As an industry-leading commercial contracting firm known for its innovative projects, METRO has completed over 4,000 jobs across 22 states, amassing a portfolio of $2 billion in completed construction projects.
Their commitment to San Antonio's growth and their dedication to being more than just a construction service provider sets them apart in the industry.
We sat down with METRO’s Strategic Development Officer, Chris Carruth, to find out more about the companies and their impact in the Greater San Antonio region.
Tell us a little bit about METRO and its presence in the South-Central Texas region.
Metropolitan Contracting Company (METRO) is an industry leading commercial contracting firm building in multi-diverse market segments. We are known for building innovative projects in the commercial space.
From our founders to our employees, it's personal for us; San Antonio is our home – we live here, we play here, and we work here.
Chris Carruth, METRO Strategic Development Officer
Since our founding in 1986, we have completed a variety of construction management services on over 4,000 jobs across 22 states. With a portfolio totaling more than $2 Billion in completed construction projects, in markets such as healthcare, historic renovations, retail, religious and nonprofit, industrial, hospitality, and commercial office space, METRO continues to build on our reputation for excellence.
Headquartered in San Antonio, we serve the greater San Antonio area and its surrounding communities. As a sought-after construction service provider, we expanded into the Austin market in 2021. METRO is a consistent recipient of the Best Places to Work - Medium Sized Company from the San Antonio Business Journal. Additionally, METRO holds numerous honors for the nation’s most innovative and high-quality construction projects on both regional and national levels. Our safety program has also annually achieved The Associated Builders and Contractors’ highest safety ratings as DIAMOND LEVEL represented by the Safety Training Evaluation Process (S.T.E.P. Awards).
What makes METRO stand out amongst the Construction industry in our area?
Since the inception of METRO, we have anchored our success to the growth of San Antonio. Our commitment to San Antonio and its future is now championed by our current generation of leadership. The corporate structure of 17 employee owners enhances the personal level of investment in every METRO project.
Our service extends beyond the physical construction of the project; we are advisors, advocates, and problem solvers. We want METRO to be the “easy button” for our clients.
METRO stands out in the construction industry for implementing technology that helps deliver speed, durability, and cost-effectiveness, while also providing opportunities for unique design elements. The president and co-founder of METRO helped to develop a process to increase visibility on tilt wall structures. This method vastly expanded the range of sight over that of traditional tilt wall. With this patented ClearView™ technique, projects are not limited by traditional “punched” windows but enjoy walls with unobstructed views.
What Construction trends are you watching right now?
METRO is proud of the diverse markets we serve. Our primary focus is new construction and finish-out services for commercial real estate. While each market is subject to its own specific trends, experts predict that, overall, demand will outpace supply, and our firm is dedicated to addressing the growing needs of the commercial sector.
Tracking commercial and industrial construction-related trends provides the latest industry data, allowing our METRO team to anticipate various fluctuations that can impact our organization and our clients. Current concerns range from labor shortages, ongoing material supply chain disruption, fluctuating interest rates, and economic inflation that can directly impact costs and schedules. If an unexpected issue does arise, we create and implement solutions to minimize impacts to the project.
How would you like to see the San Antonio region continue to grow?
The San Antonio-Austin corridor is considered one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Its geographical location, midway between North and South America, creates a significant hub for global commerce. Freight transportation converges by two Interstate highways (the north/south IH-35 and the east/west IH-10). With corporate headquarters from all major sectors relocating to the region, METRO strategically placed our Austin office to address the growth of the I-35 Corridor. Logistically, this allows coverage to our clients from Greater Austin to Laredo. METRO supports greaterSATX’s stated vision of smart, intentional growth that maintains San Antonio’s unique culture and improves the quality of life for all San Antonians.
Why did you invest in greater:SATX?
When we opened our doors in 1986, we knew San Antonio was ready for a contracting company with a mindset for innovation and a conviction that success would best be achieved by building strong lasting relationships in the community. Today, METRO maintains our steadfast commitment to our clients and to this great city, in alignment with the broader vision of greater:SATX.
greater:SATX has made significant strides in maintaining and attracting business to the betterment of the entire community. We believe the combined passion and experience of their team delivers an advantage to our community. We believe in the mission of greater:SATX to recruit businesses to San Antonio that will increase the ability of the city to maintain and attract jobs, thereby continuing to make San Antonio a desirable place to live, to raise a family and to do business.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
From our founders to our employees, it's personal for us; San Antonio is our home – we live here, we play here, and we work here. Each challenge we encounter is what keeps us going – especially when we know that our work will result in big wins for our community.
