, Powell shifted his focus to managing federal projects for the AYKO-WA Patriot Joint Venture, while also overseeing work with Tacoma Public Schools.

Mar 06, 2026

Western Specialty Contractors

Western Specialty Contractors has been sold to employees through an ESOP. ButcherJoseph & Co. served as the exclusive financial advisor on the transaction, Founded in 1915, Western is a century-old company with a national footprint and a reputation for technical excellence across restoration and specialty construction. The ESOP ensures long-term continuity, preserves the company's independence, and aligns ownership with the employees who have driven Western's growth for more than 100 years.

ButcherJoseph & Co. Director Rick Hennessey noted that Western is “a textbook example of a company whose culture and values align naturally with employee ownership.”

Western CEO Ben Bishop Jr. said the move “recognizes the contributions of our employees in a meaningful way while positioning the company for long-term stability and growth.”

The transaction provides Western with a tax-advantaged structure that supports continued investment in operations, leadership development, and strategic growth initiatives.

Mar 05, 2026

LMC Construction

Newcombe

LMC Construction has appointed Dale Newcombe as vice president, Washington Market. Bringing 43 years of construction and development experience, Newcombe will lead strategic growth across Washington, strengthen client partnerships, and support the expansion of LMC's ongoing presence.

He previously spent more than two decades with Walsh Construction in Tacoma, serving in leadership roles and guiding housing and mixed-use projects. Newcombe also contributes to community initiatives as a board member-elect for the Tacoma/Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium. “Dale understands the Washington market and the people who shape it, and that makes him a strong addition to our team,” said Chris Duffin, President & CEO of LMC. “His steady support of mentorship and community work reflects what we value at LMC.”