In his own words: Reno contractor Dennis Banks

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position.

Dennis Banks: I own multiple businesses in addition to Dennis Banks Construction, including Napa Sonoma Grocery Company and Banks Hinckley LLC. I rely on great people to do their jobs well and I make myself available 24/7 to provide guidance. I also make it a priority to visit job sites daily to ensure that customers are being taken care of.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Banks: My dad was a contractor, so I grew up around construction. I used to work for him when I was young.

NNBW: Your career in construction spans three decades. What’s the most important thing you have learned in that time?

Banks: You can go broke saving money!

NNBW: What strategies did you employ to survive the recession?

Banks: Some of our local clients are based elsewhere, and until a few years ago we had declined going out of state for work. As I saw the potential for the economy to decline rapidly in Reno, it looked like it was time to entertain opportunities in other states. We expanded into Oregon and California.

NNBW: Is there one job in particular of which you are most proud?

Banks: The Cashell Field House for Chris Ault at the University of Nevada, Reno.

NNBW: What was the most difficult job you ever undertook in northern Nevada?

Banks: Shortly after I got my contractor’s license I installed the escalators in the Old Town Mall. That project still stands as one of the most challenging.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Banks: My first job as a contractor was installing a skylight on Skyline Drive for Mrs. Bland. My first job outside of the construction industry occurred just recently when I opened Napa Sonoma Grocery Company in the Plumgate Center.

NNBW: What’s your dream job?

Banks: Major League pitching coach. I actually train a few major league pitchers before spring training each year but, that’s a tough job to get full time.

NNBW: What’s the most fun you have had on the job?

Banks: Building the Acura Dealership for my friend Michael Cho was a lot of fun because it was exciting to be part of bringing such a successful out-of-market franchise to Reno.

NNBW: What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Banks: My dad said if you get every job you bid you will go broke.