Located in the Mid-Atlantic state of Delaware, Master Interiors has grown from a college student’s ambition in the mid-70s to a tax paying, payroll issuing strong force today. The owner, Roger Humpton, was a student hoping to make some scratch during school only to feel the lure of contracting and dropped out, pursuing his dream of becoming a certified and skilled businessman.
Well, it worked and today Master Interiors offers a full service range of acoustical ceilings, metal studs, drywall, wall panels, bathroom partitions, specialty wall covering systems and more. Now in its 41st year in business, the subcontractor has two offices in Newark and Milford, Del. The company is members of the Association of Builders and Contractors and Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.
“Our specialty is a one stop shop for architectural services,” says Vice President David Humpton. “We also specialize in specialty wall and ceiling problem-solving acoustical applications as well as design build services for general contractors or owners who do not have a clear vision for their building intent. We help bring their thoughts into a realistic cost design and focus.”
With a staff of 45 employees, the company at its peak has had up to 80. David says business in its market area of influence has followed the economic tides. With a lot of elbow grease, the contractor has built consistent growth over time.
“The recovery is not strong in our area but we are managing through diligent hard work, keeping good relationships with established clients, increasing our marketing strategy and cultivating new relationships,” he says.
The company, according to David, says it does find the current business climate in its region challenging. A different tune is being heard in different parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas of the U.S. but it seems Delaware isn’t seeing the upside as much as its neighboring states.
“Many corporate headquarter moves, down-sizing and a stubborn economic rebound has made for a difficult climate,” says David. “As a company we have been creative and are weathering the recovery.
“Leading a team of professionals and helping them reach their full potential … all while leading the day-to-day operations of solving client’s problems,” he continues.
He cites the hardships of the job include staying in front of the changes of technology, government tax regulations, insurance requirements and other restrictions hamper business growth.
A man of strong faith, David says the company is blessed to have work on the books that show promise, as well as upcoming projects to bid that provide new opportunities for new challenges and growth.
Reach the Beach
Most recently, Master Interiors secured the contract for the elaborate Rehoboth Beach Town Hall, allowing them to work with Whiting-Turner and the city of Rehoboth in Delaware. The architect of record is David Bowen Friedel.
Rehoboth Beach Town Hall was—after 51 years—ordered to be demolished in 2015 to make way for something new. The residents of Rehoboth Beach voted last year to allow the city to borrow approximately $18 million for the construction of the city hall. The project and cost would also allow the rebuilding of the convention center and police station.
Over the years, the building has been used for a variety of uses, including the library, the police station, and government offices.
The project is expected to be completed this spring.
The scope of the project for Master Interiors was metal stud framing, sheathing, vapor barrier, insulation, metal stud trusses, rough carpentry, drywall, security ceilings, acoustical ceilings/acoustical wall panels, door installation and bullet-resistant panels.
Among the manufacturers that were used for this project include but are not limited to ClarkDietrich Building Systems, National Gypsum, Armstrong, USG, Henry Co.’s self-adhered membranes, and others.
