Shawmut Acquires First Finish: A New Era in Hotel Renovation Solutions

Shawmut Design and Construction, a strong national construction management firm worth $2 billion, has acquired First Finish. First Finish specializes in hotel renovation projects. This merger combines Shawmut’s skills in large hotel projects with First Finish’s strengths in luxury interiors.

The partnership aims to meet the current demand for updated hotel rooms and amenities in Los Angeles. By combining their expertise, both companies can analyze projects strategically. Clients will benefit from a team that can handle all aspects of hotel renovations, including structural work, infrastructure, public spaces, and room updates.

Les Hiscoe, Shawmut’s CEO, stated that this merger creates a unique all-in-one solution for clients. He emphasized their commitment to excellence in service and execution. David Burman, President and Founder of First Finish, noted that joining Shawmut will allow them to scale and take on larger projects while continuing to serve their current clients.

How will the partnership between Shawmut and First Finish enhance hotel renovation projects?

Interview with Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, and David Burman, President and Founder of First Finish

Interviewer: Thank you both for joining us today. Shawmut Design and Construction’s recent acquisition of First Finish is generating quite a buzz in the industry. Les, can you share your vision for this partnership?

Les Hiscoe: Absolutely. We believe this merger creates a unique all-in-one solution for our clients in the hospitality sector. By combining Shawmut’s extensive experience in large hotel projects with First Finish’s expertise in luxury interiors, we are positioned to offer a comprehensive approach to hotel renovations. This is especially important in a market like Los Angeles, where updating hotel rooms and amenities is crucial to meet the evolving demands of guests.

Interviewer: David, what does this merger mean for First Finish and your clients?

David Burman: Joining forces with Shawmut allows us to scale our capabilities significantly. We can now take on larger projects than ever before, while still maintaining our commitment to our existing clients. Our team remains intact, and I’m excited to lead First Finish within this new framework. Our focus will remain on delivering high-quality renovations, and we can more effectively leverage Shawmut’s resources and expertise.

Interviewer: Les, can you elaborate on the strategic advantage this partnership offers?

Les Hiscoe: Certainly. By merging our strengths, we can strategically analyze and execute renovation projects from a holistic perspective. This includes not only structural work but also infrastructure upgrades, revamping public spaces, and enhancing guest rooms. Our clients will benefit from a streamlined process where all aspects of the renovation are managed by a single, experienced team.

Interviewer: David, what is the long-term vision for First Finish within Shawmut?

David Burman: Our long-term vision is to continue pursuing our specific projects while integrating into Shawmut’s broader operational framework. This means we’ll enhance our current offerings and take on more diverse and larger-scale renovations. I see this as a unique opportunity to blend our specialized talents with Shawmut’s resources, ultimately elevating the experience for our clients and their guests.

Interviewer: Les, Shawmut has a strong portfolio in hospitality. Can you tell us about some of the notable projects you’ve completed?

Les Hiscoe: Absolutely. We have a history of successful collaborations, such as Soho Warehouse and Nobu Ryokan. Each of these projects allowed us to refine our approach to luxury hospitality construction, focusing on quality and attention to detail. Now, with First Finish onboard, we can enhance our offerings even further and bring that level of excellence to a broader range of hotel renovations.

Interviewer: As the industry evolves, how do you envision both companies adapting to meet future demands?

Les Hiscoe: The hospitality industry is always changing, and our goal is to stay ahead of those trends. We will continue to leverage our combined expertise to innovate in areas like sustainable practices, modern design, and technology integration within hotels. By being proactive and adaptable, we can ensure that our clients receive the best solutions tailored to their needs.

Interviewer: Thank you both for sharing your insights. This merger indeed seems poised to make a significant impact in the hospitality renovation sector.

Les Hiscoe: Thank you for having us.

David Burman: Appreciate the opportunity to discuss our vision for the future!

First Finish will still pursue its own projects. Burman will remain as president, and all First Finish employees will join Shawmut, a company fully owned by its employees.

Shawmut has extensive experience in hospitality, with a history of successful hotel projects, including work with Soho Warehouse and Nobu Ryokan.