For nearly half a century, Walters & Wolf has built a reputation as a leading force in the construction industry. Founded in 1977 by Randy Wolf and John Walters, the company began as a small construction duo with a simple mission: outworking the competition and maintaining a “can-do” attitude. This commitment to excellence has since propelled Walters & Wolf into a formidable organization with five separate divisions, employing over 600 people across seven locations in five states.
Now, as the company nears its 50th anniversary, its success is a testament to the dedication of its team and the values instilled by its founders.
Working as a team
Chad Hall, Business Development Manager, and Jackie Mayer, Marketing Manager, are both integral to the company’s Interiors Division. Walters & Wolf prides itself on growing and promoting from within, as demonstrated by the promotion of its new COO, Brian Mickelson, who started in the field nearly 20 years ago and has since risen through the ranks. His predecessor, Rick Calhoun, also began his journey in the field, highlighting the company’s culture of mentorship and upward mobility.
“We push our employees to strive for more and reward their success within the company,” says Mayer. “From day one, the company actively invests in their people.”
This philosophy fosters loyalty, with many employees having been with the company for over 20 years. Walters & Wolf values its team members, recognizing them as the fuel that drives the organization. “Our employees are our greatest asset,” Hall adds. “We care deeply about their professional growth and personal happiness.”
Beyond career progression, Walters & Wolf is known for fostering a supportive work environment. Employees receive ongoing training, leadership development opportunities, and mentorship to ensure they are continually advancing within their careers. This investment in people not only helps the company thrive but also enhances job satisfaction and long-term retention.
Collaborating for quality
Hall emphasizes the company’s commitment to ensuring quality and efficiency from start to finish: “We help our clients from the initial field preview all the way through service agreements after a job is complete,” he says.
Walters & Wolf’s Interiors Division specializes in the installation of door frames, hardware, and specialty glass. The company has worked on large-scale projects for tech giants such as Google, Adobe, Apple, Kaiser, and Sutter Health, and its expertise extends beyond standard installations to include fire door testing, quality control services, and post-construction service agreements. It also offers customized sliding door systems, including the ExamGlide and VersaGlide models.
Collaboration is a key component of the company’s operations, particularly with its sister company, which specializes in exterior glass. By working together, they provide clients with seamless integration between interior and exterior glass installations, ensuring quality across all aspects of a project.
A greener world
Sustainability has also been a significant focus of Walters & Wolf, with the company taking deliberate steps to minimize its environmental impact. In 2020, the firm transitioned to a fully paperless operation, furthering its commitment to digital efficiency. The team partners with vendors who share its sustainability mindset and incorporates eco-friendly materials such as SANTOPRENE™ for door frame gasketing.
“Sustainability is something we strive for,” says Hall. “We care about the environment and want to be as sustainable as possible.”
A prime example of the company’s environmental commitment is its collaboration with Google on the Google Charleston East project. This ambitious build featured a grid-like solar panel canopy and rainwater collection systems. Walters & Wolf played an essential role in the construction process, ensuring that all components aligned with Google’s zero-waste initiatives. “It was a very collaborative build with multiple subcontractors, and we were excited to be part of such an innovative project,” says Mayer.
Additionally, Walters & Wolf partners with a Southern California extruder that repurposes materials to create new products, reducing waste and improving sustainability in the manufacturing process.
An eye on growth
Continuing to expand its footprint, the Interiors company is expanding operations within Northern California, and currently operating on projects in Reno, Austin, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Walters & Wolf’s expertise in sliding door solutions has made it a preferred vendor for high-profile clients, including Apple. The growing demand for healthcare construction has also led to increased involvement in medical facility projects. “We’re seeing tremendous growth in the healthcare sector, and we’re excited to be expanding into new regions,” says Hall.
Beyond geographic expansion, Walters & Wolf is continually innovating its product offerings, developing new materials and solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients, particularly in sound transmission and energy efficiency. “We want to stay at the forefront of our industry, continuously improving our products and services,” Hall explains. “It’s a competitive environment out there, and we are committed to maintaining our position within the industry.”
The company also invests heavily in research and development to ensure it remains competitive. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, it can create advanced solutions tailored to the modern construction landscape, making projects more efficient and cost-effective.
Partners in success
Walters & Wolf has built longstanding relationships with companies such as Google and Apple, with work that has included landmark projects like Apple’s “spaceship” headquarters and Google’s gradient canopy. The firm’s ability to deliver quality, efficiency, and innovation has earned it preferred vendor status with both tech giants.
“We’ve worked with Apple and Google for decades, consistently delivering top-tier work,” Mayer says. “Being a preferred vendor is something we’ve earned, and not many companies can say that.”
These partnerships have enabled Walters & Wolf to remain at the cutting edge of construction and interior solutions, adapting to new trends and technological advancements. The company’s ability to manage complex, large-scale projects while maintaining impeccable quality standards continues to set it apart from competitors.
Looking forward
As Walters & Wolf approaches its 50th anniversary, the company remains focused on growth, sustainability, and innovation. It continues to refine its sliding door systems, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of industry standards. Its dedication to employee development, community engagement, and environmental responsibility sets the team apart in the construction industry.
“We’ve built something special here,” says Hall. “Our team, our clients, and our commitment to quality are what keep us moving forward.”
With a legacy of excellence and a forward-thinking mindset, Walters & Wolf is well-positioned to continue its success for decades to come. Its journey from a small construction duo to an industry leader is a testament to the power of hard work, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people, both within and beyond the company.
Walters & Wolf is not just a company; it is a community of dedicated professionals committed to pushing boundaries and delivering excellence. With continued expansion, a strong focus on sustainability, and a culture that values its employees, the company’s future is as bright as its impressive past. As it celebrates this upcoming milestone, Walters & Wolf remains a shining example of what is possible when vision, dedication, and innovation come together.
