search.noResults

search.searching

saml.title
dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
IN SP IRING COMPAN Y


Vance Corporation Offers Inspiring Lesson on the Power of Perseverance


BY CAROL EATON M 10


any companies might have simply closed their doors in the face of the large-scale


challenges that Beaumont-based Vance Corporation has endured during the past few years. First there was the unexpected death of the company’s longtime president, Verner Tomas, in 2021, requiring a rapid change in leadership and a major update to its contractor’s license as well as shoring up bonding and surety services to remain operational. Tree years later, a fire burned down its Beaumont offices, displacing office staff and destroying key equipment.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025


Rather than fold in the face of such adversity, however, this longtime AGC of California member general engineering contractor chose to rebuild, regroup, and ultimately expand and grow. The company’s story offers an inspiring and instructional lesson about the power of perseverance, the strength of industry collaboration, and the importance of maintaining a “never quit” mentality. At the crux of Vance’s success today


is a tight-knit team of loyal and dedicat- ed office and field employees, many of whom hold ownership stakes in the 100% employee-owned firm. Te team is led by


35-year company veteran Derek Ritarita, who took over as president after Tomas passed, and Robert Erautt, a seven-year Vance employee and 30-year construc- tion industry veteran, who serves as vice president. Together they have provided steady leadership and a new direction for Vance Corporation that has helped the company navigate through some of its most daunting challenges.


From Professional Bull Rider to Company President Ritarita was just out of high school and working the rodeo circuit as a professional


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28