The Colich name has a history of success in the underground construction business. Theodore T. Colich, Tom P. Colich's grandfather came to the country from Serbia in 1894.He started to engage in the construction business in 1904 installing sewer connections for houses. Some 42 years later, Don T. Colich, Tom's father decided to follow in his father's footsteps and started his own construction company. He had Milan Colich, his brother and Pete Wucetich as partners in what was then called Colich Construction Company. Their very first job was installing a 30-ft. long sewer connection near UCLA.
In the 1950's, they installed about 60% of Lancaster's trunk sewers. Most of their projects were for the L.A. County Sanitation District but they also had some private jobs in that area. However, one of the most memorable projects Colich Construction Company has completed was a sewer project for the City of Santa Barbara in 1956. They installed approximately 85,000 l.f. of sewer, 312 manholes, 3,000 l.f. of pipe jacking and a bridge over a canyon, all for $1,157,000.
Over the years, the Colich Construction Company has undergone many changes. In 1989, Don Colich turned over the helm of the company to his twin sons, Tom P. Colich and John M. Colich, who eventually changed the company's name to Colich Brother's, Inc. Together, they were able to acquire a very significant number of challenging projects all throughout Southern California. Some of the more profitable projects they worked on jointly are the North Outfall Sewer Rehabilitation Phase I and the Woodman and Lassen Trunk Sewer with the City of Los Angeles, Fullerton-Brea Interceptor Sewer with the Orange County Sanitation District and the Portola Avenue Storm Drain with the Coachella Valley Municipal Water District.
After 25 years of running the family business together, Tom P. Colich and John M. Colich, decided go their separate ways and start their own businesses. Tom P. Colich is now president of Colich Construction, L.P. Under Tom's leadership, the company has evolved from a small group of office employees and field crew to one of the leading contractors in the underground industry in the region. From a tiny rented office in an obscure part of the city, it has moved to a new facility at the Harbor Gateway Center in Torrance, California. The corporate office offers convenient access to the freeway and is just minutes away from the world ports of Los Angeles - Long Beach and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
At Wesco Companies, our success has been built on the contribution of people from many different backgrounds and heritages. From our management to our operators and laborers, everyone on our team brings a unique perspective to the workplace. The company is continuously working on building a solid foundation where the employees can continue to grow and prosper.