Through problem-solving, craftsmanship, and accountability, Marous Brothers is building lifelong partnerships
As an award-winning, multi-generational commercial construction firm, Marous Brothers Construction (Marous Brothers) has built a reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and quality since its founding in 1980. While the company has grown substantially over the years, its mission remains the same: preserve the past while building a better future, for clients, employees, and communities.
We recently caught up with Adelbert ‘Chip’ Marous, CEO and President, to discuss the company’s growth, structure, and what’s ahead.
“When my brother Scott and I started the company, we were small carpentry and home remodeling contractors,” Chip recalls. “As we took on more general
contracting and large wood projects, we naturally expanded into commercial construction. Today, Marous Brothers is structured around four core building groups, each tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.”
A structure built for versatility
Led by an in-house team of architects, the company’s design-build group provides a seamless integration of design and construction, allowing projects to move efficiently from concept to completion.
The construction management team, on the other hand, offers full-service oversight, managing a diverse range of commercial projects with a focus on quality, timelines, and budget alignment.
As the company’s largest sector, the multifamily housing division focuses on market rate, affordable, senior, and student housing, addressing critical community needs while delivering long-term value to developers.
Lastly, the special projects group focuses on specializing in detail-oriented, fast-track projects typically valued at $5 million and under. These projects may be smaller in scale but demand a high level of coordination, precision, and responsiveness.
Additionally, Marous Brothers operates two self-performing divisions: carpentry and interior finishes, and site group. The carpentry and interior finishes division handles both rough and finish carpentry, as well as metal stud framing and drywall installation, enhancing both quality control and schedule efficiency. The site group was established by Chip’s brother Kenny in 1997, and focuses on site work and civil infrastructure, supporting both internal and external partners.
People first, always
“Today, we have about 170 employees in the office and 250 in the field,” Chip says. “Many have grown with us, from carpenters to foremen, superintendents, and now project managers or estimators.”
This focus on growth from within has helped define the company’s culture. “Our greatest strength is our ability to problem-solve,” Chip continues. “Unlike some large contractors who rely on architects for solutions or issue change orders, we take a proactive approach. We come to the table with answers, not problems.”
That approach has earned loyalty. Roughly 80 percent of the company’s projects are negotiated, and 70 percent of its revenue comes from returning clients, some of whom have partnered with the firm for over 35 years.
“In the last four years, we’ve seen 15-to-20 percent growth year over year, thanks to developers and clients who consistently tell us we operate differently and more effectively than other contractors, that’s why we’re now taking on projects across the US.
A legacy 45 years in the making
“After 45 years, it’s been an amazing journey,” Chip reflects. “My brother Scott is retired, and Kenny is set to retire this year. As for me, I have no plans to step away. I love the work and the people I get to work with every day.”
That loyalty runs both ways. The company boasts an average senior staff tenure of 22 years, and the first employee they ever hired is still on the team, celebrating his 42nd year.
“The ‘Marous Way’ is our foundation,” Chip explains. “It’s about consistency, how we operate, communicate, and deliver across every group and every project.”
Celebrating 45 years
Celebrating 45 years To mark this impressive milestone, Marous Brothers has launched a year-long anniversary campaign. “We’ve held a few events already, but we’re planning a big celebration at the end of the year with our team,” Chip shares. “We also host regular Friday cookouts and monthly get-togethers at the office – it’s just part of who we are.”
On social media, the company is sharing throwback photos and historical stories, charting its rise from a two-man carpentry outfit to a nationally recognized construction firm. “It’s been an incredible journey. When Scott and I started, I was 19 and he was 22. We never imagined this, but the sky’s the limit.
“Ultimately, it all comes down to our people. My job is to manage risk and create opportunities. Watching our team rise to the occasion, take on new responsibilities, and push the company forward is definitely the most rewarding part.”
Building the future
Marous Brothers has delivered countless standout projects across the country, earning the trust of repeat clients and solidifying its reputation as a leader in design-build construction.
Chip highlights one of the latest achievements at Purdue University: “We just attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the mayor. It’s our eighth or ninth project with American Campus Communities.”
The project, 3rd & West Student Housing, is a $95 million, 325,000-square-foot development that brings 637 beds to campus. Designed with the modern student in mind, it features top-tier amenities like fitness centers, golf simulators, and beautifully designed shared spaces. “It’s incredible how far student housing has come,” Chip reflects. “The building is already filling up.”
Meanwhile, the company’s design-build group recently completed the $90 million transformation of the historic Cleveland Hotel, a project that blends preservation and innovation in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
“The focus was to honor the hotel’s past while delivering a modern, high-end guest experience for the future,” Chip explains.
“Time and time again, projects for repeat clients lead us straight into the next opportunity. That’s the ultimate endorsement,” says Chip. “Our model is simple: do great work, build trust, and let success create the next opportunity.”
The Marous Way forward
After 45 years, Marous Brothers continues to prove that sustainable growth isn’t won by the lowest bid – it’s earned by trust. Anchored by the ‘Marous Way,’ the firm converts delivery into loyalty, and loyalty into opportunity. With new projects on the horizon and a strong team in place, the formula for the future remains unchanged: ‘Solve problems. Deliver quality. Be invited back.’