Interview with Vic and Pete Cornelier

Commercial Construction: Elevate the Industry

Dave Procida, host of the new podcast series “Commercial Construction, Elevate the Industry” shares his experiences in all phases of commercial construction. His personal insight and interviews with industry leaders will help everyone from owner to intern, better understand the industry by seeing it through the eyes of those who continue to shape it. This powerful combination of real-life information will empower you to create your best path forward in the industry.
Victor and Peter Cornellier, Board Chairman and Operating President respectively, guide and manage their powerful, regional “building envelope” contracting business. TSI Corporation (TSI), established in 1977, specializes in the design, engineering and installation of building envelope glass systems. TSI has completed 600 projects in the greater Washington DC/Baltimore markets. They target Class A office, healthcare / hospitals, higher education, sports facilities, mixed-use communities, and exterior renovations. Over the past 5 years, the company's focus has been on design assist projects within these sectors, accounting for nearly 90% of their projects. Vic, the founder of TSI over 40 years ago, discusses some important lessons learned while building - and rebuilding his business. He shares his successes and mistakes, especially when it relates to taking on partners. Pete, Vic’s oldest son, talks about his role as a second-generation leader and the challenges he faces in the future, including filling the shoes of his father. Together, Vic and Pete discuss how their business model has evolved, the issues faced by family-owned businesses, the value of relationships, and why their succession plan is working, beating the odds against a successful 2nd generation business. No matter what your industry role is today, hearing their story will enable you to see the business through the eyes of a hugely successful contractor. If you’re working in the glazing or related business, or for any family business, this episode is a “must see”.