The key leadership at TRICON Construction LLC includes (from left) Michael Gagliardi, Director of Construction; Leo Couchara, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; and Richard Carlucci, Vice President.

Planet Fitness is the first project where TRICON Construction LLC manufactured the fixtures. The company created and now offers a package for every element either built-in or seen on the walls.

It is all in the name. Born from a focus on Total Retail Installations and CONstruction, TRICON Construction LLC (TRICON) was founded in 2003 as a subsidiary of T.C. Millwork (T.C.)—a full-service manufacturer of store fixtures and architectural millwork offering functional, flexible, quality and affordable merchandising solutions to commercial clients.

Richard “Rich” Carlucci began his career working for T.C. in 1999 as an installation manager. In only a few short years, Owners (and brothers) Dennis and Art Kubach asked Rich to branch out and develop construction services for the millwork and fixtures that T.C. manufactures. Thus, TRICON was established to achieve this growth goal.

Today, Rich is Vice President of TRICON and remains committed to fulfilling the company’s mission to develop meaningful and lasting relationships with clients through a foundation rooted in results-driven leadership. After nearly two decades in business, TRICON’s promise that “Our business is to build your business” remains evident in its role supporting its clients’ growth goals.

TRICON offers renovations and expansion services, new construction and infrastructure upgrades. Rich says, “Although we started out as retail only, we now do health and recreation centers, which we really enjoy and is a market we intend to continue growing.” The company not only functions as a general contractor but also provides clients with options for prefabricated items that are typically built using framing and drywall. Rich explains, “This is an economical and time-friendly alternative.” TRICON also has a separate retail fixtures installation division.

Although based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company has served clients in 48 states. Starting out, TRICON began installing fixtures that its parent company manufactured, but it has expanded to serve other manufacturers. TRICON clients include Planet Fitness, Sheetz, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. “The fixture and furniture installations division (which includes racks, tables, wall displays and built-in cabinetry) now comprises approximately 20-25% of our business every year,” Rich says. He anticipates this division will continue to grow based on the company’s recent experience providing built-out projects—completing the design, constructing the space and manufacturing, shipping, staging and installing the fixtures—to provide a one-stop shop.

Whatever It Takes Mentality

TRICON recently completed a major remodeling project for Macy’s Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio. The company was hired to focus on the “center court,” which Rich describes as the central spine of the store. The project involved renovation of the cosmetics, fragrance and jewelry departments. The client originally indicated the timeline was six months to complete the project. “A few days into the project, the client told me they had a change in plans and needed the project complete in three months. I knew what I had to do.” The next week, Rich settled into an apartment in Columbus, minutes away from the work site. “The Macy’s project manager and I worked many hours on this project. I was never asked to move to the site, I just did it because I knew it was what the project required. We accelerated the schedule and extended the phasing into seven distinct parts.”

The final project transformed 20,000 square feet. of space with new flooring, electrical, plumbing and fixtures. “I was called to Macy’s corporate offices to celebrate our success. It was an exceptionally proud moment for our company to receive this recognition.”

Rich says that a common concern with retail remodels is the potential negative impact on sales. However, Macy’s sales in this location actually increased during the renovation, according to Rich. “Being on-site meant that I could ensure things went smoothly. I flew my wife and daughter to visit instead of coming home every weekend. That is what that job required, so I didn’t hesitate.”

Flexing a New Muscle

In 2016, TRICON completed its first Planet Fitness remodeling project. It included: demolition; mechanical, electrical and plumbing; flooring; facade; storefront; and wall installations. The Planet Fitness brand includes many specialty elements for the front desk, bathrooms, soffits, etc. This was the first project where TRICON created a pre-manufactured millwork package.

“I reviewed the plans and saw these three-dimensional gear elements on the walls. We decided to create them ourselves. After that, we looked at the other prefabrication items like the reception desk and pizza counter. We then prepared a prefabrication package including everything they would need for their clubs moving forward.”

Today, any Planet Fitness can purchase the TRICON fixtures package regardless of who the general contractor is on the job. Planet Fitness has a corporate arm and has many franchisees. TRICON has recently started working with one of the franchise groups and hopes to continue expanding into relationships with other franchisees.

The retail market experienced some instability during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Rich is grateful for his growing relationships in the health, wellness and fitness sector. To date, the company has worked on numerous Planet Fitness facilities across the country.

Clients Come First

Continuing the commitment to clients from his time learning at T.C. Millwork, Rich focuses on making clients feel special. He notes, “We don’t ever ask a client to wait for an answer. We treat our clients like we treat our staff—like family.” Rich is quick to reference an impromptu example representing this culture when he recently took an administrative staff member with him to a client meeting. “She was fantastic and began to talk spontaneously about what makes TRICON special. It was so authentic and compelling because she believed what she was saying. That’s only possible if we have a good culture and take care of our people.”

The seamless integration of TRICON into a retailer’s team is also attributed to the company’s culture. Rich describes how the team functions as a tight-knit family. “Everybody does what they have to do. Although my right-hand guy, Michael Gagliardi, has been with me for about five years, nearly everyone else who works here has been with us for more than 10. I think it’s because our team enjoys what we do. We keep it fun while we work hard and always do what it takes to get it done.”

Rich tries to lead by example and his mantra of “doing whatever it takes” means that without being asked, he takes on the hard tasks first to set the way for his team. He also incorporates an understanding that people need to have time outside of work as well. “Achieving that balance is really critical to keeping employees happy,” he says.

The same mentality holds true with the company’s client philosophy, which has paid off in repeat work from several top name retailers, including Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. The company has built a strong reputation within the retail marketplace regarding installation of custom millwork and providing entire store rollouts. TRICON’s ability to seamlessly manage manufacturers, shipping and installation teams ensures adherence to schedule and budget.

Slow and steady wins the race, and Rich is looking to maintain a slow growth mentality in the future. With a full-time staff of 25, the company keeps its employees long term because even though the demands of the job are heavy, the rewards are clear. The ‘TC’ in the TRICON logo pays homage to its roots—a foundation of consistently rising to the challenge.