"We don't specialize in one particular thing because to be good in this industry, you have to be able to build anything," says Tony. "We've been fortunate to have great materials and wonderful projects."

He and his son manage projects from Montecito to Santa Maria, from custom high-end residential to commercial offices and medical facilities, including the Santa Maria Airport, the City of Lompoc offices and the new Chumash Tribal Hall and Health Clinic. Urquidez Construction was honored last summer with the Spirit of Small Business Award, a coveted prize bestowed on worthy North Santa Barbara County companies.

Chris Urquidez was an Agri-Business major at Cal Poly and didn't plan on going into business with his father, "but he made me an offer, and I wanted to move back to the valley. That was where I wanted to be, and it was a great opportunity." There is a younger brother, Aaron, still at Cal Poly, his future career as yet undecided-but the family business could grow larger.

This fall, Urquidez will operate from their new Los Olivos office. "We built it from the ground up, and we're pretty proud of that," says Chris.

"Our new building includes different finishes, trims, and colors so clients will be able to see exactly how their ideas will look. We're excited about being a part of this valley, as the valley grows."