The Heavy Civil Contractor of Choice

Over 50 years of innovation and leadership in Hawaii Infrastructure Development

 

For the last 50 years, Hawaii’s heavy civil construction sector has had a stunning example of what true regional leadership looks like thanks to Goodfellow Bros.

The company’s amazing adaptability is at the forefront of its growth. It has maintained operational excellence in an ever-evolving construction landscape, and has a long-standing history of shifting its focus based on market demands.

To sustain this flexibility, Goodfellow Bros. constantly leverages regional market analysis to help anticipate economic trends and position itself to secure high-impact projects.

Additionally, investment in cutting-edge technology, such as AI-driven project management, GPS-guided equipment, and advanced 3D modeling, has further enhanced the company’s efficiency and project execution.

Continued investment in workforce development has also been equally critical for the company, as Goodfellow Bros.’ people-first philosophy has always been an instrumental part of its culture.

The company consistently utilizes high-quality training programs, mentorship initiatives, and career development pathways to retain top talent and prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

Moreover, reinforcing partnerships with vendors and subcontractors—especially in Hawaii, where resources are limited—has been fundamental to ensuring consistent project delivery and quality.

Overall, Goodfellow Bros. is defined by an empowered workforce, projects that uphold the company’s reputation for excellence, and a community impact that extends beyond construction sites. 

By maintaining its core values while embracing innovation, the company is poised to solidify its legacy as a leader in heavy civil construction for generations to come.

A Legacy of Safe, Adaptable Expertise and Execution

For over a century, Goodfellow Bros. has been a name synonymous with quality, expertise, and resilience in heavy civil construction. Established in 1921, the company expanded into Hawaii in 1972, marking over 50 years of continuous service in the region.

The 4th generation, family-owned company has developed its reputation for adaptability due to its ability to successfully navigate economic and industry shifts and pivot its focus to where the demand is greatest.

“We’re a pretty versatile company, and we usually shift our type of work based on what’s happening in the economy. We originally started with resorts, then we shifted to golf courses… then we got into wastewater treatment,” explains Hawaii Division President Ed Brown.

As market demands evolved, the company has also shifted toward project types like subdivisions and major roadway projects for state, county, and federal agencies.

Today, approximately 60% of its operations consist of public works projects, including affordable housing, bridge construction, landfills, and infrastructure for displaced communities.

In addition to its construction expertise, Goodfellow Bros. operates several specialized divisions, including blasting, well drilling, and paving.

This variety has contributed to a strong presence across all Hawaiian islands, allowing the company to set the benchmark for heavy civil construction through projects that are safety-conscious and helpful to the community.

At Goodfellow Bros., safety is paramount.

The company has implemented 12 Life-Saving Commitments, a set of principles derived from industry-wide best practices and lessons learned from safety incidents within its captive insurance group, ACIG.

“We live by those Life-Saving Commitments. We have a zero-tolerance policy if those commitments are broken, and our people are well aware of that,” Brown states.

These commitments are prominently displayed at every job site and discussed weekly in toolbox meetings, reinforcing a culture of accountability and proactive risk mitigation.

Beyond safety, Goodfellow Bros. adheres to 22 core fundamentals that define its approach to leadership, project execution, and client relationships.

These fundamentals influence hiring, daily operations, and employee interactions, ensuring that the company maintains a high standard of professionalism and service.

“It’s how we hire people and what we live and breathe… the fundamentals are core to how we deal with clients, jobs, quality, and how we treat each other,” Brown affirms.

By emphasizing these principles, Goodfellow Bros. fosters a strong internal culture that translates to superior project outcomes.

The Partnerships and Process Behind the Projects

One of Goodfellow Bros.’ most impactful projects in recent years has been the temporary housing initiative in Lahaina, designed to assist residents displaced by devastating wildfires.

“This was the Governor’s initiative to try to get people into temporary housing at least within the year of when the fire happened, so it demanded a lot from us,” Brown states, explaining that embodying its core fundamentals was the key to its endurance, efficiency and success in the project.

Working under a highly compressed timeline and with incomplete plans, the company executed the project by operating seven days a week, 10 hours per day, ensuring families had a place to live within a year of the disaster.

Another critical project was the rapid construction of a temporary school for Lahaina, following the destruction of the original elementary school.

Partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers, Goodfellow Bros. completed the facility within a 90-day window, ensuring students could return to a stable learning environment.

These projects highlight Goodfellow Bros.’ adaptability and ability to deliver under pressure while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

This high level of operational discipline continues to set the company apart in the industry. In a business so heavily influenced by location, differentiations like these make all the difference.

Operating in Hawaii presents unique logistical challenges, particularly in securing materials and skilled labor.

Recognizing this, Goodfellow Bros. has cultivated strong relationships with its vendors and subcontractors, treating them as strategic partners rather than transactional suppliers.

“We feel that our subcontractors and vendors are a very important part of every job we build, so we treat them as fairly as possible. We want them to be successful too because if they’re not successful, then the project is not successful,” Brown says

The company prioritizes fair treatment and timely payments, ensuring that its partners can maintain operational stability.

One such key partnership is with Pacific Pipe, which supplies underground piping essential for many of Goodfellow Bros.’ infrastructure projects. “Our partnership with them has helped us deliver many of our projects on time,” Brown states.

 By fostering these long-term relationships, the company ensures reliability and efficiency across its projects.

Technology also plays a crucial role in Goodfellow Bros.’ continued success. The company utilizes GPS-guided equipment and 3D modeling software to improve project precision and efficiency.

“Our biggest platform is probably Trimble. We’re able to lay things out with 3D modeling, and we’re able to find problems within the plans with our 3D modeling before we get in the field,” Brown says

By detecting potential design conflicts before breaking ground, platforms like Trimble help minimize costly change orders and delays.

Another key tool is the company’s cost reporting system, Vista, which provides real-time tracking of project expenditures. “We keep track of those costs so we can give feedback to the field about whether or not we’re doing well, or if we need to pick up the pace,” Brown says.

This system enables field teams to monitor progress, adjust workflows, and maintain budget adherence, ensuring financial efficiency across all projects. Because of powerful platforms like Vista, Goodfellow Bros. keeps impeccable track of its cost history and always has enough information to share with people in the field.

Additionally, Goodfellow Bros. has established an Advanced Technology Group dedicated to researching and implementing emerging construction technologies. This team explores artificial intelligence applications, develops proprietary software solutions, and evaluates new methodologies to optimize project execution.

Giving First and Giving to the Future

Beyond its construction projects, Goodfellow Bros. is deeply committed to community engagement.

The company’s Good Deeds Committee spearheads initiatives to give back, whether through financial contributions or hands-on volunteer work.

Employees are encouraged to participate in community service, and the company supports this by offering full-time salaried staff a paid leave program for charitable activities. Goodfellow Bros. also supports local youth sports teams, sponsors scholarships for high school students, and assists with park and playground renovations.

Recent initiatives have included a company-wide blood drive and fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where employees collectively raised funds to send a young leukemia patient to Japan.

“We keep track of all that… I want to ensure that all of my leaders are contributing, because being part of our communities is a real focal point since Hawaii is such a tight community,” Brown states.

This commitment to social responsibility strengthens the company’s ties to the communities it serves and reinforces its role as more than just a construction firm—it is a community partner.

Goodfellow Bros. recognizes that its greatest asset is its people both in the community and within the company. Looking ahead, the company is committed to expanding and strengthening its presence in Hawaii.

With a new generation entering the workforce, the company is focused on providing structured career development plans, mentorship programs, and ongoing training to retain top talent.

A key focus is attracting and retaining local talent, particularly students who leave the islands for education but seek career opportunities back home.

Through targeted outreach, scholarships, and career development programs, the company aims to bring these individuals into its workforce and provide long-term career stability.

“We’ve seen that the younger generation is eager for training and feedback,” Brown says. “They want to know their career path and how they can grow within the company.”

To support this, Goodfellow Bros. conducts extensive internal training programs, supplemented by these external educational opportunities. The company also offers internships in partnership with several colleges and universities, creating a pipeline for future industry leaders.

By investing in people, embracing technology, and maintaining strong industry and community partnerships, Goodfellow Bros. is poised for continued growth and success.

As it enters the next century of operations, the company remains dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient Hawaii—one project at a time.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Goodfellow Bros.
What: A fourth-generation, family-owned heavy civil construction company with over 50 years of experience in Hawaii. Founded in Wenatchee, Washington in 1921.
Where: GBI provides construction services on all major Hawaiian Islands, California, Oregon, and Washington, with corporate offices in Kihei, Maui, and Wenatchee, Washington.
Website: www.goodfellowbros.com