Paul FrancoisJune 17, 2021
About Pepper

This article has been updated since it was originally written in June 2021. 

On May 30, 2006, the articles of incorporation for Pepper of Ohio were finalized, marking our official entrance into the state. Since then, our company has grown to represent some of the most advanced thought leadership in the construction industry. Every day, Pepper is transforming the future of Ohio through the integration of our high performance approach with a commitment to quality and technological expertise.

We’ve experienced remarkable growth over the past 15 years. With revenue that began at $8 million to a projected $230 million in 2021, and from a team that started with 12 employees in one office to 95 employees in two offices, our sustaining growth has been the result of deliberate planning and hard work. We also recognize our progress would not be possible without our design and trade partners, clients and our dedicated family of employees.

The highlights for me are the investments we’ve made in our community, in our people and in creating an environment that helps them perform at their best. As we've commemorated this milestone year, our efforts to foster an environment of collaboration and appreciation were recognized when Pepper was named as a Best Places to Work finalist by the Cincinnati Business Courier. 

"We're tremendously proud of what our team has been able to accomplish since entering the Ohio market. Without the people we've added to our staff – from interns to operations through the leadership level – it's hard to imagine we would be in the position we're in today. To be recognized as a Best Place to Work finalist in Cincinnati is a reflection of everyone's energy, integrity and effort in the last 15 years," Jerry Noble, Cincinnati Vice President and Regional Director 

The timeline below summarizes our first 15 years as an Ohio business:

Looking back at our accomplishments, we see a future even more promising.

  • Valuing our people first, we continue to invest in building a team dedicated to best-in-class service - with in-house high performance and virtual design and construction staff, and most recently adding healthcare and education program leads.
     
  • We believe in walking our talk. In 2019, Pepper Ohio celebrated the opening of our new Dublin office – our workplace is a true testament to Pepper’s belief that the future of construction is in sustainable, resilient and high performing buildings. That’s why we used technology to build the best building possible, and designed and constructed it to pursue WELL Silver certification. Though we’ve been living in the new space for over a year now, we’re still enthusiastic to share what we’ve learned with our clients and partners. Read the story of the Dublin office construction here.
     
  • Recently, we shared the exciting news that we secured the iconic Stearns & Foster office building in Lockland, Ohio, as the new location for our Cincinnati office. We look forward to transforming the historic building into another sustainable, high-performing workplace. Read more about the recent announcement here.
     
  • More than anything, I’m proud of our team’s community commitment and for giving back in such an impactful way. I continue to be amazed at how our annual Casino Night benefitting Junior Achievement of Central Ohio has raised more than $1.6 million and helped 22,000 students in Ohio since we started the event in 2009! Or how two employees started a food drive 14 years ago that resulted in 90,000 meals donated this past year alone – despite the constraints of a pandemic. Or there are the efforts we have made to beautify our cities. Who would have thought we would remove 500 tires while cleaning up over 40 miles of the Little Miami River?

We are grateful for the relationships we have built and the lives that have been impacted through our work. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and for working together to transform Ohio’s tomorrow.

About the Author

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Paul FrancoisPresident, Pepper Construction, Ohio

With over three decades of experience in the construction industry, Paul Francois is a seasoned leader known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence. As President of Pepper Construction of Ohio, Paul oversees all aspects of the company's operations, driving growth, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality projects on time and within budget.

Paul's journey in construction began with a strong foundation, earning his bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from Iowa State University. Paul has cultivated a reputation for his hands-on approach and collaborative leadership style. He believes in fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, empowering his team to explore new technologies and methodologies to enhance project efficiency and quality all while creating a strong team culture. 

Paul is a passionate supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Network (PanCan) and PurpleStride Columbus and has established the Teachers Helping Teachers Foundation – all in loving memory of his wife, Teresa Francois. Several other community organizations benefit from Paul’s volunteering efforts including his deep engagement as a board member of Junior Achievement of Central Ohio and his active involvement with the Construction Engineering Industry Advisory Council and Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Paul is a firm believer in giving back and strives to make a positive impact wherever he goes.