Before Andersen Interior Contracting, there was the Andersen Corporation. In 1974 Dan Andersen started a drywall installation business that evolved into a family venture. Although he started without any customers, the small company enjoyed instant success as word spread of the Andersen family's commitment to perfection.

The business plan developed by Dan Andersen, his brothers and their father called for the expansion of the company's services to include acoustical ceilings, prefabricated exterior wall panels, and architectural woodworking for commercial buildings. In the early 80's sales at Andersen grew to an astounding $20,000,000 per year, making it one of the largest companies of its kind in the country. The company was sold in 1986 and continued in operation under its new owners for a period of time.

Shortly after selling the business in 1986, Dan and John Andersen started Andersen Interior Contracting, Inc. employing a philosophy of "hands-on management". With a desire to provide a more personal level of service, unattainable in their previous company, Andersen principles remain behind every aspect of a project . . . from estimating to the fastening of the last screw.

"We stay very reachable: there aren't any middle-management layers insulating us from our customers," states Dan Andersen, President. "Our customers tend to feel like they're the only customers we have."

The company provides a complete range of interior contracting services to commercial developers and building owners/managers in New Jersey, with occasional forays into Rockland and Westchester counties of New York, and parts of Pennsylvania.

Andersen projects include interiors of office buildings, retail stores and shopping centers, industrial sites, hotels and various public buildings. Services include metal stud and drywall partitions, taping and spackling, wood and light gauge steel framing, insulation, acoustical ceilings, rough and finished carpentry, as well as fine architectural woodworking.

"We've positioned ourselves as the largest/small contractor," quips John Andersen, Vice President and Project Supervisor. "So, no job is too big or too small."

The path to perfection at Andersen is a unique blend of superior workmanship and systems that work - starting with the concept of hands-on management.

In keeping with the philosophy of hands-on management, each project is assigned to an account team, from the initial planning stages to its completion. At the helm, an Account Manager serves as estimator, project manager and field supervisor - providing a smooth coordination of services and maximum management availability to the customer.

Behind-the-scenes, Andersen purchasing, expediting, and cost-control departments ensure that the project is kept on budget, on schedule, and on track.

In the mill shop, seasoned craftsmen and detailers carry out the architectural woodworking part of the project according to the exacting guidelines of the AWI.

On-site, the Andersen team of field workers complete the installation according to plan and under the continued guidance of the Account Manager.

Supporting the account team are modern facilities consisting of over 16,000 square feet, which combine corporate offices, warehouse and woodworking shop under one roof. Along with state-of-the-art equipment, large inventory of commonly-used items, and a fleet of trucks, all enable Andersen to strive for perfection within existing budget and scheduling requirements.

Competitive pricing is made possible by a highly skilled and motivated workforce, a long-standing relationship with suppliers, and controlled overhead costs achieved by a functional operating environment.

"We pride ourselves on our speed in two very different but critical areas," states Dan Andersen. Our ability to provide accurate, competitive quotations in a matter of days is exceeded only by our ability to mobilize and execute projects in the shortest possible time."

For those leasing office tenant space, time saved in the estimating process means faster turnaround - which translates into on-time occupancy for tenants. Coupled with rapid deployment and streamlined production, this can give developers an edge in a highly competitive real estate market.

In addition, the in-house architectural woodworking capability demonstrates a quest for perfection down to the last detail. The office tenant incentive is further enhanced by Andersen's flexibility - which helps maintain customer lease commitment.