Managing permit applications nationwide is not an easy task. The requirements for submitting and obtaining a building permit change in almost every city. Retail companies and Architectural firms rely on experienced Permit Expediting firms to manage the permit applications for all of their projects.
Today we talk about Express Permits and we sit down with the President and CEO Steve Todd to learn more about the Company.
Industry: Permit Expediting Services
Location: Headquartered in Cleveland Ohio
Completed Projects: 125+
Employees: Less than 25
4URSPACE Member since: 2016
Tell us about your company. What kind of product or service do you provide?
Express Permits Company is a full-service permit company that helps acquire permits for residential and commercial applications throughout the United States and portions of Canada. Our primary area of focus is assisting with the collection of data before an application is applied for. This would consist of code research, code interpretation, site assessments, information required for permit submittal, permit application completion and submission. Once a permit has been submitted, we track the review process and forward review comments to our clients once they are received. After the client reviews and addresses the required revisions, we submit back to the respected departments for permit completion. We also assist with contractor registration, business licensing, and other miscellaneous applications.
How many employees does your company currently have? Do you have offices in different States?
Our company has very low overhead when it comes to employees. Our preferred method of outreach is to establish and maintain professional working relationships with other construction professionals throughout the United States and Canada that may offer different types of permit services than Express Permits. We have found this to be more beneficial than trying to maintain offices and employees throughout North America.
What inspired the business and where is your company today?
Express Permits Company was cofounded by Tabitha Todd. Tabitha was a production administrator for a large volume home builder in the Northeast Ohio area. Before she left for maternity leave, her manager approached her and asked if she would be willing to work as a subcontractor acquiring permits for new built homes. Tabitha accepted the challenge and created a website that helped attract other companies that may be seeking a professional service for permits. Through knowledge and professional insight, Express Permits has grown into an international permit service firm. We have worked with many large companies throughout the years obtaining permits for residential, commercial, industrial and educational applications.
In which geographic area did you complete the majority of your projects?
Right now we seem to be experiencing a lot of projects for new build commercial construction for the healthcare industry. This has taken us, literally, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and every place in between. We have a number of tenant improvement projects that are happening in various parts of the United States. I do not believe there is one set market that seems to be overriding one from another. However, that can change on a day-to-day basis. This answer may be different if asked again in 6 months!
Is your company specialized in completing projects in a specific industry, e.g. Food & Beverage?
Our company will work on about any type of project that is brought to us. We process permits for grocery stores, restaurants, big box retailers, shopping centers, strip malls, fueling stations, electricians, HVAC installers, plumbing companies, cellular tower erectors, large volume home improvement contractors, companies that offer franchising, architects, engineers and everything else in between.
Tell us about one specific project you worked on and which challenges you solved?
Every project that is brought to us offers a unique challenge. Companies turn to us to help with some of the most rigorous and complex requirements that building departments may require. The greatest challenge that we usually notice is the lack of communication or understanding between a building department and the submitting client. Many times we are brought in just to be a liaison between the two. So, the greatest challenges we usually face are getting personalities to recognize the information that is being conveyed. Therefore, we’re getting the client and said department to discuss and make modifications that will be within the acceptable level of compliance.
Which milestones are you planning to achieve in the next 12 months?
One of the milestones our firm has been seeking to accomplish is becoming recognized as an ICC Certified Permit Technician. This would put our company in very elite status for permit companies simply because we have a greater understanding of how projects should be submitted to any building department across the United States and Canada. We are very excited to announce that Express Permits has been recognized and awarded as an ICC Certified Permit Technician in January of 2017. Our certification is the 2015 Standard; however we can assist with any ICC codes that date back to its inception. There are very few permit companies that offer this as part of their permit service package. We believe this certification can offer a piece of mind to any client wishing to use our services and feel safe knowing their project is in qualified, knowledgeable hands.
What do you like most about 4URSPACE?
We believe 4URSPACE offers a very unique platform for companies performing construction services throughout the United States. 4URSPACE is not a social media site, which in many cases may prevent professionals from seeking out specialized services simply because they do not wish to become involved with any form of pop culture propaganda. This is simply a website designed for companies wishing to seek out other professional services that may be necessary to assist in a project successfully being completed. We also like the fact of posting completed projects for other members to view. This helps create credibility when companies are seeking out specified services to help complete a project. We are very excited about the direction 4URSPACE is embarking on and look forward to being a contributing member for years to come!
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