The name Hummel Construction and Development is fitting, given that the Kennewick-based general contracting company was founded by James and Sherry Hummel, but another similar-sounding name could be fitting, too: “humble.”
That’s because Hummel – which largely focuses on commercial development – does its best to shine the light on clients and not itself. The company only relatively recently began putting up Hummel signs at its construction sites, for example.
“We’re proud of what we do and we’re proud of our team,” and the place they want that to show through is in the work, said Corey Chandler, general manager.
James Hummel agreed. For the company, it comes down to relationships.
“That’s what we decided our path was going to be – we were going to build relationships with clients through open communication, trust, integrity and accountability,” he said.
“We take a lot of take a lot of pride in making sure we’re always (doing right by them).”
‘Pleasure to work with’
Hummel Construction and Development has completed some significant projects in the Tri-Cities since it opened in 2018, from custom homes to agriculture buildings to the area’s Flex Space Business Centers to Fable restaurant.
The company typically uses a design-build process that’s more streamlined for clients. Through that model, Hummel acts as the main point of contact, working with the architect and subcontractors to get good deals and deliver what the client wants.
The company has earned a reputation for being straightforward, professional and responsive.
Steve Whinery, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities in Kennewick, spoke highly about Hummel Construction in information submitted to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business about the church’s recent addition.
Hummel was the general contractor for a project that added a new sanctuary and fellowship hall to the church at 10611 W. Clearwater Ave.
He said the Hummel team was “a pleasure to work with,” charged reasonable prices and had a service-oriented attitude.
He’d recommend the company to anyone looking to build, he said.
‘There aren’t a lot of bad days’
James and Sherry Hummel both have extensive experience in construction.
For James Hummel, it’s a line of work that runs in the family, although it wasn’t always a given that he’d pursue it as his own career.
“I played sports in college, and I felt like that was my thing until it wasn’t,” James Hummel said. He enjoyed being outdoors and physically working, and he eventually determined that the business was the right fit for him.
Sherry Hummel, meanwhile, played soccer at Columbia Basin College in Pasco and earned a business degree from Central Washington University.
She found work in the construction industry after college and never looked back.
“It’s really cool to see projects progress. I like job costing and making sure you bid on projects, seeing where you’re at with the project, if you’re on budget. I’ve always enjoyed it,” she said. “When I met James, it was like, ‘This is perfect. We have the same interests.’”
The couple settled in the Tri-Cities, where Sherry is from, and James Hummel worked for other construction outfits before he and Sherry went out on their own.
Chandler came on board as general manager about 3 ½ years ago.
The Hummel team now has about a dozen people, including project managers, superintendents and carpenters. The company also has a college intern.
Hummel Construction moved into its new headquarters off West Hood Avenue in Kennewick this summer.
The building includes a roomy conference room for design-building meetings, and an open work area that encourages collaboration.
James Hummel said it’s gratifying to watch his team work together and learn from each other – and to be doing work they love for the community.
“When you have a roomful of people who ultimately are self-accountable, there aren’t a lot of bad days. We’re always looking to help each other be better,” he said. “I think that’s a really big part of what we’ve established, what we’ve built together as a team. You come to work every day and you’re excited to be in that environment.”
And helping to shape the community feels good, Sherry Hummel added.
“I like how many different projects we have. I love the team that we have. We have a great group of people who come to work and challenge each other. It makes me want to be better as well,” she said. “Being in this community and watching it grow” is special.