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Kevin Abrew: Old-Fashioned Values

By Suzanne Carroll

DUBLIN — Kevin Abrew started his own construction company when he was 19 years old—a logical step for an entrepreneurial young man who had been working on construction sites since he was pulling nails at age 12. The problem was the stiff competition from another local contractor: his father. “My dad and I eventually realized it was silly to be bidding on the same jobs,” he explains. “So, we decided to combine forces and started working together.”

In the early years of their partnership, there was a noticeable generation gap. “I remember trying to talk my dad into getting nail guns and paint sprayers when they first came out,” says Kevin. “I tried to convince him we’d be saving time and money, but he was committed to doing things the old-fashioned way.” Despite their different approaches, the Abrew men managed to cultivate a respectful working relationship. As the years passed, Kevin assumed more managerial responsibilities and took over the company after his father’s retirement in 2002. Today, he operates Abrew Repair and Construction with his wife, Shannon.

Kevin doesn’t shy away from challenging projects. In fact, he takes great pride in solving problems that other contractors say are impossible. “Recently, we had a client who wanted to remove a 23-foot-long wall,” he recounts. “Two other contractors said it couldn’t be done. I said, ‘That’s not a problem, we’ll put in a steel beam.’ The client was amazed. No one else was willing to work with steel. We’re happy to put in the extra effort to get clients what they want.”

For Kevin, providing top-notch customer service goes hand-in-hand with his faith. “Ethics and morals are very important to how we operate as a company,” he explains. “In practice, this means listening to the client and doing whatever we can to set things right. Renovating a home is stressful and sometimes people get emotional, but we always approach every client with dignity and respect, no matter what.”

Kevin was born and raised in Dublin, California, and he bought his first house just down the street from his parents. “The Bay Area is home for me,” he says. “It’s a great location with perfect weather, and we’re so close to the mountains, the city and wine country. Everything that I like to do with my family is nearby.”

Kevin, Shannon and their two daughters participate in a variety of sports. “We like to stay involved by coaching our daughters’ teams. Right now, the girls are doing softball, soccer, football, competition dance and karate. It’s a pretty full schedule!” The Abrews also enjoy traveling, which is something Kevin hopes to do more of once he retires. “We’d love to visit England and Ireland, but I think our first stop would be Disney World.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “Back to the Future.”

Q: What was your first car?
A: A Pontiac Sunbird.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
A: Donuts.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music, especially Christian music.