Brian “JR” Girskis loves helping the customer.
For more than 20 years, the president of Suburban Construction, in Davenport, has been helping customers find the perfect windows, siding, doors and much more.
“We are like one big family at Suburban, and truly want to do what is best for the customer. Our staff stays up-to-date on the latest products to help better serve you,” Mr. Girskis said.
That goal of helping the customer fix up their homes has been even more important this year as the home improvement company marks its 40th anniversary.
The company was founded by his parents – Brian D. and Linda Girskis – in March of 1985. Their son, the current company owner, grew up with Suburban Construction, and became an employee in 2002 when he graduated from the University of Iowa. He became Suburban’s president in 2007.
Recently, Mr. Girskis reflected on the company’s proud history and looked a bit to the future.
He said that the company’s success has always been centered around helping customers, and giving them the goods and services they want. But it’s also focused on keeping up with the changing times.
When Suburban began in 1985 “things were simpler,” he said. In those days, customers had relatively few resources to use when it came to picking and researching home improvement items.
Today, that has changed drastically. Customers can access a wealth of information with a few clicks of the computer keyboard, by watching popular TV home improvement shows and many other sources.
“You really need to stay on your toes these days,” Mr. Girskis said of the changes in the industry.
Suburban has been keeping up with those changing times with the many resources it offers at its central office at 3602 N. Harrison St., Davenport. That 30,000-square-foot building boasts a massive showroom.
In addition to displaying many samples of doors, windows and siding, “we have also built a small home in the middle of our showroom floor with windows actually installed so that you can see a true depiction of what your home could look like,” according to information from Suburan. “On the exterior of the home, we have different colors of siding showing how the windows and siding can be tied together, along with aluminum gutters, soffit and fascia.”
Mr. Girskis said the company’s showroom also has kept up with the times with some high-tech displays for the customers. One display shows different styles of new doors that are available. The display appears to be a traditional door. But customers can use a small computer screen next to it to change the look and style of the display’s glass panel. It gives customers a great look at the different features that are available, and cuts way down on buyer’s remorse after the purchase, he added.
In addition to the showroom, the Suburban building offers a wide variety of features – like a workroom, shower facilities, breakroom, kitchen – that are meant to help employees.
The building also has a warehouse and a training room that attracts people in the home improvement field from all across the region to take courses. Sometimes, workers will drive as many as 10 hours to get to Suburban for the courses that are helping train a new generation.
Mr. Girskis is excited about the future. One of the trends that he is predicting is the availability of more qualified workers in the field. After years of worker shortages – and the fact many of today’s workers are in their 50s and 60s, and could be retiring in a few years – he believes more people will be getting into the business. Some of those workers will be coming from local communities. “I’m really excited to see high school pushing the trades,” he added.
Other museum-like features
But Suburban’s building is not all strictly business. For instance, next to the front door is a wooden statue of Mr. Girskis’ father that was created from a butternut log by local artist Thom Gleich in 2016.
There also is a display of old police badges from the Clinton, Iowa, Police Department.
But perhaps the largest non-business portion of the building is devoted to the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Girskis has devoted years to volunteering and helping the Boy Scouts. Local scout troops have even used the Suburban building for meetings.
As a result of his involvement, Mr. Girskis has created a museum, of sorts, to honor the Boy Scouts. His collection includes old scout uniforms, photos, numerous old books and scout handbooks in the library section and much more.
The company president said his work with the Boy Scouts is an example of his view that there is much more to life than just work. In fact, Mr. Girskis said that view would be his top advice to others in the business.
“This can be a lifestyle and not just a job. … You have to take more time for the family,” he said, adding he hopes this advice will go unchanged for many years.
There’s at least one other thing that hasn’t changed over the years. Mr. Girskis still fields a few calls every week from people and companies who want to buy Suburban. He’s flattered by the offers, but his answer is always the same: “No, thanks. I’m not going to sell.”
“Maybe somebody in the family wants to take over the business some day,” he added. His four children – Jack, Kate, Paige and Anne – just might represent the third generation ownership at Suburban.
At a Glance: Suburban Construction
History: The business was founded by Brian D. and Linda Girskis in March of 1985. Its past locations include: 1505 Grappler Court, Bettendorf (1985-1988); 1529 Grant St., Bettendorf (1988-1997); NorthPark and SouthPark malls (1993-1996); and 616 W. 35th St., Davenport (1997-2021).
Current location: The central office is at 3602 N. Harrison St., Davenport, where it relocated in the spring of 2021. The 30,000-square-feet building includes a showroom, training facility, workroom, shower facilities, breakroom, kitchen, and warehousing operations.
Business divisions: Suburban operates a retail division known as Suburban Construction, Inc., and its wholesale division, Suburban Wholesale and Supply.
Projects: More than 37,000 projects completed, to date, including installation of windows, insulated siding, entry and storm doors, gutter caps and more.
Showroom hours: Open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment on Saturdays.
Leadership: Brian “JR” Girskis. He has been with the company since 2002, and its president since 2007. He and his wife, Kristine, have four children. Also, Darin Wilson is the vice president and co-owner.
Workforce: 12 employees.
On celebrating 40 years: The company president said he’s not planning any big public event in honor of this anniversary. Instead, the celebrations will likely be family gatherings.
Contact: Phone: (563) 391-4000; website: www.suburbanconstruction.com
