Washington-based subcontractor ADI visited this year’s BUILD24. The successful contractor is featured in W&C’s March 2024 issue. Its president, James Chaney, visits the show to keep up to date on new tools and technology and develop relationships in the industry.

ADI specializes in suspended acoustical ceilings, including metal and wood ceilings and walls. Bill and Betty Lee Cramer founded the company in 1965, and it is now celebrating its 58th year of operation. In April 2023, James and Heather Chaney purchased ADI, which is based in Kent, Washington.

James and Heather are the third generation of the Chaney family to work in the acoustical ceiling trade. James’ career started in Southern California as an apprentice in the Carpenters Union when he and Heather met and married. James moved up quickly to journeyman while concurrently earning his degree in drafting and design. James was then given the opportunity to become an estimator and progressed to vice president. During this period, Heather assisted in the daily operations of the front office. James began working with Kip Cramer and ADI in 2013, and the two grew the company into what it is today. Heather progressed her career to include 20-plus years of executive leadership experience, which now complements her ability to run the day-to-day operations of ADI as an MWBE.

The company now employs 40-60 workers.

Business Success

“ADI continues to offer early budgeting and design services, including BIM modeling and specialized engineering,” said James, whose official title is senior project manager and CEO. “We work closely with our trade partners to stay at the cutting-edge of technology. This combination complements the projects and clients we strive to assist.”

Over the last 15 years, Seattle has had the fortune of a strong technology market that has now slowed. However, the city also has strong health care, aerospace and manufacturing industries. Seattle continues to have one of the nation’s leading amounts of construction cranes.

“The most interesting aspect of our industry is the wide variety of products that we work with,” James said. “The advent of standard and custom wood, metal, plastic, fabric, etc. ceiling and wall treatments has broadened our experience and keeps us fresh and interested in the industry. We also enjoy working with the architects, designers and manufacturers in the design and installation of unique, custom products and non-standard installation of standard products.”