Wakeman Companies History

Wakeman Construction is a local business that has been working in and around the area of Sidney, NY for 50+ years. Richard 'Bud' Wakeman the founder of the company , grew up from humble beginnings. After returning from WWII, Bud began to work with his father; Rex Wakeman, a master carpenter. The Duo worked for the Endicott-Johnson Company; traveling to wherever they needed. Bud learned the trade during these years, learning not only the skills and know how from his father, but his work ethic as well.

      In the early 1950s Bud decided it was time to stop traveling and settle down in the Sidney/Unadilla area having grown up in Sidney Center. Bud married Mary 'Kay' Wakeman in 1945, and started a family in conjunction with his own business. Slowly and surely the business grew and flourished. Working on small scale projects gradually building up to full scale commercial projects. Some of his best know/recognizable projects are: Sidney Lutheran Church, Sidney Catholic Church, Sidney Baptist Church addition, the Unadilla/Wells Bridge I-88 rest stops, among Many other local landmarks.  His entrepreneurial endeavors reached not only in the Tri-Town area but to Norwich, Oneonta, and Vestal among a list of others.

      As The years drew on Bud and Kay's children grew and began to work in the business. All of his children have worked in the business through the years. However only the middle three: Dave, Steve, and Robert 'Jim' chose to follow in the footsteps of their father. Upon seeing the interest his three middle sons possessed in their chosen fields, Bud decided to incorporate the business in 1974, and became known as Richard W. Wakeman, Inc. The business continued to grow until the year of 1980 when Bud suffered a debilitating stroke. All were unsure of what was to happen next. Bud soon began the slow recovery process of having to relearn how to do almost  everything. As Bud was learning the basics of life again, Jim was busy learning the basics of the construction business. Starting small, Jim began to estimate and work on driveways and sidewalks . Slowly and surely he began to work on larger and more complex projects. In due time Bud was back to his normal self , finally able to return to what he has always known.

        In the mid 80's Jim became the owner of Richard W. Wakeman, Inc., With the rock solid foundation laid for him by his father. He began to grow and expand the business more than his father could have ever imagined. Steadily Jim Began to work on larger projects with each passing year. In 1994 Jim expanded forming Richard W Wakeman, LLC. which became a licensed Butler Builder; a pre-fabricated metal building system that only allows a franchise to companies that fill a thorough list of requirements and criteria.

          Today Wakeman Construction Companies is looking towards the future as it always has. Jim is now teaching his son Jesse all of his vast knowledge of the trade. Looking into the future Wakeman Construction will continue advancing without forgetting what has brought them here. That being competency and professionalism in the field of commercial construction offering their skills in carpentry, masonry, excavation, as well as numerous others to all who require them. In 2016 Wakeman Construction had the immense honor of being elected Business of the Year by the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce. When Jim was told he was gracious and thankful with a poignant parting comment of "I am just a regular guy trying to make a living" like his father, and his father before him.