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| About Us |
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WHERE WE CAME FROM AND WHERE WE ARE GOING
In June of 1956, our family (parents and five sons) left a small town in Southern Italy under the “Refugee Act,” migrated to the United States, and arrived in New York in hopes of chasing the "American Dream." Our father immediately went to work for his brother, Ernie Renda, a utility contractor, and our mother got a job in a light factory that was within walking distance of our humble, two-bedroom apartment. Life was hard and the idea of bettering ourselves in the land of opportunity became apparent very soon. To help our mother and father with the finances we started working on weekends and after school to earn our own lunch money. We each learned valuable lessons in working hard and trying to succeed in this new home – "The Land of Opportunity." As we grew, so did our visions of the future and our belief that with hard work anything is possible.
As we grew older, we were able to work for our uncle's construction company while we pursued our education. Rudy learned masonry and construction while I learned carpentry and heavy construction. I graduated from North Texas State University in 1971 with a History and Physical Education degree and began my career as a teacher and football coach for the Northwest School District in Justin, Texas. In 1973, I took on the position of “Director of Public Works” for the city of Pantego, Texas. My previous hands-on experience became a great asset as I was able to save the city many tax dollars by increasing efficiency in maintaining the city's infrastructure and roads.
In preparation for my next career goal, I obtained a loan from the Teacher's Credit Union to purchase a rubber tire backhoe-loader and incorporated OSCAR RENDA CONTRACTING in April of 1974. I began doing small jobs during weekends and off days. Meanwhile, my younger brother, Rudy, graduated from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey with a degree in Accounting and went to work for Price Waterhouse, a “Big Eight” accounting firm.
In February of 1976, Rudy left his position with Price Waterhouse and joined me in Texas to help take OSCAR RENDA CONTRACTING to its next level. We added two John Deere 410 backhoes and a pickup truck to our equipment fleet. Rudy took charge of field operations while I bid on hard-dollar municipal jobs in the growing DFW area. I eventually left my position with the city of Pantego in 1978 and dedicated my full attention to growing the business. Our goal was to one day be able to compete with the largest utility contractors in Texas. To reach our goal we realized we had to tackle the most difficult and challenging projects, complete the job regardless of its financial outcome, be loyal to our clients, and create a friendly and safe working environment for our employees. From these beginnings we have accomplished great things that we are all proud of and made some major contributions to the industry.
With these ideals in mind, we pursued a goal of competing with the largest utility contractors in Texas and feel as though we have reached that milestone. We have installed pipe and constructed treatment plants for just about every large city or water/wastewater district in Texas. We have always done quality work and never walked off a job. Our willingness to take on any challenge has enabled us to diversify and take advantage of some other opportunities as well.
Today, the company that started out with a $13,000 loan, two brothers, and a dream, has branched off into some interesting business ventures. They include owning one of the most profitable bank chains in the state of Texas, running one of the most successful biosolids reuse programs, and dredging and beautifying many lakes and waterways in the state of Texas. As of today, we have completed over $2 billion worth of work. We stand behind our work 100% and we know with the employees we have we will continue to be a successful company, always in search of something new, challenging, and exciting.
Oscar Renda, President and
Rudy Renda, Vice President
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