Brilliant thoughts have long been rumored to be scribbled down on a cocktail napkin. Such was the case when Tom Baker Sr., Chairman of the Board at C.D. Smith Construction, and Ron Sadoff, CEO and third-generation owner of Badger Liquor, got together in 2001 and discussed his need for more space. Before the night was over, a sketch of a new 56,000-square-foot addition was drawn on a napkin, signed and sealed by a gentlemen's handshake.
Steel was ordered the next day, and the warehouse was fully functional in just two months. To this day, that framed cocktail napkin hangs in Tom Baker Sr.'s office as a reminder of the relationship built between these two multi-generational, Wisconsin-based family businesses.
In 2020, Badger Liquor, Wisconsin's largest wine and spirits distributor, grew again and needed additional space at their Fond du Lac location. Without hesitation, they approached C.D. Smith Construction as a trusted partner.
PHASE I of the upgrades began. However, this time, cocktail napkin sketches would be replaced with animated 3D renderings. Phase I consisted of a 145,000 SF concrete and steel building that would house products and a cutting-edge conveyor system for loading distribution.
The upgrades also included a receiving bay and space for drivers to take a rest while their trucks were loaded, which dual-served as a break area for warehouse staff throughout the day and night. An office area was also included for supervisors and managers to meet with employees and ensure operations ran smoothly.
C.D. Smith self-performed the footings and foundations, floor slabs, masonry, structural steel/joists install, carpentry, finished carpentry, doors, dock levelers and hardware.
PHASE II of this project began in 2022 and consisted of a print room and office additions. The C.D. Smith team performed everything from the concrete and steel to the brickwork and finishes.
Additionally, in 2022, ground broke on brand-new, state-of-the-art distribution centers to meet company growth. The distribution centers included exterior loading, interior loading, surface parking, administrative offices and driver lounge areas.
Six Badger Liquor locations now serve Wisconsin, with nearly 500 people working state-wide.
"We trust C.D. Smith with more than just renovations and new builds. It is a relationship with a trusted partner, forged in friendship, often over cocktails, that we have been building through the years, and it continues to this day," says Lacey Sadoff, Badger Liquor's President & Owner. "C.D. Smith understands our fast-paced business and the urgency to keep daily operations in place as we repair, renovate and build. They are our first call when there is a need."
Badger Liquor Warehouse Addition: Project Profile
C.D. Smith was hired as General Contractor for a warehouse addition at Badger Liquor’s corporate location in Fond du Lac, WI. A fourth-generation family-owned company, Badger Liquor is the largest...(go to the project profile page for full details).
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About C.D. Smith
C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.
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Our work building manufacturing and industrial buildings includes everything from new construction to expansions and retrofitting existing facilities. Whether planning to update or construct a state-of-the-art dairy or food processing plant, packaging location, distribution center, testing facility or any other industrial or manufacturing production space, we'll provide you with a new or updated facility without interrupting your daily operations.
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