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It really does take a village ...

1/26/2025

Word spread fast early Saturday morning - Union Grove ISD had been the victim of vandalization, causing extensive damage throughout two of the campus buildings. Storefront entry doors, glass areas throughout, plumbing fixtures, televisions, copiers, and even the trophy case with irreplaceable trophies from the school's history were all destroyed. The school was established in 1907 and became a Texas ISD in 1965. Needless to say, there was a lot of history in that case.

The community was in shock. If you are unfamiliar with how small East Texas communities work, they are tight-knit people, looking out for their neighbors, sharing the downtimes together with the same kind of unwavering support they give the local football team on a Friday night. (Yes, Friday Night Football really is a Texas thing!)

RLM has had the honor of working with Union Grove ISD over the past few years. They are exceptional clients and we have loved building a relationship with the district. Without hesitation, calls were made and our incredible subcontractors came to the rescue. Well before noon that day, there was a dumpster in place and crews on the ground cleaning up, doing temporary repairs, and making it possible for classes to safely continue on Monday as usual. They are excellent craftsmen, delivering excellent work every day, but I think their hearts may be their best qualities. Special thanks to the people who made it happen:

JOTS Rentals
Hendrick Construction & Design
Cassity Jones Building Materials
TDR Contractors
National Wholesale Supply

Casey Beddingfield and Patrick Bryan of RLM spent their weekend doing what they do every day - excellent project management. Without their quick response and experienced direction, school might not be scheduled to open Monday morning. Bragging on purpose here, but these guys are simply the best at what they do, and the most generous as well.

So, it seems most everything in life really does take a village, and if you live in East Texas, you chose your village well.

Now Celebrating 45 Years

5/2/2024

This year RLM General Contractors has plenty of reasons to kick up our heels. In fact, 45 reasons to be exact.

In March, we celebrated 45 years of providing Construction Management , General Contracting and Design Build services to the greater East Texas area. That's 45 years of building the best projects for the best clients.

Thank you to ALL of our clients - the project owners, our architects and engineers, our subcontractors, and the communities we work in every day. You've made being a hometown business the absolute best!

Kilgore College Pedestrian Bridge Opening Day

How to build a bridge.

8/28/2023

photo credit | rlm general contractors

On August 17th, I spent the day onsite in Kilgore to witness the placement of the new Kilgore College Pedestrian Bridge. It was 103+ degrees in the shade that day with the signature southern humidity that makes you and your clothes feel like you just walked out of a swamp - damp, sticky, and stinky.

The bridge setting was momentous and long-awaited, taking place some four years after it had been irreparably damaged when a semi-truck miscalculated the height of the bridge, or his truck, or both. Neighbors from surrounding homes, passersby, college officials, and even the media turned out to watch. There were so many watching remotely on the Kilgore College live feed bridge-cam that the connection would lag and drag from the high volume of internet traffic to that site.

With all eyes on the bridge, it was easy to not even notice the men who were putting in the sweat and energy to get that bridge some 20 feet in the air and set it perfectly on the receiving platforms of the access towers on each side of the street.

But, I did.

I watched a construction team work together for more than 12 hours in the kind of perfect synchronization that can only come from experience and know-how. As the equipment hummed and the back-up warning beepers sounded, it was humbling to watch these construction professionals in continuous movement, never once complaining about the brutal heat or long hours. It made me think of how many times I've passed a construction crew working on roads or building projects without ever giving them a second thought, or doing more than grumble about the inconvenience to navigate around them. I was humbled.

Construction is just one of the many professions in our country that keep us going and make our lives easier. The men, and even women, who roll up their sleeves and literally work in the trenches are titans, the proverbial unsung heroes, and deserving of our notice and our gratitude. Giants still roam this earth, wearing hardhats and neon safety vests.

So next time you pass a construction site on your way to dine, shop, or get to that little league baseball game, take a moment to notice their work and maybe throw up your hand in a friendly southern wave. These professionals have earned it.

Vikki Jones, RLM General Contractors

video credit | rlm general contractors

Broughton Park was a Success!

3/31/2023

video credit | sam smead droneography

The Broughton Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting ceremony in January was not just the official opening of the recently rehabbed center. It was a celebration of community. Never have we seen so many smiling faces in one place. The City of Longview pulled out all the stops, offering food trucks, community service booths, vendors, and activities. Congratulations to LPA Design Studios on creating the perfect space for a growing community.

How it all began.

1/3/2023

RLM General Contractors was founded in 1979 by Robert (Bob) L. Metzler. Bob established what became one of the most successful construction management firms in East Texas. His solid business practices and reputation for delivering the best results for his clients laid the groundwork for the growth and success RLM enjoys today.

in 2010, Bob decided to hang up his hard hat, and he passed the reins to Casey Beddingfield. Casey and Bob shared like values both professionally and personally, so the transition could not have been smoother.

Some 40+ years later, RLM General Contractors is still going strong. Our technology and information systems may have changed, but our primary focus remains on fully understanding the vision of our clients, and advocating for their best interests in every single decision, every single day.

Today we specialize in solutions to construction challenges. Prudent planning, diligent oversight, and prompt response are the tools we use to manage even the most complicated of projects.

And that's how East Texas construction legends are born.

Broughton Park: Making the South Side the envy of Longview.

7/29/2022

The new renovations and additions at Broughton Park in South Longview are scheduled to wrap up by the fall of 2022. This project was part of the City of Longview 2018 Bond Program to improve city recreational facilities, and includes renovations to the existing 14,000 sq ft building, and 15,000 sq ft in additions. A new gymnasium, reception area, library and support places, combined with fantastic design and aesthetics is guaranteed to make this one of the most popular family recreation venues in town. An additional 182 parking spaces will accommodate the increased use and traffic nicely.

Stay tuned for more as we approach completion on this fantastic project.

Design courtesy of LPA Design Studios architectural firm, Dallas, TX.

New Space, New Place

7/28/2022

We simply cannot sit on the news any longer.

RLM General Contractors has a new place to hang our hardhats. Our Corporate Headquarters in Longview has moved to 301 Mamon Drive. When the old AT&T tech building came available for purchase, we knew it would be the perfect place to "upcycle" back to life.

A complete reconfiguration and several months later, we are loving the extra elbow space in our new 9,600 sq ft office perched on the ideal 3.7 acre campus. We are still putting the final touches in place, but if you find yourself in our neck of the woods, stop by and visit. We'd love to show you around.