With about 80% of its work coming from repeat clients, Bouten Construction Co. continues to make an impact in the Inland Northwest.

The Spokane-based contractor has experienced considerable growth in recent years, including a 75% increase in employees since 2021 — from about 80 to 140 — and roughly 5% revenue growth each year during the same period.

Founded in 1944, Bouten, which also has a Tri-Cities office, serves Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and northeastern Oregon. The construction company’s work spans across sectors including health care, multifamily, civic, education, and nonprofit.

Recent projects involving Bouten include Riverview Retirement Community’s planned $99 million expansion, the first phase of Providence Heart Institute’s $42 million modernization project, and Spokane International Airport’s $37 million administrative building.

How has the organization adapted or innovated in the past year? Like many in our industry, technology has had a profound effect on our business. What we’ve realized, though, is that with the preponderance of offerings, including a push toward artificial intelligence, it was more prudent to make an effort to streamline our systems — which include accounting, surveying, and estimating software — than go all in on the next big thing. We hired a director of performance and innovation last year to help lead us through this process.

What future plans does the organization have for innovation? The key is to understand which technology and what innovation is best for our clients. Knowing what will provide the best value, the safest jobsite, and the most effective and efficient way to build will guide all of our decisions.

In what ways does your organization give back to the community? We’ve recently launched a program we’re calling InstaGrant. Our employees now have a direct say in who they want to support. Each month, they vote on who will receive a $1,000 mini grant and are also given opportunities to participate directly through their time and expertise.

Survey responses may have been edited for length and clarity.