Corporate History

In 1978 Bob Fortney and Bob Weygandt left their architectural jobs and invested $250 to incorporate as Fortney & Weygandt, Inc. Finding their way through the retail challenges of mall openings, the biggest lesson learned was that projects absolutely needed to be completed on time.

 

In the early 1980’s Bob Weygandt moved back into his comfort zone of the architectural world, while Bob Fortney kept the company name and the passion he had developed for construction. A renowned leader and team builder, Bob Fortney hit the retail world hard, developing relationships with Radio Shack and GNC.

 

Two major turning points occurred in the 1990’s, each providing the groundwork for significant future growth. The first was the development of a relationship with Applebee’s, a union that has stood the test of time and began our venture into the casual dining segment. The other came to be via Revco Drug Stores, a local northeast Ohio chain that required assistance with rollout services and special projects. When Revco D.S. was acquired in 1997 by CVS/pharmacy, Fortney & Weygandt developed a plan to quickly convert the 1,800 Revco stores into the CVS format. The program has become a benchmark for store acquisition conversions nationally.

 

Other opportunities that were to portend future growth were the entry into the hospitality and assisted-living market segments. Fortney & Weygandt adapted our systems to meet the phenomenal expansion in these markets and secured our place as a versatile commercial builder.

 

Today, we find ourselves handling a multitude of project types – from small rollout projects within the retail environment and fine dining restaurants to large senior living and hotel developments.