Commercial Space | Q&A with Brianna Goodwin, president and CEO of Contexture

Ver-Tex Construction, and its recent acquisition Brambier’s, rebranded as Contexture to reflect the company’s evolving strategic direction on improving building environments, its expanded portfolio of window shades and acoustic systems, and its growing geographic footprint. Contexture, now the largest U.S. dealer of commercial window shade and acoustics systems, serves customers across 20 Eastern/South Eastern states.

Brianna Goodwin joined her family owned business (formerly Ver-Tex Construction) in 2005 as a commercial sales estimator, working her way to the positions of vice president of sales and then executive vice president, before becoming president and CEO in 2017. She has led the dramatic transformation of the company in the last few years through organic growth.

According to Brianna Goodwin, president and CEO of Boston-based Contexture, the company’s vision/purpose is to optimize building environments to improve lives and help preserve the planet by providing building owners control over environmental factors of light, heat, and sound by designing, specifying, and installing shade, lighting, and acoustical systems that perform both for humans and for the global environment.

MCS:How does your style of leadership influence the company’s expected strong growth in 2023?

GOODWIN: As a leader, I constantly push the envelope and challenge paradigms. Status quo has no place with me, and I’ve instilled that perspective into the fabric of our organization. We are committed to being the front-runner in our industry with the most customer-centric approach to running our business. With our recent rebranding from Ver-Tex to Contexture we are able to share this story more aggressively in the marketplace and are seeing the foundation that will deliver further growth.

Our team members are the key to wowing our customers, which is why I’m focused on maintaining a work environment where every individual feels appreciated for what they contribute, challenged to continuously grow, and has their life-outside-of-work highly valued. We embrace everyone as a whole person and create our policies, practices, and benefits in support of their wellbeing.

And finally, I’m equally passionate about doing our part to improve the planet by representing sustainable products and inspiring customers to install systems which reduce energy usage and the impact on our environment, while also improving occupant comfort and wellness. When these different dynamics work in harmony, we have done our jobs well.

MCS:Looking back over 2022 and the rebranding of Contexture, what trends do you see continuing into 2023 with regards to commercial buildings and office space?

GOODWIN: I see a growing trend towards sustainable and energy-efficient buildings; this trend is likely to continue in the coming years, particularly with the net zero emissions initiatives. Another trend will focus on amenities and wellness to create healthy working environments as more people return to the office. And, the use of technology is likely to continue to play a significant role in the design and operation of commercial buildings and office spaces. This could include the use of smart building systems, virtual reality, and other technologies to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the user experience.

MCS:Why will reducing energy consumption be a critical part of the decision making for companies looking to create a commercial space in 2023?

GOODWIN: With both rising energy costs and government net zero carbon emissions initiatives, building owner/operators will need to make every attempt to reduce costs by effectively managing the daylight emitted into the building and its impact on internal temperatures.

• Cost savings: Energy-efficient buildings can significantly reduce energy costs, which can be a major expense for businesses. By reducing energy consumption, companies can save money on their utility bills and redirect those savings to other areas of their operations.
• Environmental impact: As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to grow, companies are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. Energy-efficient buildings can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts, making them a more attractive option for companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
• Brand reputation: Companies that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility may be perceived more favorably by customers, employees, and other stakeholders. By choosing energy-efficient buildings, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and enhance their reputation as a socially responsible business.
• Government incentives: Many governments offer incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, to encourage the use of energy-efficient buildings. Companies that choose energy-efficient buildings may be able to take advantage of these incentives, which can help offset the upfront costs of these buildings.
• Future-proofing: Energy costs are likely to continue to rise in the future, making energy-efficient buildings a more cost-effective option in the long term. By choosing an energy-efficient building, companies can mitigate the risk of future energy price increases and protect their bottom line.

CLOSING THOUGHT

Think about working in a comfortable building environment where the sunlight doesn’t blind you, where the temperature is proactively managed, and continuous noises or people talking around you don’t distract you from your work due to bad acoustics. Imagine how your productivity and feeling of wellness would improve. That’s what Contexture helps make happen.

For More Information:

Contexture is the largest U.S. company to design and install tailored window treatment and acoustic systems providing commercial building developers, architects, owner/operators, and general contractors control over factors such as daylight and lighting, acoustics, thermal, and aesthetics to create transformative energy-saving spaces, conducive to maximum occupant comfort, wellness, and productivity. Founded in 1985 and WBENC-certified since 2021, Contexture, Inc., is based in suburban Boston. For more, visit www.contextureUSA.com.

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Commercial Space | Modern Contractor Solutions (mcsmag.com)