President and sole proprietor, Arthur “Sonny” Couture started in the construction business in 1967, working for various general and masonry contractors as a carpenter, mason, foreman and superintendent, overseeing site work, commercial concrete, steel erection, masonry and all other phases of construction. During this time, he organized A. R. Couture Excavator & Builders in 1968 and Couture Concrete & Construction in 1972. He completed a three-year course in general contracting from ICS. He has received a Certificate of Achievement in 1987 from Construction Estimating Institute of America for Estimating and Construction Management and is a licensed NH waste disposal system installer for over 30 years. In 1985 he formed A. R. Couture Construction Corporation, a leader in the North Country’s construction industry. In 1998 he purchased a 225 acre gravel pit from Pike Industries and formed Jimtown Sand & Gravel, LLC, a company specializing in the supply of the aggregate products to Couture Construction Corp and the area. In 1999 he formed SSC Timber Corp. and purchased over one million dollars worth of equipment for the purpose of site clearing and timber harvesting.
Real Estate and Development
Arthur Couture DBA Northern Enterprises, in business since 1984, a commercial real estate company design building and developing real estate and leasing to commercial tenants. President of SDC Realty Inc, he started in 1999, owns and operates commercial real estate in NH. General Partner of C&I Investments Association, started in 1986, owning, design building, developing and leasing commercial office space and maintenance facilities to Verizon Wireless throughout the state of NH and ME. President of ARC Real Estate Holding Co. LLC, owns real estate in NH. He was a previous partner in C&W Associates developing, owning and leasing commercial property in Northern NH. Additionally, Arthur Couture is a longstanding member of the Androscoggin Valley Hospital board of directors; has been a life member of The Hundred Club of NH for over 20 years and is an active director of the ALPC, a Maine Lake Conservation Organization.
A seasoned professional, Claude has spent his entire career in the construction industry. Recognized by code enforcement agencies and design professionals as an authority in the various codes that govern construction in NH, Claude is highly respected and esteemed as knowledgeable and expert in the interpretation and application of construction codes.
As an architectural designer, Claude has compiled an impressive portfolio of landmarks and significant buildings, including restaurants, commercial buildings, hotels and retail facilities. Attention to detail, expensive geometry and contextual sensitivity are inherent in every project.
As a project manager, Claude has facilitated the construction of many projects of all types and for a variety of clients including the US Government, NH Dept. of Transportation, NH Dept. of Resources and Economic Development, several S.A.Us, industry and business.
Education:
Berlin High School, class of 1970
Pratt Institute of Architecture, class of 1975
Ongoing seminars on codes, management, etc.
Work History:
Couture Construction - 1986 to present - Project Manager, Architectural Designer
James River Corp. - 1981 to 1986 - Project Engineer, responsible for a wide variety of capital projects including Power Generation, process, piping & pumps and warehousing
City of Berlin, NH Community Development - 1980 to 1981 - Housing coordinator. Administered the city's federally funded housing improvement program.
With 34 years of experience, Phil brings a broad base of knowledge to his position. His most recent project was the $600,000 renovation to the St. Luke Medical Center.
Dave started in 1984 as a carpenter and steel erector. Today he is a field superintendent in charge of erecting wood frame and steel frame buildings and the construction of concrete structures. His crew consists of 20 skilled carpenters, steel erectors and unskilled laborers. Dave's ability to push projects and achieve remarkable production rates, while maintaining high levels of quality, are often noticed by non-construction oriented observers.
Albert "Bert" Bertin is Couture Construction's senior employee, having started with the company in 1984. Prior to that Bert worked for other local contractors in northern New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Equally adept at all disciplines of construction, Bert is the consummate "Jack of all trades." From track houses to bridges, condominiums to power generation, Bert has "been there done that."
In the construction industry, there is no substitute for experience and Bert has no equal.
A first class carpenter with a reputation for being methodical and meticulous, Curtis has been a carpenter all of his working life. Prior to joining Couture Construction in 1997, Curtis was a finish carpenter with the Mallet Corp. who specialized in developing fine upscale homes and condominiums.
When Curtis shows up at a job site, he brings over 20 years of experience, a dogged dedication to the highest standards and a commitment to his clients.
Brenda has been in the position of Vice-President, comptroller and personnel administrator for the company since 1974. Now semi-retired, Brenda still oversees all aspects of construction office management and administration.
Most people go to a sunny beach for vacation. Wayne goes to the Caterpillar plant to try out large earth movers and giants trucks. Nobody loves big toys more than he. As a highly skilled mechanic Wayne truly enjoys taking things apart and re-assembling them. In the field, he knows how to push the pieces to their limits and get the most out of them. This intrinsic understanding of machinery combined with his calm and easy demeanor make him ideally suited for the challenges and rigors of earth moving.
Chris came to Couture Construction as an equipment operator in 1988. Except for three years as an independent trucker, Chris has been digging, loading, hauling, installing pipe and moving mountains for us. Chris is a perfect example of the kinds of workers that are produced in the North Country. He operates all types of earth moving equipment with professionalism. He is a good crane operator and a highly skilled mechanic. He is also adept with levels and controlling grades. He can also interpret drawings and specifications.