At the end of 1975, its first year in operation, Bancroft Construction Company posted revenues totaling $350,000. This year, Bancroft expects to provide approximately $100 million worth of Construction Management and Design Build services and is ranked as one of Delaware's top five construction firms by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. This growth is, for the most part, a result of conscious planning, maintaining honorable relationships, and high-level job site performance. It is a result of the dedication and hard work of our employees at every level. Today, Bancroft is held in esteem throughout the industry and, when it comes to safety, throughout the nation.

One of Bancroft's first contracts was to renovate space for sculptor Charles Parks at 44 Bancroft Mills, a historic mill building on the Brandywine River. Shortly after completing the Parks' renovation, Bancroft rented space in the same building. Eventually, Bancroft purchased 5300 square feet adjacent to Mr. Parks' studio. In addition to the mill location, Bancroft maintains satellite offices to manage on-site program administration as warranted. And in June 1998, Bancroft opened a second corporate office near Greenhill Avenue to support its ever expanding commercial, institutional, and industrial operations.

Bancroft's workload reflects its diverse client base and showcases its experience . From the $65 million laboratory, office, and research facility to one of Delaware's high profile corporations to the award-winning retail establishments, museums, and restaurant complexes, Bancroft specializes in customizing its approach to the needs and challenges of each project.

Other projects such as neighborhood centers and educational facilities mean opportunity for the larger community. They help generate benefactors for similar projects when the building's contribution to the overall quality of life is recognized. The construction of the Walnut Street YMCA on its original 60-year-old site represents an especially ambitious venture. It is the first urban YMCA to have been rehabilitated in the United States in over ten years. Fundraising, existing conditions, an efficient design that would adequately accommodate future generations, orchestrating 40,000 square feet of construction in a confined, partially residential area - all presented considerations that could have derailed the project. But funding commitments from corporations to school children, and creative solutions for the many logistical criteria helped keep the project moving forward as the neighborhood and the nation watched closely. For Bancroft, it is not about just constructing a building, it is an example of what is possible when the talents and the vision of caring people converge.

Prior to 1990, Bancroft served primarily as a General Contractor, which was consistent with industry trends and owner preferences. We shifted our focus to Construction Management, Design Build, and Program Management throughout the early 90s as we expanded our commercial and industrial operations. Now, more than 90% of our work is within one of these arenas. These processes, which promote owner advocacy and the team approach, facilitate Bancroft's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Bancroft Construction Company has undergone a tremendous metamorphosis in the past 31 years. What began as a humble two-man office with a drawer full of pencils and legal tablets has evolved into a corporation that employs 80 people, utilizes the most advanced technology, and establishes short and long-term objectives through a sophisticated strategic planning process. Over the years, we have developed multifaceted systems and procedures to ensure control over cost, quality, schedule, scope, and safety. We consider each member of the Project Team essential to the success of a project. We foster an atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation among the team members by remaining sensitive to their specific needs throughout the project life cycle. We have implemented various mentoring programs that offer high school and college students opportunity and information for career choices within the industry. Recently, we have begun a comprehensive internal mentoring program that accelerates new employees' assimilation and contributes to the development of all personnel.

Even in its infancy, our award winning safety program raised the bar on industry standards throughout the state of Delaware. Today, Bancroft is an unprecedented six-time winner of the Business Roundtable Construction Industry Safety Excellence Award, the most prestigious national safety award. 

These issues represent some, but by no means all, of the components of modern construction. It is no longer a "back of the envelope" enterprise. It is a complex business that is highly challenging and richly rewarding. At Bancroft, we welcome the challenge and consider a customer's unconditional satisfaction an incomparable reward.  We have planned carefully for the next decade. We are not afraid to look ahead, we are not afraid of change, and we are not afraid of ever-increasing responsibilities. We will, however, remain dedicated to our customers and view success as a philosophy rather than a ledger entry. "Success" to Bancroft's founder and CEO Stephen M. Mockbee means achieving the confidence of your customers, the trust of your employees, and the respect of your community.