For 42 years, Colorado-based South Valley Drywall has been rocking, hanging and finishing successfully throughout the state. Headquartered in Littleton, the residential and commercial contractor provides services that include drywall, framing, acoustical ceilings, prefabrication, finished exterior wall panels and more. 

“Our residential division takes pride in providing the same quality and service if it is your first home or your dream home,” says Travis Vap, CEO of South Valley Drywall. 

“Our commercial division wants to be the go to for our client’s most critical projects and projects where they cannot fail.

“Our prefab business specializes in the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of prefabricated building envelope assemblies,” he continues. “We want to be one of the most respected and trusted businesses in the market.”

Vap was hired by Chicago-based holding company Arthur Andersen LLP out of the University of Colorado. Then Enron happened, he explains, so he pursued other career options. His father then recruited Vap into South Valley and he agreed to come on board if he could approach the job as short term, get some experience under his belt, and then pursue other avenues if he didn’t enjoy it. 

Well, it seems things worked out. After working in the field for some time, Vap’s father brought him into the commercial division, where he interned under Allan Dawdy, one of his dad’s business partners. 

“I became a minority owner in 2007 and started to run the Commercial Division,” says Vap. “I then made an offer to buy the business from my father and his two business partners and they accepted. 

“Today, I own the business with my brother Garrett. The building trade is one of the best professions in the world and I couldn’t be happier that I am in the industry. There isn’t a better industry where you get to work with people from such diverse backgrounds and experience.”

Large Employer, Quality Labor

As of this year, South Valley Drywall employs more than 250 people. 

“Our focus isn’t necessarily on growth,” says Vap. “It is more on providing the tools and resources for our people so they can grow and achieve success.”

He says business is good and obviously hopes it lasts as long as it can, adding that he feels Colorado is a good market in its current state. 

“The most interesting part of my job is working with all of our people. Nothing is more fun than seeing people have success,” says Vap. And what part of the job does he not like? “The hardest part of my job is making sure that we hold back and don’t oversell.” 

That last comment reflects some good business sense and shows just why South Valley Drywall has succeeded in the ways it has. No doubt it is a large company and is doing very well for itself but the company doesn’t bite at the bids coming down the pipeline. According to Vap, 2018 should continue to be a good year that holds consistent business and opportunity.

“My long term goal is for us to create a sustainable business that is not dependent on any one person,” he says.