A man who did well by doing good.
Santa Monica Airport jet crash:
Two of the [four] victims were unofficially identified Monday when Los Angeles-based construction company Morley Builders announced its chief executive, Mark Benjamin, 63, and his son, Luke, 28, were believed to have been on the plane.
I never knew or even met Mark Benjamin and Luke Benjamin. Nor did I have more than a peripheral involvement with Morley Builders. However, it was just enough to convince me that Morley Builders was an exceptional contractor and business. For its employees and subcontractors. Owners and bankers. Totally consonant with its ethics.
Our Philosophy
Morley Builders’ entire business philosophy is based on the “long-term” view. Established over 65 years ago, we seek to continually provide high-quality construction services for another 65 years. This simple goal guides our business practices.
We believe in treating everyone as we would want to be treated – with sincerity, honesty, kindness and trust. We also believe in negotiating contracts, reaching budgets and meeting schedules respectfully.
Much of this respect and dignity stems from the belief that our employees are “owners” of their own business. In addition to all of our salaried people owning a portion of the company, they have decision-making power. Our senior managers do not dictate, but act as mentors, guides and resources for those closest to the matter at hand. This open-door policy lends itself to our family atmosphere.
This judicious approach to the long-term view makes work fun and gives our clients a sense that we enjoy what we do. We don’t just work hard, we work smart.
Good people. Good builder. There was never a project more suited to the strengths of Morley than the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Morley’s roster of sustainable (green) and low-income housing projects is no less impressive. And Mark Benjamin was also an active conservationist.
The company statement:
October 1, 2013
We are heartbroken at the loss of Mark Benjamin and his son Lucas in a tragic accident. Mark has been our President and CEO since 1981 and Luke was a Senior Project Engineer. We are proud to be associated with the Company that Mark’s family founded. He had a profound influence on each of our employees, the Southern California landscape, our local community, and the construction industry. We are committed to building on his legacy.
Issued by Charles Muttillo, Vice President
A legacy that included turning a family owned company into employee owned.
