Getting his start in the business through his older brother who was a drywaller, President Jim Murray of Murray Drywall and Insulation of Texas Inc. in Omaha, Neb., now runs a 169-person business that is continuing to evolve and obtain new project opportunities.
With 46 years in the commercial drywall contracting business, Murray has many different projects under his belt that has given him and the company loads of experience.
Trying not to work too many hours, which is sometimes boggled by necessity and desire he says, having a specialty for negotiated fast track early selection and a niche for healthcare projects has led to an overall growth of the company.
With two major projects started and completed simultaneously this year, W&C got the inside scoop on these projects.
A self-confessed Rolling Stones’ fan, Murray says, “At Murray Drywall, we work hard and play hard.” Always seeking wisdom, the president of the Omaha-based company says The Bible is his favorite reading material, because in his words, “If we would all live our lives per this book, just try to imagine what a wonderful world this would be.”
The First Half
One of the projects was the framing, drywall installation and insulating of the Houston Methodist Hospital #8 Campus in Conroe, Texas, owned by the Methodist Hospital Woodlands.
The architect of this project was Page Southerland Page Inc., of Houston and the general contractor on the project was J.T. Vaughn Construction LLC.
“Hospitals require a great deal of attention to life safety codes and details,” says Murray.
One of the major design elements of this project was creating an atrium that is 11,000 square feet and six stories tall.
ClarkDietrich Building Systems was the steel framing materials used; drywall and accessory materials that were used for the project were USG. Rew Materials stocked both for this project.
The Second Half
The other major project completed by Murray Drywall was the Seton Teaching Hospital of Austin, owned by the Seton Healthcare Family.
The architect on the job was HKS Inc., of Dallas and the general contractor was J.E. Dunn Construction Company of Austin.
This project featured multiple high-end finishes for the walls and ceilings, which included extensive use of soffits.
CEMCO manufactured the steel framing materials; the drywall, accessory and acoustical ceiling materials used for the project were manufactured by USG. L&W Supply stocked all for this project. The wood ceiling materials were manufactured by ACGI and the EIFS materials were manufactured by Sto.
Can’t do it Without Support
For both projects, President Murray stated that he was most impressed with the performance of the Mold Tuff Water-Resistant Gypsum Products.
It’s All About the Team
“The longevity of our employees and our attention to detail is what sets us apart from our competition,” says Murray. “Our experience and attention to detail translates into better service and better quality.”
If the recession hits again, Murray Drywall is determined to stay on course and not seek out new customers and owners. The long-term goal for the company is to create longevity of the corporation to ensure the job security of present employees and their families.
When asked what President Murray feels is the company’s greatest achievement, he stated that Murray Drywall takes great pride in providing great paying jobs with 401(k), healthcare, dental and life insurance benefits.
