Glen/Mar's History
Glen & Mary Brown, the company's name sake, established the business in 1985 with no capital, no credit and a deep seeded desire to succeed. Prior to that, Glen was a sole proprietor drywall subcontractor in the Portland Metro Area. In the early years, and while operating out of their home, Glen/Mar performed mostly small residential and light commercial tenant improvement projects. While Glen was working in the field, Mary, while raising two small children at home, handled the books and administrative requirements of the company.
Over the years, Glen/Mar's project portfolio began to expand into larger scale projects consisting of both new construction and renovation projects. These projects included the residential, multi-family and commercial sectors. As the company continued to grow, so did the eventual need for independent office space, from that of their personal home. In 1999, Glen/Mar moved their company operations outside of their personal residence and their son, Andy, joined the Glen/Mar team full-time after graduating from the University of Oregon.
In 2004, Glen made the strategic decision to focus the company's efforts into the Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business program as a result of Glen's service connected disability from his combat service in the Vietnam War. As a result of Glen's decision, Glen/Mar's growth grew at an exponential rate. Growing from a true "Mom & Pop" company of 3-4 employees, to a company that now operates throughout the entire west coast, including Alaska and Nevada, employing over 30 full-time employees.
On December 22, 2010, Glen suddenly and unexpectedly passed away, as a direct result from the combat wounds he received while serving in Vietnam. Glen/Mar has been a labor of love for both Glen & Mary, and a company they built on the foundation of hard work, integrity & compassion. Success for Glen was not defined by profitability, but rather the opportunity the company could provide to and for others.
Upon the passing of Glen, Mary assumed the role as President of Glen/Mar, and what is believed to be the first "Surviving Spouse" to be verified and certified within the SDVOSB program. Mary, along with her son Andy Brown, have carried on the path and principles paved by Glen and have continued the growth and service of Glen/Mar Construction.