Among the Fastest Growing NH Companies: North Branch Construction

Three-Year Avg. Growth: 79%

Rank on Private 100: 41

Headquarters: 76 Old Turnpike Road, Concord

Product/Service: Construction manager, design/build and general contractor

President: Kenneth F. Holmes

Founded: 1958

Total Number of Employees: 50

Website: www.northbranch.net

Considering the blow the construction sector took during the recession, the fact that North Branch is the fastest growing company on the Private 100 list this year makes the achievement even more impressive. And while proud, President Kenneth Holmes says it is tempered by the slowdown in business this year.

North Branch's revenue grew 79 percent between 2009 and 2011, but Holmes notes that only brought them back to pre-recession levels. So what drove the recovery? Taking full advantage of government stimulus money. In 2011, North Branch generated $53.2 million in revenue, with 57 percent of that stemming from school projects and government contracts.

The largest individual project was the two-phase additions and renovations at Governor Wentworth Regional School District's vocational, middle and high schools in the Lakes Region-a $60 million-plus project that started in 2009. Holmes says North Branch is seeing revenue drop this year as that project came to an end, government stimulus money has dried up, and new projects are significantly smaller.

Holmes says a diverse client base continues to be the keystone of North Branch's success. Among its current projects is an expansion at Stonyfield Farm, a residential project in Deering and an equestrian arena. Health care, which accounted for 12 percent of the firm's revenue in 2011, is also important. Last year, North Branch Construction completed additions and renovations to the Lamprey Health Care Center in Nashua and construction of the new 46,000-square-foot Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital at the Pease Tradeport in Portsmouth.

To meet the CEOs and presidents of the Top 100 Private Companies in NH, join us at the Private 100 reception on Monday October 15 in Concord. Details at www.EventsNH.com or call Amanda at 603.626.6354.