June 2022
Spain Commercial constructs more than just buildings
York County business celebrating 30 years of developing property & people
By Melissa James, York County Contributor
Commercial construction is hard… in every sense. Not only do these spaces require the strongest of materials—like steel and concrete—but in York County, those spaces can be difficult to find.
Luckily, Spain Commercial has been here to meet that need for 30 years. But owner Steve Spain attributes his success to the softer side of construction—people. “
Our tagline has always been that ‘Our People Make The Difference.’ We live that and believe in that wholeheartedly,” he said. In addition to a focus on quality staffing, Spain ensures his buildings are visually appealing, so that they beautify the area around them. Health-related developments comprise over 70% of its business, but Spain Commercial also has worked on many prominent church, retail and hospitality projects.
In York County, the company is best known for developing industrial and flex space in the lower county (a critical need) and fostering the growth of many new businesses into the spaces they create. Over the past 15 years, Spain has worked closely with the York County staff and Economic Development Authority (EDA) to purchase several lots along the Old York-Hampton Highway corridor and develop them into beautiful spaces available for lease.
“Steve Spain is one of the premier commercial developers in our region, and we are fortunate to have him right here in our backyard,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, the county’s acting director of economic and tourism development. “Anyone who has lived here a while, or who has tried to find available warehouse or flex space in York County, knows that industrial properties sell and lease quickly here. So, over the years, the EDA has partnered with Spain Commercial many times to create additional space to grow our business community, and the results speak for themselves.”
“I love to see the technology and the design aesthetics in healthcare construction, which are constantly evolving. We take a lot of pride knowing that we get to be a part of creating those spaces that change and enhance the lives of so many,” he said.
One of Spain’s latest acquisitions is the former Coca-Cola distribution facility on Seaford Road. Spain’s team is currently renovating the structure, which is already fully leased to two new businesses—his own. One is Spain Commercial’s cabinet division, and the other is flooring, plus there will be a new showroom.
“The new space will allow us to continue growing our business. It will give us an opportunity to show off our capabilities, past projects and products available for our clients to choose from,” said Spain. “We will also be able to offer more extensive services because of this expansion. Our commercial cabinet division will now be able to create its own solid surfaces & our flooring company will have a larger showroom for clients.”
Spain’s latest project will not only overhaul and better utilize over 42,000 square feet of industrial space, but it will also bring at least 30 new jobs to York County.
“It’s hard to think of many other entities that have brought more jobs and companies to York County. Without Spain’s industrial buildings, we would really struggle to find available space to attract new industrial users to the area,” said Olsen-Hayes. According to CoStar, the county’s current industrial vacancy rate is just 1.1 percent, an all-time low, even for York County.
But even more importantly than the incredible state-of-the-art buildings they construct, Spain Commercial is focused on developing relationships, faith and people.
“What started off as me just wanting a better life and more income for my family has turned into my purpose and my passion. My faith has grown, and God has given me a greater vision for the future,” Spain said. “I feel blessed to have such an incredibly talented and dedicated team and the amazing client relationships we have built over the years. My focus is on continuing to develop those relationships and loyal team members for many years to come.”
Spain’s team includes his two daughters, Ashley and Kayleigh, who have been with the business for more than a decade. Ashley is responsible for proposals, compliance, property management and client relations, while her younger sister Kayleigh handles the marketing and public relations. Spain said he cherishes the legacy they’re creating together with their team.
“Customers will never love a company unless its employees love it first,” he explained. “We have longevity here. We are blessed with a crew that feels this isn’t just a job for them… it’s a career, and their passion for their work shows. We have several guys who’ve been with us over 25 years.”
When not engaged in team building or business development activities, Spain spends his time with his family—including riding dirt bikes and wake boarding with his two grandsons— and giving back to the community. He supports several local charities, including the United Way and Boys & Girls Clubs, and encourages his employees to do the same.
Spain said that while he’s proud of his company’s buildings and developments, he takes the most pride in the culture they’ve created—one that emphasizes the importance of family, faith and community.
Spain Commercial has been recognized several times by the EDA with the prestigious Poor Potter Award, for the significant new developments they have completed in York County. Most recently, the company was featured by a New York Times best-selling author in her latest book, “Supreme Leadership Mentorship," which Spain said was a huge honor.
“Great things in business are never done by one person,” Spain said. “They're done by a team of people, and ours is one of the best.”