We’re proud to announce that Daniels Construction has been recognized on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, a national ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. This honor reflects not only our sustained growth but also the dedication of our team and the trust of our clients across Wisconsin and beyond.
An Interview with Sam Daniels, President of Daniels Construction
What was your reaction to winning this award?
When I learned that Daniels was named to the Inc. 5000 list, I felt a deep sense of pride – not for myself, but for our entire team. This recognition is a reflection of the grit, humility, and dedication our people bring to the job every single day. For more than seven decades, Daniels has been shaped by those who came before us, and this moment is a tribute to their legacy as much as it is to our current team.
We’re in the midst of a generational transition, and this award marks a meaningful milestone as we continue to evolve and grow. It reinforces that when we stay true to our values, embrace change, and remain committed to Building Better, great things follow.
What do you think contributed to Daniels’ success in recent years?
Our success in recent years has been the result of a shared commitment across our team to grow – both as individuals and as an organization. We never hesitate to tackle the complex, often overlooked work with grit and determination. That mindset has been part of who we are for decades.
What’s changed recently is our intentional focus on evolving how we operate. We’ve refined our hiring practices around values and qualities that have long defined our most successful team members. At the same time, we’ve made significant strides in improving our internal systems and processes. These operational improvements have enhanced efficiency, consistency, and clarity across the board, helping us define what we call The Daniels Way. Together, these changes are positioning us to scale with purpose – while staying true to the values that have carried us this far.
How will Daniels Construction continue to grow in the future?
At Daniels, we’re committed to Building Better – for our clients, our people, and our community. As we look to the future, our growth will come from both strengthening our core and expanding into new opportunities where our craftsmanship, experience, and values can shine. While we remain deeply rooted in public, educational, and municipal work – much of it with long-standing clients – we also see exciting potential in addressing the housing challenges our community faces, other specialty markets, and construction management projects that allow us to showcase the depth of our team’s skill.
This recognition is a meaningful milestone as we approach our 75th anniversary and set our sights on celebrating 100 years of success in 2053. Our focus remains on investing in our people, refining our operations, and staying grounded in the principles that have guided us for more than seven decades. We’re not just growing for growth’s sake, we’re building a company that lasts. One that continues to deliver exceptional projects, create meaningful careers, and live out our promise of Building Better – for generations to come.
What would you say to someone considering joining Daniels Construction today?
At Daniels, everything starts with people. We treat our employee-owners like family, and that mindset has been at the heart of our success for over 70 years. We understand that life has its ups and downs – personally and professionally – and we want to be a place where people can grow, provide for their families, and build a meaningful career.
As a result of the diversification of work we self-perform and our focus on cross training with a merit shop philosophy, there’s incredible opportunity here. Whether you’re early in your career and eager to learn, or you bring deep experience in a specific trade or specialty, you can make an immediate impact. While we continue to grow, our core values remain unchanged. We’re committed to doing the right thing, taking care of our people, and building great projects -together.
What it Means to be Named to the Inc. 5000 list
The Inc. 5000 list is more than just a ranking – it’s a celebration of entrepreneurial success and resilience. To qualify, companies must meet rigorous criteria:
- Be privately held, for-profit, independent, and based in the U.S.
- Have been founded and generating revenue as of March 31, 2021
- Have generated a minimum of $100,000 in revenue in 2021
- Reached at least $2 million in revenue in 2024
Businesses are then ranked based on their three-year revenue growth rate. Making the list places Daniels Construction among a select group of businesses that are not only growing but thriving in today’s competitive landscape.
About Daniels Construction
Founded in 1953, Daniels Construction is a self-performing general contractor based in Madison, Wisconsin. For over 70 years, we’ve been building more than just structures—we’ve been building futures, communities, and lasting relationships.
Our portfolio spans a wide range of sectors, including:
- Industrial and commercial facilities
- Educational institutions
- Government and municipal projects
- Aquatics and recreation centers
- Historical restorations
We take pride in our ability to self-perform key aspects of construction, which allows us to maintain high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. With a team of over 90 skilled craftworkers, we’re committed to solving problems and helping our clients bring their visions to life.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
This recognition by Inc. is a testament to the hard work of our employees, the loyalty of our clients, and the strength of our values. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on our mission: Building Better—People, Futures, and Communities.
To our clients, partners, and team – thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to building what’s next, together.