Spotlight On: Raigan Stokes, Head of Marketing and Business Development, CONAR Building Group
July 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Raigan Stokes, head of marketing and business development at CONAR Building Group, discussed the strategic motivations behind the company’s rebranding. Stokes highlighted a significant 60,000-square-foot multidisciplinary medical office building, the first phase of the 30-acre Grand Cypress Medical Pavilions in Cypress, Texas. She also underscored the company’s focus on maintaining robust client relationships as top priorities for future growth.
What motivated the branding transition to CONAR Building Group?
We’ve grown exponentially in the past few years, and we thought it was the right time to rebrand into a strong, recognizable brand as we enter bigger markets and compete with larger companies. We wanted to create a strong, secure symbol for our company moving forward. We’ve been in business for 15 years, and this rebranding was a way to rethink and strengthen our brand.
What would you say sets CONAR Building Group apart from the competition?
We are a family-owned and operated company, which is a key aspect. When you call us, you talk to a person, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks like it might with a larger company. Additionally, we specialize in healthcare; 90% of our work is healthcare-related. This specialization is something our clients, especially professionals experienced in healthcare real estate, appreciate. They value our deep knowledge and expertise in the healthcare sector and how this allows us to anticipate challenges that are unique to healthcare construction. We take a proactive approach.
What impact will the 60,000 square foot MOB in Cypress have on the local community?
This medical building project will significantly impact the Cypress community by providing access to healthcare and creating high-paying jobs. The building will be a beautiful landmark that is visible from the highway, contributing to the local landscape. It’s part of a larger 30-acre development, which will bring additional healthcare services and jobs to the area. We’re very proud to be a part of the team.
Is CONAR Building Group looking to expand in the Texas market?
Absolutely, especially in the Houston area. We’ve received many requests to work on projects similar in size to the Cypress development. A banker I spoke with mentioned that the surrounding suburbs of Houston are experiencing rapid growth. We are looking into establishing a greater presence in Houston, and that’s currently in the works.
With healthcare being a critical sector in Houston, where are you seeing opportunities for growth?
Our primary focus will remain on healthcare, as it’s our specialty and a sector that’s continually growing. With the population and demographics trends, especially the 60-plus age group, healthcare demand will continue rising. While I assume there might be an uptick in demand for retail and industrial, our expertise and efforts will stay concentrated on the healthcare sector. That being said, we are seeing a continued demand in MOBs and outpatient sites, specifically.
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How are economic challenges impacting CONAR Building Group’s projects?
Compared to 2020, the current supply chain issues are minor. We’ve learned to predict and incorporate these supply chain delays into our schedules now. In 2020, we didn’t plan for such long lead times, but we’ve adapted. If we can predict it, we can manage it. Price increases aren’t ideal, but if we can inform the client beforehand, it’s manageable. We’ve seen a decrease in pricing volatility as we distance ourselves from the pandemic . As prices have stabilized, we are able to more easily plan and execute projects for our customers.
What is your assessment of the labor pool in Greater Houston?
Labor shortages are still a challenge. Everyone wants highly experienced workers, but we’ve focused on developing our workforce by pairing less experienced individuals who have potential with our seasoned employees. This helps us cultivate a skilled workforce for our future. It’s a significant issue across industries, not just construction. We invest in our people, educating and developing them to become valuable employees.
Are there partnerships in place to help develop the workforce?
We have discussed partnerships. We have spoken to high school career centers and community colleges about taking students who aren’t planning to attend a four year college. A college degree can be very helpful in certain careers, but it is not always necessary. Construction offers great career paths without the burden of student loans. We have considered taking part in programs sending high-school graduates and other interested young professionals to job sites and developing them into skilled employees. This is something we’re actively exploring.
What is your outlook for CONAR Building Group and its top priorities and goals for the next two to three years?
The outlook is promising. Our priorities include continuing to work with and nurture our existing client relationships and aiming for growth. We have an 11% revenue growth projected for the next year, and I believe we can exceed that. Safety is a top priority, so we’re focusing on developing and evolving our safety program. Labor development is also crucial, as well as improving our efficiency and communication.
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