Interview: Eddy Barth

Integrity, respect, and hard work. These are a few of the things Eddy Barth is known for in the luxury construction industry. With more than 40 years of experience, Eddy began his career with Dickinson Cameron back in the early 2000s and it’s a relationship that continues to flourish. From acting as Superintendent on DCC’s first store in South Coast Plaza, to his current position as Senior Project Manager for the largest project in company history – the new Chanel store on Rodeo Drive – Eddy’s expertise and reputation for integrity have been instrumental in DCC’s continued achievement. We sat down with him to discuss the keys to his long-term success.

Tell us about the beginnings of your career in construction.

EB: After college I got my first job in retail construction in 1979 with the original contractor for South Coast Plaza. The process we used back then is the same process that a lot of the high-end retailers still use today. I actually went to the store location and looked at the layout, then came back to the shop where we built the storefronts and all of the back of house furniture and millwork. I ended up working there for 18 years on various projects, eventually becoming a Superintendent at that company and a few others. When I met Frank (Naliboff, DCC’s President and CEO) and came to DCC for our first project together – the Cartier store at South Coast Plaza – it was the start of a successful relationship. 

How do you define success as a Senior Project Manager?

EB: If the client is happy and we’ve created something that is quality, that’s a success. I also think that respect is incredibly important, whether it’s respect for the client or the subcontractor. That’s something that has built my reputation, and I think that people know I always try to make good decisions that benefit not just DCC, but also the client. So with that, I think they trust that I’ll give them the best outcome. I’ve been able to complete a lot of really enjoyable and notable projects for DCC, and ultimately our goal is making the client happy.

You are known as one of the best in the business. When you can work anywhere, why have you chosen to stay at DCC for more than 20 years?

EB: For me, it comes down to three reasons. First, I have a relationship with Frank, and I very much enjoy and respect him immensely. He is an amazing person.  Second, I have the opportunity to work on some awesome projects, like the Chanel, Beverly Hills project. It’s a big job, the biggest we’ve ever done, but it’s exciting. I don’t know that I could go anywhere else and find that. Third, I always know that DCC has my back, and I would do anything for DCC as well. I think we strive to do things better than anybody else, we have a lot of dedicated people who are not just putting time in. We’re interested in building a quality product. 

Outside of work, what keeps you busy?

EB: My grandchildren. They are absolutely the joys of my life, and my kids before that. I love seeing my grandkids and look forward to spending as much time with them as I can.