Fortress Construction Group Celebrates Busiest Year Ever, Eyes Expansion in 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Fortress Construction Group, which opened its doors in 2007, reports its business grew by more than 100 percent this year and projects even more growth in 2013. Charles Ayers, president of Fortress Construction Group, Inc. said he launched Fortress with partner and longtime friend Dean Mannino when the Florida home building industry entered its downturn. The two have known each other since their days at the University of Florida’s Building Construction School. “It was the best thing that’s ever happened to either of us,” Ayers said. For the first few years the company focused on luxury home remodeling, additions and repair work. “We’ve always had work,” Ayers said. “We never really had a slow period,” he added. Charles’ son Chad, an experienced commercial builder, joined Fortress in 2011. “That paid off for us big time this year with numerous commercial jobs including interior build-outs, renovations, and our largest project of the year, a new medical facility for the Central Florida Pulmonary Group in Orlando,” Ayers said. That project, located at 326 North Mills Ave. included a 12,000 square foot two story state-of-the-art pulmonary clinic complete with research lab, pharmacy, CT and x-ray facilities, and a new administration building. The cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 million and the new facility is expected to open early next year. Other projects in 2012 include interior build-outs for a barber shop, beauty salon, pharmacy, and another doctor’s office, along with several residential contracts for room additions and kitchen and bath renovations plus construction of a new single family custom home. “We are optimistic that we’ll see continued growth through 2013,” Ayers said. “We have active contracts now and we plan to start construction on several projects in the coming weeks,” he said. Visit www.Fortressconstructiongroup.com