1975
The Big Move
Bill Butler moved West from NY in 1975; created W. L. Butler and focuses on small residential remodels and insurance work.
History in the Making
Treat people right. Stand by your work. Live by your word. These values have shaped our history and always will. For 49 years, W. L. Butler has approached every project with a focus on safety, quality, collaboration and fairness. From our start in fire re-construction to today’s multifaceted approach, every project shares the same commitment to excellence.
1980 - 1985
W. L. Butler, Inc.
W. L. Butler, Inc. establishes its first office at 32 Willow with 5 Team Members. Continuing to focus on residential remodels and fire jobs, sales reached $288,000.
1985
Beyond a Million
The first retail center, Ellinwood Center, in Pleasant Hill was completed and we broke ground on Bay Street Apartments in Fremont. Sales reached $2.5M with 35 Team Members.
1985 - 1990
On To Retail
WLB signs its first major retail client (Mervyn's) in 1987. Revenue reaches $7.5M and the team grew to 99 members.
1985 - 1990
Residential Milestone
The WLB Team completes its first subdivision, Greenhouse Gardens. W. L. Butler moves to 204 Franklin and the WLB LT is established with Bill, Frank, Dave & Gina.
1990
Christmas in April
WLB participated in it's first community service project - Christmas in April (later known as Rebuilding Together). The WLB Team has grown to 140 and sales reached $20M.
1990 - 1995
Big Moves
WLB opens its first SoCal office in Irvine. WLB was awarded it's first Target and Costco projects and we completed the first tilt-up (OSH). Abbott Labs was the largest WLB project ($18M) completed.
1995 - 2000
Big Projects Big Growth
W. L. Butler Construction, Inc. is formally incorporated. Frank 'becomes' the Bus Driver' and Larry Wilson is the first TM to celebrate 20 years at W. L. Butler.
2000 - 2005
Venturing East
We survived the Dot Com crash. WLB opens a new office in Stockton. Annual sales exceeds $200M.
2005 - 2010
Change is in the Air
The WLB team celebrates 30 yrs in business and heads out on the first Project Road Trip. The Great Recession hit. The WLB Team adjusts and Public Works becomes 20% of company volume.
2015
Let the Celebration Begin
The WLB Team celebrates our 40th Anniversary in business. The company reaches $3B in sales from 1975 and is licensed to work in 10 states
2020
Shelter-in-Place
The WLB Team remains steadfast, conducting business Safely, remotely, and vigilantly, adjusting to new rules and regulations as needed.
2023
Moving Forward
Construction continued to recover from the economic downturn due to the pandemic and the year successfully ended with 200 Team Members and $350M in sales.
