Benchmark takes pride in the quality of service it provides. It’s always nice to receive positive feedback from our clients. It is our number one priority to not only meet, but exceed client expections with each and every project.

 Josh Benthien, Nortland Enterprises writes:

May 14, 2010

I would like to offer myself as a reference should Benchmark submit for any future Historic Rehab work. Over the past three years your team has worked tirelessly at our side as we crafted the financing, lease and construction plan for the Historic Rehab of the Baxter Library.

While your team’s participation at every stage of the project has been laudable, there are two areas in particular where Benchmark’s expertise was critically important.

1. As we worked to complete our financing last fall, your estimating department was an amazing resource working with me and our accountants to gain a full and accurate understanding of eligible and non-eligible historic costs and thereby confirming the total economic impact of the Tax Credits.

2. As the project progressed, your team’s understanding of historic rehab procedures and the interplay with both the State and Federal Historic approval process has given me and my partners a sense of confidence that cannot be overlooked. The entire crew at Baxter knows the rules and regulations that are dictated by the National Park Service and can cause enormous problems if not followed precisely, and is one of our main areas of vulnerability as developers.

Don Kettler, Kettler Real Estate Services, LLC writes:

February 9, 2010

I am writing this letter in regards to my positive experience construction. Kettler Real Estate Services has successfully completed three design/build projects for Tractor Supply using Benchmark as our Construction Manager.

Benchmark’s commitment to our budget, schedule and quality standards have remained at the highest level despite the challenges that the diverse store locations have presented. By introducing MUROX  Building Systems as the provider of the pre-engineered building, Benchmark was able to reduce total construction time and increase our shell energy efficiency.

The positive outcomes of the previous three projects have led me to engage Benchmark for tow additional Tractor Supply Co. locations in Maine for the spring 2010.

Benchmark is a Construction Manager with a ethical, professional and service oriented approach to their clients. I recommend Benchmark without reservation and look forward to a long and prosperous business relationship with them.

William J. Robinson, General Manager, The Woodlands Club writes:

August 6, 2009

During the period of January to April 2009 we went through a complete renovation of our member dinning room and lounge here at The Woodlands Club. Benchmark Construction served as construction managers overseeing the entire process. Most of my contact during this period was with Richard Egan in his role as Project Manager and with Tim Meyer in his role as Foreman. I also had some interaction with Dave O’Connell.

In short, I sincerely cannot say enough about how pleasant it was to work with Benchmark Construction and just how happy our membership is with the result. That alone is a major accomplishment! With almost 700 members you get that many opinions from people who are successful in their own lives. The member feedback on this project was higher than on any matter I had seen previously at the Club. In fact, the result exceeded the expectations of much of the membership. All of this is largely attributable to the quality and professionalism of Benchmark Construction. They were professional as I say, neat and orderly, respectful of Club staff and property, timely, responsive, cordial, and just great, great guys to have around from start to finish. There is absolutely no question that we would use Benchmark again in the future.

This is a very easy letter to write and I would be happy to discuss it further with anyone who may wish to do so.

Shawn Christopher, Director of Construction & Development, Aspen Dental Management Inc. writes:

August 11, 2008

Aspen Dental Management is responsible for the construction of Aspen Dental Offices throughout the United States from Arizona to Maine. Since mid-2004, and my role of Director of Construction and Development, I have had Benchmark Construction working as the general contractor on the completion of many of the office interior & exterior projects in Maine. Benchmark has successfully completed six projects for Aspen Dental over the past two years.

I give Benchmark high marks for their ability to coordinate and manage these projects successfully and for making sure that the offices are ready to open on schedule and with a quality product. I work primarily with Brad Fries and have found him to be responsive to our requests. The subcontractors and carpenters that Benchmark has used on my jobs have performed their work in a professional and skilled manner. Based upon my past experience with Benchmark, I intend to continue asking them to bid my projects in their geographical area and I would highly recommend them to other companies needing the type of services that they provide.

Please feel free to contact me with any specific questions you may have as to my perception of the competency of Benchmark Construction.

Michael D. Knisley, Principal,  Distyle writes:

July 16, 2008

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you and your team at Benchmark for the outstanding work done on Maine Supportive Housing for Accessible Space, Inc. Throughout the bidding process, contract negotiations, construction, and project closeout, you have show professionalism and a sensitivity to the Owner’s needs.

I also wanted to recognize your site superintendent, John Gerken, whose knowledge, experience, and personal commitment have made a significant contribution to the success of the project.

We look forward to the opportunity to work with you again and highly recommend you to anyone seeking a General Contractor.

Rex S. Bell, Principal, Northland Enterprises writes:

September 2, 2005

Bobby and I wanted to thank you and Benchmark for your role in the successful renovation of 51 Oak Street, the former Oak Leaf Inn.

It was a very challenging project that went very well despitevariouscomplications. We appreciated that from the very beginning Benchmark took a proactive role in finding creative solutions to insure the success of the project. In addition it was apparent that you and your staff were always considerate of Northland’s best interest and that Benchmark went above and beyond to provide the best possible product.

It was a pleasure working with you and having Benchmark as part of the Northland Development Team. I look forward to a long and prosperous business relationship with you and your company.

David H. Rosen, Owner, Full Belly Deli writes:

May 21, 2005

I would like to take a few minutes of your time to give some feedback on your company’s recent completion of my new business location.

To start, I would like to say that I have never worked with such a professional group of craftsmen in my life. Steve Demmons, particularly, truly set the standard for all the other subcontractors. He is a highly skilled professional as well as pleasant on a personal basis. Steve was always on task and on time. Had I had the opportunity to  pick my own project coordinator, I could have done no better than Steve.

As a business owner I know how important it is to find good people to represent your company. Judging Benchmark on Steve alone- you guys are top notch. My new location is extraordinary. Customers are constantly commenting on how great it looks and how much better the layout is.

In closing, I would not hesitate to recommend Steve and your company to colleagues or to have you back for future projects. Thank you for all your hard work and effort.

Fredrick B. Scott, Executive Vice President and COO, Kennebunk Savings Bank writes:

October 27, 2004

Now that we have been living in our new Financial Center for several weeks, I would like to thank  yourself, Steve Demmons, and Benchmark for building us a truly superb facility; I don’t believe we could have possibly gotten a better product than you delivered!

For all of us here at Kennebunk Savings Bank involved in the project, working with you and the rest of the benchmark staff was a terrific experience and we thank you for all the little things you did along the way to make our building turn out so well. We are all bankers, not builders, and we truly appreciate your patience andunderstanding in working with us to create a facility that is admired by our customers and the citizens of Kennebunk. We continue to receive a tremendous number of positive, enthusiastic comments about the Financial Center; it has exceeded our expectations!!

Again, thank you for our wonderful new Financial Center and the opportunity to work with some great people.

Joseph L. Lepley, President, Allen Screen & Digital Printing writes:

October 26, 2004

I am writing to thank the personnel at Benchmark construction for the excellent service they provided in our recent move and renovation of our new Manufacturing Plant in Scarborough Maine. Mark Woodward worked with my partner and myself to review several options regarding facilities in Southern Maine. His expertise with providing Project Management and cost effective planning allowed us to move into a new space while only missing a total of five days of production.

The Benchmark team is solution oriented and the sub-contractors all worked toward meeting the goals laid out months prior to our move. I highly recommend Mark and his team on any construction project.

Michael Brescia, 50 Portland Road LLC writes:

October 1, 2004

I am writing to thank Benchmark Construction for its superb work in managing the construction of our building at 50 Portland Road in Kennebunk, Maine. You and your team did a superb job meeting the needs of our tenant, Kennebunk Savings Bank, on this build-to-suit project and supervising the work to ensure good quality control during the installation of a myriad of architectural details. The building is impressive both inside and out and many people have told me that it sets a new standard in this part of Kennebunk.

Thank you again for a job well done.

Michael Brescia, Kenebunk Medical LLC writes:

August 1, 2004

I am writing to thank Benchmark Construction for meeting an aggressive schedule in completing our medical office building at 4 Shape Drive in Kennebunk, Maine. From the use of the Murox building system you suggested to the delivery of the building in phases, you and your team permitted the doctors and hospital staff to minimize disruption to their practices as they transitioned into the new facility. From an owner’s standpoint, we also appreciated the pre-construction estimating and value engineering work your office staff performed to meet our budget.

Thank you again for a job well done.

David Howe, The Pines writes:

November 14, 2003

As we wrap up our renovations with you and your company I am reminded of how smoothly things went. We made a good decision when we decided to proceed with Benchmark as our contractor.

You have a good team of people and we have enjoyed working with you. All of you seem to have responded to our needs and our questions promptly and with sensitivity and tact. You did what we asked, effectively and cost effectively. All of you were courteous and responsive.

Thank you very much.

David B. Gould, 32north writes:

March 28, 2003

Thanks so much for the recent completion of our 3rd project in as many years working together with you. The 15,000sf Murox warehouse continues to look and perform most satisfactorily and our tenants have been able to occupy the space literally trouble free. The flexible design, high cube ceilings and quick winter erection have certainly simplified te leasing of this space and its wide posted design has made modification of it easily adaptable to tenant needs.

Our second design/build, freestanding warehouse has worked out equally as well, meeting my need for an attractive, yet functional facility constructed on a tight budget. I look forward to the further development of this model for additional units.

Construction can be, and usually is, a frustrating experience, and while no project is without glitches, I do feel that your interest, follow through and attention to detail has kept these projects on schedule, with minimal surprise and produced expected outcomes.

Best of success to you during this upcoming construction season. I hope to have another project for your consideration by mid-summer.

William R. Martens, President, Chilton Furniture Company writes:

March 12, 2003

Our company has had considerable experience with Benchmark, both in 2001 and 2002.

In 2001, they were chosen to build a 5,000 sf, two story, addition to our Scarborough store.

In 2002, we again used Benchmark to construct a 4,000 sf addition to our Freeport store. This was a complicated project due to the topography of the area.

In both instances, we were very pleased with the way they conducted the projects and with the final products. Their professional approach and helpful, friendly, and skillful abilities enabled us to conduct our business in a productive fashion throughout the duration of both jobs.

I would recommend Benchmark highly to anyone who is in need of a fine company with a sterling reputation and the capability of bringing a project in on budget. If the need arises, we will certainly use them again.

Howard J. Mintz, Director of Project Coordination, Packard Development writes:

August 6, 2002

Packard Development has recently completed several projects with Benchmark Construction at our Maine Crossing Shopping Center in South Portland, Maine. Work consisted of 40,000sf of tenant fit-out work along with construction of two out parcel buildings totaling approximately 11,000sf.

Benchmark excelled in dealing with typical development issues and situations, specifically tight schedules, supplying quick budgetary information for building construction and tenant work, along with coordination with tenant representatives. They were responsive to the issues and concerns of our tenants and worked within the always limited schedule constraints completing their work in an efficient professional manner that reflected well of Benchmark and Packard’s development. The completed work was of excellent quality and there have had no issues with the tenants relative to the compliance to drawings and specifications.

Richard Berman, Berman Associates writes:

November 21, 2001

I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for Mark Woodward and his construction firm, Benchmark. Benchmark served as the Construction Manager/General Contractor for my recently completed Unity Village housing complex is Portland.  This project had a construction budget of $3.8 million. Mark joined the project team during the design process and provided extremely important ‘value engineering’ input to hold the costs of a difficult project within budget.

Mark and his staff managed a complex project on a difficult site, completing the project on budget and ahead of schedule. This was accomplished despite the fact that a fire destroyed the interior of two nearly completed units. I can sincerely recommend Benchmark to any developer seeking a skilled Project Manager/General Contractor to be a collaborative member of his development team.

Barbara J. Eretzian, Auburn Superintendent of Schools, and Jude G. Cyr, Business Manager, writes:

November 9, 2001

The Auburn School Department is pleased to submit a Letter of Recommendation on behalf of Mark Woodward, President of Benchmark. Benchmark has been utilized by the Auburn School Department as a Construction Manager on our last two significant elementary additions and renovations; representing $4 million dollars of locally funded construction project cost over the last two years.

The selection of Benchmark was a direct result of the Interview Committee’s selection of an alternative delivery method to school construction; whereby the Auburn School Department has had an excellent experience in Construction Management as an alternative deliver method from the 22,000 sf addition to the Edward Little High School in 1991. Benchmark, working in a team concept with Stephen Blatt Associates, became an integral team member in the implementation of CM for East Auburn and Washburn Schools locally funded school construction projects.

Mark Woodward’s involvement was from the onset a true testament that Construction Management is the cornerstone for Owner representation. Mark and his staff attended every meeting from Building Committee, Staff programming assessments and School Committee. Their input became crucial in fully recognizing a vast understanding of the programming assessments needs in alignment with the scope of the project. He also worked with the Architect to review cost savings measures and insuring that we, as the Owners, were well represented. Benchmark played a critical importance in reviewing the Architects drawings and affording the construction divisions. This review process by Benchmark ultimately gave the Auburn School Department an extreme comfort level for the scope and cost of the designed project. The Alternative Construction Team, Benchmark and Blatts Associates, worked in unison to draft, estimate and redesign the scope of the project into a vital, creative and affordable project that the Auburn School Department and the Community are extremely proud to call a ‘friendly environment’ for the greater good of its students.

We would be remiss in our recommendation if we did not mention the extraordinary efforts initiated by Benchmark’s staff relative to their ability to fast-track construction projects. In both the East Auburn and Washburn School projects, an extremely aggressive construction timeline was implemented for the project commencement to acceptance of facility. Benchmark, as our CM, was instrumental in monitoring the various project division contractors and adjusting the schedules to accommodate a fast-track construction project. They took every opportunity that became available to complete the project ahead of schedule without jeopardizing the quality and integrity of the project. As an example, Benchmark collaborated with a specific contractor who had experienced problems within his workforce and the prioritizing of current workloads to offer an alternative solution to the contractor. The contractor amicably sought realignment of his workforce to meet the needs of the schedule and consequently was the pinnacle force that caused other division contractors to augment their workforce and bring the project to early completion. Our last two elementary school projects were occupied well in advance of the scheduled completion dates. Washburn, as an example, opened school nearly tow months ahead of the original schedule.

It is with great confidence that we support and recommend Benchmark as a Construction Management firm who will assist your school district in executing a professional and well-organized operation.

If you have any questions or need clarification about Benchmark as a Construction Management firm, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is our combined belief that Benchmark will prove their worth in a number of ways and they will augment your project and the final outcome.