In May 2000, Wright Marshall founded Revival Construction with the vision to renovate and restore Atlanta's older homes. Prior to Revival, Marshall managed projects and then the production and sales staffs for an established design/build renovation firm in the Atlanta area. Before switching to remodeling, Marshall worked as a superintendent for a large residential developer and built approximately 70 houses in two developments.

Revival Construction specializes in quality residential remodeling in the in-town Atlanta area, focusing on whole-house renovations and additions to pre-World War II homes. These projects typically involve kitchens, baths, porches, custom millwork and cabinetry, and mechanical system updates. While Revival builds a wide range of projects, it focuses on projects where quality and design are the driving factors.

"I'm a believer in not-so-big houses, in good buildings and in good design," Marshall says. "We are always thinking, 'what can we do with this house so you don't have to leave, so you can have a great house to live in for the rest of your life?' We always push quality of space rather than square footage."

Revival maintains a staff of ten employees, and the firm builds approximately 12-16 projects per year, with typical budgets between $150,000 - $750,000. However, Revival will do smaller projects for past clients and also will build one or two very large projects each year. Because Revival does so many past-client projects, there is always a mix of jobs. Once a homeowner becomes a Revival client, Revival will handle all of their building projects.

The firm limits its workload to four or five projects at a time, ensuring that there is at least one staff member at every project site each day and that significant progress is made daily on each project.

Marshall has lived in the Griffin and Atlanta areas for most of his life. After graduating from Woodward Academy in Atlanta, he earned a degree in business with a minor in art history at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. He has always been interested in architectural history, and for his senior thesis, he researched the architecture of Frazier and Bodin, an architecture firm active in Atlanta between 1926 and 1939.

On a personal note, Marshall and his wife, Shelly, now have two young boys, Lawson (two) and Turner (three months), who keep them very busy. Additionally, they recently moved into a house that was built in 1929 and needs all of Revival's talents.

"We look for clients who are a good match for the company. In turn, we are very up-front and organized in the bidding and planning process," Marshall says. "We communicate a lot, put a lot in writing, and keep a good schedule. We make sure that something is going on at each project every day, and we realize that our clients are trying to live through the dust, construction, and chaos. Our team is always polite and 'house-broken.'"

According to Marshall, "Remodeling is much more than just carpentry or painting. It is a service, and we focus a great deal of effort on service to ensure our clients enjoy the process as well as the final product.

In addition to numerous projects he does for friends and peers, Marshall says his typical client usually has built or renovated before and selects Revival Construction because they understand the construction process, the need for planning, and the relationship between cost and quality.

Marshall is the primary contact for the firm's clients during the sales and planning process. Steve McMillian, estimator, and Rodolfo Castro, designer, are also involved in the planning of many projects.

When a project is underway, the Revival team takes over. Marshall remains involved on a weekly basis, but the project manager takes the reigns to see the project to completion.

Almost every contract is fixed price with allowances for the few items that have not been selected by the time the contract is signed. Revival frequently signs a Construction and Scheduling Agreement after the client has selected the company based upon the conceptual proposal, typically a few months before construction begins. "Doing this allows us to spend the necessary time on the clients who hire us," says Marshall. "Almost immediately, we begin to involve the project manager and the main trade contractors and suppliers, and to complete all drawings and selections. We invest significant amounts of time up front to plan the project and to mobilize all of the parties that are involved."

After eight years in business, Revival has developed working relationships with approximately a dozen architects, interior designers, and landscape architects in the Atlanta area that share the firm's values and mission. Approximately half of the firm's projects are referred by these peers.

"I like to use email with clients. That way, we have a log of our communications that I can print and share with the project manager," says Marshall. "I am a big 'list' person. I use a digital camera to document the progress at each project and then burn a CD at the end as a historical reference."

Software used includes: Word, Excel, Master Builder, ACT (to track leads), and Microsoft Project (to track projects).

Revival transitioned to Master Builder in 2007 to handle all of its accounting functions and anticipates using more of the estimating, scheduling, and other facets of the software in the coming years.

Marshall has earned the Certified Remodeler (CR) and Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) accreditations from the National Association of Remodeling and the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation from the National Association of Home Builders. All of his project managers have the CLC certification as well. At weekly production meetings, they share information about new products, processes, and articles in trade publications. The staff also goes on informational visits to mill shops and suppliers, participates in day classes at building shows, and is participates in yearly CPR and First Aid training.

Revival is also a member of Remodelers Advantage, a national peer networking group of contractors, that meets twice a year and provides other training and educational opportunities. Revival's peer group visited Atlanta in March 2008 and performed a three-day case study on the company. All of Revival's key managers are involved with Remodelers Advantage and attend similar case studies and seminars.

Revival Construction provides a 401(k) plan and gives bonuses for projects completed on time, on budget, and with happy clients. Revival fosters a culture of continual improvement and always encourages its team members to better themselves.

"Ever since I can remember, I've bought books about architecture and walked through houses under construction. I still have a few drawings of houses from middle school," says Marshall. "In college I considered studying to become an architect, but decided to build first, and here I am. I love the tangible process of construction and then seeing what you've done."

"Marshall's passion for the business comes alive when you ask him what motivates him. "Atlanta had one million residents in 1960, and it now has more than five million. So much of Atlanta was built quickly and cheaply, and so much of our history has been lost along the way. Revival hopes to preserve and revive as much of Atlanta's built environment and history as it can."

"I'm also interested in smart growth, reducing sprawl, and green building," Marshall adds. "Those are important issues for Atlanta. By renovating, I feel that we are improving our city, and renovation is the greenest form of building."

"I enjoy spending time with my family and working on our house. I love to travel and get inspiration from other places and historical buildings," he says. Marshall also still gets "saw dust highs" from projects that his company is able to build. "We've done some great work. I can't help but be proud of our work and look forward to doing bigger and better things." Marshall adds that his involvement in Remodelers Advantage also helps him recharge on a bi-annual basis.

Revival focuses its marketing efforts on its past clients and referral base. Revival also focuses on specific Atlanta neighborhoods and is able to maintain an identifiable presence in those areas. The firm developed and launched its website in September 2008, highlighting numerous projects and explaining the company's process. A quarterly newsletter and warranty program also help Revival stay in touch with its clients and friends.

"We are always working to refine and improve what we're doing. Achieving balance between work and the rest of my life has been a challenge for me. I love what I do, but I want to have time to pursue other things. I want my employees to have that opportunity, too," says Marshall. "As I mature as a business owner, I am focused on the team and the company's core values, working ON the business rather than completely IN it."