The Vance leadership and office team includes, left to right: Christian Peacock (secretary), Derek Ritarita (president), Jill Kellar (dispatch), Cody Erautt (project manager), Rachel Payne (office manager), Amanda Renna (accounts payable), Richard Kesner (estimator), Izabella Daniello (bid coordinator), and Robert Erautt (vice president).
about what types of jobs to focus on “was really the key to our change in direction and current success,” Ritarita said. “It gave us a jump start in revamping Vance.” The result: the company has expe-
rienced a significant growth in annual revenues during the past four years, stemming both from its targeted focus on local grinding, milling and asphalt overlay projects and the elevation of its equipment rental sector. Annual revenues jumped from $5 million in 2021, to an expected $31 mil- lion in 2024. In 2025, Vance Corporation is projecting it will take in about $50 million in contracted work and equip- ment rentals. Major clients include San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and the City of Hemet.
Another Bump in the Road Despite this growing success, early 2024 brought yet another critical challenge for the company, however. Just as it was moving forward under new leadership
and growing its equipment fleet and union workforce, one of Vance’s asphalt milling machines accidentally caught fire in the Beaumont yard. Te fire spread, burning down the shop and offices. Once again, they were forced to pivot
and adapt. Ritarita credits Redland-based insurance broker Saint Moore Insurance Agency with helping them navigate the challenge, providing Vance with temporary space in their own offices as they located new office space and rebuilt the old. They soon added office space in a
small nearby strip mall and are currently rebuilding their original equipment yard and offices. Even in the face of this tem- porary setback, the company continues to grow, adding key members to its team in 2024.
Valuing the Team Now staffed by more than a dozen office employees and approximately 60 union workers in the field, Vance Corporation maintains its tight-knit, family-oriented
atmosphere. Employees share a vision for success and an optimistic attitude that has kept the team united no matter what obstacles come their way. “A lot of us grew up together, and going
through all of this together, it just seems like nothing can keep us down,” Ritarita said. “We value everybody on our team, and we take care of each other. I think that is what sets us apart. I try to ensure everyone feels appreciated, and we keep that positive attitude moving forward.” Tis shared attitude, strong teamwork and bond among employees and manage- ment, and the company’s ability to find a new niche have all contributed to Vance Corporation’s success over the last four years. For his part, Ritarita said failure was not something he ever really considered. “Te biggest thing for me is I don’t like losing,” he said. “I don’t like getting bucked off bulls, I don’t like losing, and I don’t give up. I want to do the best I can in whatever I do. Our team clearly feels the same way.”
CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
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