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Alaska construction is among the most rugged in the world, and demands flexible companies and businesses that can adapt quickly to changing conditions. Standing alongside those construction companies and supplying the equipment they need to get the job done requires local suppliers with the know-how, the commitment and the flexibility to keep the equipment running smoothly, even in remote sites across the state.
Construction Machinery Industrial LLC, an Alaskan-owned and-operated business, has been supporting the resource development and construction industries since its formation in 1985. Beginning as a three-way partnership among Bill Allen, Bob Elliott and Ken Gerondale, CMI grew from a onebranch business-in Anchorage-to a three-branch business in 1990 when they purchased Coastal Machinery with its Juneau and Ketchikan branches.
In 1993, Cook Inlet Region Inc. purchased a majority of CMI shares and Ken Gerondale, president of CMI, retired to Hawaii. Under CIRI, CMI expanded into Fairbanks in 1994.
Over the next several years, CIRI grew and began to focus its business more tightly into telecommunications and tourism, and Gerondale decided he wanted to return to Alaska and bring his young daughter home. In early 2002, Gerondale purchased the assets of CMI back from CIRI and went back into business.
ALASKA'S HOME
"My family has been in Alaska since the 1930s when my grandfather came up," said Gerondale. "I was born here, and Alaska is home."
Although the partnership that began CMI no longer exists, Gerondale is quick to point out that family members of the original partners are still with the company.
"Two of Bill Allen's sons still work with us, Ron and Scott. Brian Elliott also works with us," Gerondale said. "Several members of...