“My business philosophy is anchored with the idea that if you surround yourself with quality people who have a desire to succeed the common goal is achievable and the results will be outstanding.” A point of pride for Mr. Argo is that most of the company’s employees have been together for 18 or more years. “It just backs up the thought that a commitment to growth and quality extends past the business and enriches all of our lives and the communities we are part of.”
Terry C. Argo was born July 20, 1949. The son of a contractor, the grandson of a master carpenter, he experienced many aspects of the construction business from an early age. During the summers he worked as a laborer and advanced through the carpentry trade to the point of running and supervising crews. He attended Minor High School (’67) and the University of Montevallo (’71). Mr. Argo served in the United States Army from 1971 until January 1974 completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. In February of 1974 Mr. Argo opened his own company; he began working as a subcontractor for Osborn General Contractors Inc. where his father was a partner. Osborn’s focus was residential and commercial remodeling and light industrial renovations.
Mr. Argo spent eight years in the field as a small remodeling contractor who preformed most of the work himself; as he grew in size, he added a small staff of in house tradesmen. His previous work experience included operating a cabinet shop, as well as a metal fabrication shop, and intensive training in residential and commercial remodeling. A strong influence also came from doing out sourced maintenance and repair services for Continental Can Corporation Inc when they needed it done on an emergency basis. In the late seventies the decision was made to become a full time General Contractor and focus completely on commercial work while maintaining the company’s specialty of remodeling and retrofit. Argo Building Company formally incorporated in 1979 and initial jobs focused on restaurants and retail work. While cold canvassing local architectural firms, a suggestion was strongly made that the new company should pursue work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Taking that suggestion to heart Argo began the process of acclimating to the State Bid format. After a year, and many attempts, the first bid was obtained in 1979 for less than $10,000.00. Since that time the company has completed over 350 individual projects for the University with an approximate total volume of $ 85 million dollars. Today, Argo Building Company still focuses on hospital work, but has expanded to include school systems, public works buildings, retail, and industrial projects. In the coming years Mr. Argo wants to see the company grow at a measured pace with a short term goal of 60 to 80 million a year in volume.
On a personal level, Terry is an avid outdoorsman, who loves to hunt and fish. His other interests include, travel, photography, and learning about and collecting wine.