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FRED SHEARER.

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FRED SHEARER & SONS INC.


Now under its fourth-generation of leadership,
Fred Shearer & Sons is riding out the economic
lull by maintaining its relationships with large
general contractors.

Long-time Industry Leader


Now in its fourth generation of leadership, Fred Shearer & Sons has successfully diversified its services
over the years to be able to ride out the tough times in today’s shaky economy.
By Brooke Knudson Generation to Generation

W ith a solid backlog of work in place and under


the direction of fourth-generation President
Jeff Shearer, drywall and metal framing con-
tractor Fred Shearer & Sons Inc. is riding out the economic
lull. Based in Beaverton, Ore., the firm specializes in installing
The business was founded in 1916 by Jeff’s great-grandfa-
ther, Fred Shearer, who, at the time was a lead foreman for
a plastering contractor in the Portland region. When the
owner of the company passed away, Fred purchased the
company’s equipment and ran the business until the 1930s
acoustical ceilings, access flooring systems, drywall, fireproof- when he passed it down to his three sons, Clarence, Vic
ing, insulating and light-gauge steel framing for the com- and Fenton. The brothers ran the company until the 1960s
mercial sectors. when it was again passed down to their sons, Bill, Jack and
Because the firm has longstanding relationships with Dave. When Jeff’s father, Bill, retired in the late 1980s, he
contracting giants including Skanska, Hoffman, P&C and took over the company. Today, Jeff continues to run the
Bremick, a majority of its projects tend to be moderate to company with the help of a strong management team.
large in scale. In addition to working throughout Oregon Throughout the 1950s, Fred Shearer & Sons focused
and southwest Washington, Shearer will travel to other mainly on plastering of commercial buildings. In the 80s,
western states if the general contractor the company diversified into steel stud and drywall,
Fred Shearer & Sons Inc. requires it. As the economy weakens, acoustical ceilings, access flooring and fireproofing.
HQ: Beaverton, Ore.
Employees: 110 Shearer says the company will focus its Although its services have evolved as new generations
Specialty: Metal framing and backlog, but also keep an eye out for new entered the business, Shearer says he has operated the
drywall projects on which to bid. The healthcare, business based on the qualities his family instilled in him.
Jeff Shearer, president: “We
try to provide a superior prod- education and multifamily mixed-use sec- “What we as a management team have taken from my
uct at a fair price.” tors remain strong in Oregon. dad and grandfather is we try to be fair with the cus-

192 ■ WWW.CONSTRUCTION-TODAY.COM ■ FEBRUARY 2009

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