Started in 1947 by Ray and his wife Ruby, three generations have grown it from a small construction company building residential homes to a major contracting business, managing large-scale industry, farm and municipal projects in the state of Washington. ​

Though they’ve survived seven decades in a competitive field, the decision to keep the business in the family hasn’t always been an easy one. ​

When Ray passed away on Christmas 1978, the company had $2 million in work left on the books. Doug and Dennis, Ray’s sons, vowed to complete the projects and then decide if they wanted to continue. ​

Ruby and her sons struggled to convince the bank and bonding company that they were still viable but Valerie, Dennis’s wife, had the confidence they needed to carry on. In the 1980s, with the addition of industrial maintenance services and more employees, they were able to increase their volume while still staying firmly local, servicing their neighbors in Kennewick and surrounding areas.

​ They also suffered a blow in 2003, when Doug passed away. But the family came together once again, and continued the business in tribute to their loved ones.

​ It’s these kinds of values that has kept Ray Poland & Sons successful, and truly a family business. They pride themselves in bringing projects in on time, under budget, and treating their customers like family. All their advertising has been strictly word-of-mouth – referrals from satisfied customers. ​

And their customers are, in fact, their neighbors. Dennis jokes that if you put a quarter on the map, everyone who falls within the circle is a client of Ray Poland & Sons – or will be someday. ​

What Ray said decades ago still applies today: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.. but Ray Poland wasn’t the contractor.” Contact Ray Poland & Sons and experience the difference seven decades of success can make for you.