Don’t Trust Unlicensed Contractors

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When it comes to your new commercial project, who should you trust to do the job right?

If your business is looking to start a new construction project or to renovate an existing commercial building, you’ll naturally be looking to get the most out of your money. When weighing costs and budget, it can be tempting to just go with the lowest bidder.

If you make that choice without properly checking their qualifications, though, you’re courting danger. That cut-rate contractor might be unlicensed, and if you end up hiring them, you’re putting both the project and your business at risk.

Why is hiring a licensed contractor important?

So, what’s the big deal about hiring an unlicensed contractor? You’ll save some money, right?

Wrong. Hiring an unlicensed contractor for a commercial project is the same as writing a blank check. If something goes wrong, your business will be on the hook for damages and loss. If the workmanship is shoddy, you’ll have no recourse.

In the event of mishaps during construction, you want to be sure your contractor is licensed and insured, so that you are not held liable for accidents. For instance, if a contractor’s worker was injured on the job site, you would want to know that the contractor has insurance to cover the worker’s injuries. In the case of a major accident, this could become extremely costly financially.

When it comes to paperwork and record-keeping, hiring a licensed contractor will provide you with peace of mind that they are conducting business according to best practices and have passed all the requirements of the governing body overseeing commercial contractor licensing.

Experience and training

A licensed commercial contractor employs trained workers who have experience and skills that keep a jobsite safe and make sure the work is done under the supervision of highly qualified construction managers to avoid accidents and shoddy workmanship. The best licensed contractors also work hard to stay up-to-date with the best and most efficient construction techniques.

The bottom line is, if you are unhappy with the work of an unlicensed commercial contractor or they provided subpar work and skipped town, you’re just out of luck. Don’t be fooled, hire a licensed commercial contractor like Leon Williams Contractors, and always check references before working with any contractor. Ready to learn more? Contact Leon Williams today.

Leon Williams Contractors Completes 2018 UT-Chattanooga Construction and Renovation Projects

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Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial design-build firm added new spaces to UTC’s West Campus Housing building and renovated Crossroads Dining Hall in 2018

 MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Aug. 24, 2018 – Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial design-build firm, has completed two major projects at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga that will have positive impact on students and faculty starting in the fall 2018 semester.

The company built three new dining options – Einstein Bros.® Bagels, Dippers southern fried and grilled chicken and a Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.) quick-serve store –  as part of the new flagship West Campus Housing building and completed a full renovation of Crossroads Dining Hall, UTC’s main student dining facility.

“These two locations are central to the UTC campus, so it’s essential that students and faculty have positive experiences there,” said Tyler Forrest, associate vice chancellor for budget and finance at the university. “We also want these facilities to present the university’s commitment to quality and excellence, which is something we share with Leon Williams Contractors.”

The three new West Campus Housing dining concepts account for 6,500 square feet of the 231,000-square-foot West Campus Housing building. Renovation of the 13,000-square-foot Crossroads Dining Hall included replacing all the furniture, food stations and fixtures, adding a Mongolian grill concept and sushi machine, and installing a new state of the art kitchen exhaust system to reduce cooking smoke and smells outside the building.

“These are two very different projects, but what they have in common is that they’re presenting a range of new opportunities for students at UTC,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “West Campus Housing was essentially a project within a project – we had to work closely with the building contractor to coordinate our work inside their construction site.  Crossroads Dining Hall was similar in that there were two other extensive construction projects occurring on the floors above the space at the same time.”

The West Campus Housing project and the Crossroads Dining Hall renovation were the 13th and 14th projects completed by Leon Williams Contractors at UTC. The projects took place between February and early August. UTC’s fall semester started Aug. 20.

About Leon Williams Contractors

An experienced commercial design-build firm, Leon Williams Contractors simplifies the building process by effectively managing costs, adhering to deadlines and reducing complications to provide a seamless building experience. As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tenn. area.

For more information, visit www.lwcontractorstn.com or call 865-982-1734.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com

Leon Williams Contractors Announces Contemporary Upgrade of Carson-Newman University Dining Hall

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Maryville construction firm will add modern finishes and enhanced flow to Jefferson City university’s Stokely Dining Hall

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – June 20, 2019 – Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial construction firm, and Aramark Higher Education have announced a major renovation of Stokely Dining Hall at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The project will upgrade the university community’s dining experience with improved flow, updated contemporary finishes and expanded food options and convenience.

In addition to the improved layout and contemporary finishing, the renovation will add sliding barn doors that can be closed to convert the seating area into an attractive event space. Other additions will include an allergen-free station and expanded made-to-order stations.

“This renovation will bring a completely new feel and function to Stokely Dining Hall,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “We updated the seating area in this same space several years ago, so it’s satisfying to come back and work with Carson-Newman University and Aramark Higher Education again. This is more like a reinvention than a renovation. When students return to campus this fall, they’ll find an entirely new dining space that meets modern expectations.”

Leon Williams Contractors renovated the seating area at Stokely Dining Hall in 2010. The new project, which is already underway, will take place during the summer and is scheduled to be completed by the start of the fall semester.

Around the country, Generation Z is driving new trends in college dining experiences. Students now want customizable meal options, plant-based choices and allergen-free alternatives. In addition, they expect on-the-go convenience, digital payment options and internationally inspired dishes.

“We are pleased to offer students more variety, convenience and value,” said Rebecca Greenep, dining director, Aramark/Carson-Newman University. “All of the enhancements we are making to the dining program are based on student feedback, and are designed to provide students with even more opportunities to enjoy their meals, as well as their overall dining experience.”

For more information about Carson-Newman University, visit https://www.cn.edu/.

For more information about Aramark, visit https://www.aramark.com/.

For more information about Leon Williams Contractors, visit www.lwcontractorstn.com or call 865-982-1734.

About Aramark Higher Education
Aramark Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility, conference center, and stadium and arena services. Aramark enhances the living and learning experience and environment for more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America.  For more information and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.

About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) delivers experiences that enrich and nourish people’s lives through innovative services in food, facilities management, and uniforms. United by a passion to serve, our 270,000 employees make a meaningful difference each day for millions of people in 21 countries around the world. Aramark is recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE, rated number one among Diversified Outsourcing Companies, as well as among the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Carson-Newman University
Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts university located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,500 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. For more information, visit www.cn.edu.

About Leon Williams Contractors

An experienced commercial design-build firm, Leon Williams Contractors simplifies the building process by effectively managing costs, adhering to deadlines and reducing complications to provide a seamless building experience. As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tenn. area.

For more information, visit www.lwcontractorstn.com or call 865-982-1734.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR
865-977-1973

hripley@ripleypr.com

Shopping Malls are Changing

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Developers need construction flexibility

The retail apocalypse isn’t nigh. It’s happening now and shows no sign of stopping, forcing mall operators to rethink the way they do business.

Father and daughter spending a day in shopping mall

With more than 75,000 more stores expected to close throughout the United States by 2026, traditionally retail-centered commercial developments like malls are shifting focus to services and experiences, according to GlobeSt.com:

Mixed-use projects are stepping up to fill the void with underperforming malls. Live-work-play activities are animating retail centers, moving away from the islands of traditional retail.

These commercial pressures are encouraging developers and property managers to make creative choices, creating new malls experiences through diverse dining options, services and experiences. This can range from bowling alleys to grocery stores, gyms and dry cleaning — even incorporating nearby residential options.

Need for Experienced Contractors

As this new commercial playbook is being developed, developers and property managers will benefit from partnering with construction firms, like Leon Williams Contractors, that have a wide variety of commercial experience.

From transforming a former arcade and entertainment center, previously known as Thunderworld, into the elegant Foothills Church (FC) facility in Blount County, Tennessee, to building out new dining facilities at the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville and Chattanooga campuses, Leon Williams Contractors has decades of experience revamping spaces to fit new commercial needs. We’re also thoroughly experienced in building out new commercial spaces, including, most recently, three East Tennessee Which Wich® franchise locations.

Project Management for Any Need

Construction experience is just part of the equation. To be competitive, commercial construction projects must be completed on time and within budget, requiring consistent oversight of the construction management process.

To benefit our commercial clients, Leon Williams Contractors offers an extensive toolkit of services to trim costs while ensuring quality. This includes pre-construction consultation and design-build and value engineering expertise. Contact us to learn more.

Giving It the Old College Try

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Leon Williams brings years of construction experience to campus projects

Across the nation, construction on campuses is booming as colleges and universities replace aging facilities built in the 1960s. In addition, administrators are building new facilities with recruitment in mind, designing them to cater to the desires and interests of younger generations.

Campus Construction Experience

When it comes to building and renovating facilities on college campuses, it pays to utilize a contractor with proven educational facility expertise. Leon Williams Contractors has been specializing in educational facility construction for decades, including dozens of projects for the University of Tennessee system.

UTC Crossroads Dining Hall.

Most recently, in August 2018, we completed two projects at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, including the renovation of the 13,000-square-foot UTC Crossroads Dining Hall. We replaced all the furniture, food stations and fixtures in the facility, adding a Mongolian grill concept and sushi machine.

We also built out facilities for three new dining options inside UTC’s new West Campus Housing building: Einstein Bros.® Bagels, Dippers southern fried and grilled chicken, and a Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.) quick-serve store.

In 2017, Leon Williams Contractors completed its 22nd project on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus, renovating and remodeling of the Thompson-Boling Arena dining area. The remodel included a new Which Wich, Bento Sushi, Grab n Go salads and sandwiches and the Southern Kitchen hot line.

Construction Expertise

What value can Leon Williams Contractors bring to your educational facility and other construction projects? Our experts work closely with the design team to budget and then refine the plans for the facility renovation or construction. We are widely experienced in multiple construction sectors, including campus projects, church facilities, medical facilities, restaurants, and retail and office space.

As an East Tennessee value-engineering expert, our firm provides a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville area and beyond.

We’re ready to work with higher education institutions to provide the very best facilities for their students. Contact Leon Williams Contractors to find out more.

Leon Williams Contractors Completes East Broadway Renovation Project for Allevia Technology

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Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial design-build firm transforms former bank branch building into modern office space for business technology company

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – April 29, 2019 – Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial construction firm, has completed renovations on a former bank branch building near downtown Maryville for Allevia Technology, a local computer repair and business IT company.

The renovation project adapted an outdated midcentury building into a 2,700-square-foot modern, open-design office space with a fluid work environment for Allevia’s 10-person staff. The design incorporates the covered drive-thru into the building as a combined tech room and office. The additional space also provides more storage capacity for hardware, so customers can have quicker service.

“This space looks completely different than it did six months ago,” said Allevia Technology owner Stefan Wilson. “Leon Williams Contractors understood exactly what we were looking for: a clean, contemporary space we can call our own that will also give us room to grow. And this project is an investment in the area we call home. We’re contributing to the revitalization of central Maryville, and the money we invested is staying right here in Blount County.”

The building is located at 1819 E. Broadway, near downtown Maryville and convenient to Interstate I-140, US 129 and US 321. It is part of a business corridor that is currently undergoing a commercial revival.

“Stefan had a clear vision for the building and gave us the chance to do some new things,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “For one thing, we’d never converted a bank drive-thru into an office before. More importantly, it was an opportunity to take an old, undervalued space and create something new and modern out of it instead of just tearing it down. That’s good for the community as a whole.”

About Leon Williams Contractors

An experienced commercial design-build firm, Leon Williams Contractors simplifies the building process by effectively managing costs, adhering to deadlines and reducing complications to provide a seamless building experience. As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tenn. area.

For more information, visit www.lwcontractorstn.com or call 865-982-1734.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973

PRESS RELEASE – Leon Williams Contractors Begins Work on New Lenior City Which Wich®

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR
865-977-1973

hripley@ripleypr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leon Williams Contractors Begins Work on New Lenoir City Which Wich®

Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial contractor will help bring sixth Superior Sandwiches franchise to Knoxville area

 

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – March 28, 2019– Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial building firm, has begun construction on the first Which Wich®franchise location in Lenoir City, Tennessee.

The new store, located at 375 Kelsey Lane, Suite 3, will be the sixth Knoxville-area location for the Which Wich Superior Sandwiches franchise. The Lenoir City project pairs Leon Williams Contractors with franchise owner Jeff Hensley, who owns and operates four other Which Which stores in the Knoxville area. Leon Williams Contractors was the contractor for the Alcoa and Fountain City locations, which opened in 2017.

“We’ve worked with Leon Williams Contractors on previous Which Wich locations, and they’ve always been an outstanding partner,” Hensley said. “So they’re a natural pick for this project. We knew we could count on them for high-quality work, value and attention to detail. And the residents of Lenoir City and Loudon County are going to appreciate their work this spring when Which Wich’s custom sandwiches and out-of-this-world milkshakes are available in the area.”

The new Lenoir City Which Wich is expected to open in May. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be scheduled.

“We are honored to be working with Jeff and the Which Wich team again,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “Jeff is so professional and energized about Which Wich and their fun, family-friendly culture. It’s great for us to be part of that and to see the brand growing here in East Tennessee.”

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches was founded in Dallas in late 2003 by restaurant entrepreneur Jeff Sinelli. The national sandwich franchise chain is best known for its customizable sandwiches, creative ordering system, and personalized sandwich bag. Which Wich currently has 500 locations open or in development in 40 states and 12 countries. For more information, visit www.whichwich.com.

About Leon Williams Contractors
An experienced commercial design-build firm, Leon Williams Contractors simplifies the building process by effectively managing costs, adhering to deadlines and reducing complications to provide a seamless building experience. As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tenn. area.

For more information, visit www.lwcontractorstn.comor call 865-982-1734.

About Which Wich®
Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches was founded in Dallas in late 2003 by restaurant entrepreneur, Jeff Sinelli. The national sandwich franchise chain is best known for its customizable sandwiches, creative ordering system, and personalized sandwich bag. In 2018, Which Wich was ranked as the #9 sandwich brand on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 200 Food and Restaurant Franchises of 2018. In 2017, Which Wich ranked as #9 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers and landed at #20 on the Franchise Times Fast & Serious list. In 2016, Restaurant Business named Which Wich the first winner of its Future 50 Pacesetter award. Which Wich is the recipient of a Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters “Healthful Innovations” award and has been named by Forbes as one of their “30 Best Franchises To Buy.” Which Wich currently has 500 locations open or in development in 40 states and 12 countries. For more information, visit www.whichwich.com.

 

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PRESS RELEASE – Leon Williams Contractors Begins Work on New Lenoir City Which Wich®

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR
865-977-1973

hripley@ripleypr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leon Williams Contractors Begins Work on New Lenoir City Which Wich®

Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial contractor will help bring sixth Superior Sandwiches franchise to Knoxville area

 

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – March 28, 2019– Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial building firm, has begun construction on the first Which Wich®franchise location in Lenoir City, Tennessee.

The new store, located at 375 Kelsey Lane, Suite 3, will be the sixth Knoxville-area location for the Which Wich Superior Sandwiches franchise. The Lenoir City project pairs Leon Williams Contractors with franchise owner Jeff Hensley, who owns and operates four other Which Which stores in the Knoxville area. Leon Williams Contractors was the contractor for the Alcoa and Fountain City locations, which opened in 2017.

“We’ve worked with Leon Williams Contractors on previous Which Wich locations, and they’ve always been an outstanding partner,” Hensley said. “So they’re a natural pick for this project. We knew we could count on them for high-quality work, value and attention to detail. And the residents of Lenoir City and Loudon County are going to appreciate their work this spring when Which Wich’s custom sandwiches and out-of-this-world milkshakes are available in the area.”

The new Lenoir City Which Wich is expected to open in May. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be scheduled.

“We are honored to be working with Jeff and the Which Wich team again,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “Jeff is so professional and energized about Which Wich and their fun, family-friendly culture. It’s great for us to be part of that and to see the brand growing here in East Tennessee.”

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches was founded in Dallas in late 2003 by restaurant entrepreneur Jeff Sinelli. The national sandwich franchise chain is best known for its customizable sandwiches, creative ordering system, and personalized sandwich bag. Which Wich currently has 500 locations open or in development in 40 states and 12 countries. For more information, visit www.whichwich.com.

About Leon Williams Contractors
An experienced commercial design-build firm, Leon Williams Contractors simplifies the building process by effectively managing costs, adhering to deadlines and reducing complications to provide a seamless building experience. As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tenn. area.

For more information, visit www.lwcontractorstn.comor call 865-982-1734.

About Which Wich®
Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches was founded in Dallas in late 2003 by restaurant entrepreneur, Jeff Sinelli. The national sandwich franchise chain is best known for its customizable sandwiches, creative ordering system, and personalized sandwich bag. In 2018, Which Wich was ranked as the #9 sandwich brand on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 200 Food and Restaurant Franchises of 2018. In 2017, Which Wich ranked as #9 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers and landed at #20 on the Franchise Times Fast & Serious list. In 2016, Restaurant Business named Which Wich the first winner of its Future 50 Pacesetter award. Which Wich is the recipient of a Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters “Healthful Innovations” award and has been named by Forbes as one of their “30 Best Franchises To Buy.” Which Wich currently has 500 locations open or in development in 40 states and 12 countries. For more information, visit www.whichwich.com.