Still, there have been some growing pains—most notably, a highly public dispute with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs over design changes and schedule adjustments at the $665-million Orlando VA Medical Center. When the VA stopped paying for changes, B&G paid its subcontractors out of pocket to avoid further delaying the project, scheduled for completion in December. B&G has absorbed some costs and continues to work despite not being paid by the VA.

The majority of the firm's work comes from longstanding clients, such as Daniel Corp., HCA Healthcare and St. Vincent's Hospital. "We see every project as an opportunity to build a relationship that will last 20, 30, 40 years," Jim says.

Daniel Corp., a commercial real-estate developer in Atlanta, began working with B&G in the early 1980s. The contractor recently completed a 23-story apartment tower for Daniel Corp. in Atlanta, and more projects are planned.

The firm's relationship with Florida Hospital, Orlando, dates back to 1995, with construction of the $80-million Celebration Hospital in Kissimmee, Fla. Lars Houmann, president and CEO of Florida Hospital, says B&G has "a strong commitment to accountability and high performance."

The health-care sector remains B&G's strongest performer and has helped offset losses in other markets, Stone says. B&G completed more than $1.01 billion in health-care projects in 2013, up nearly 45% from 2012.

This year, B&G started several new health-care projects, including a $14-million expansion project for HCA Healthcare at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Fla.; a $25-million emergency department addition and renovation at Gordon Hospital in Calhoun, Ga.; and an $11-million emergency-care facility for New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C.

B&G has more than 220 LEED APs on staff and has completed 114 LEED projects to date. It reported more than $946 million in green revenue for 2013. The company's commitment extends from its own LEED-certified offices to the jobsite, where crews diverted 89% of waste for recycling in 2013—a 10% increase over the 2012 rate.

In Name Only

In 1964, Miller Gorrie paid $45,000 for the name and assets of the Thomas C. Brasfield Co., a well-respected Birmingham construction firm that focused on small commercial and remodeling projects. "All I really wanted was the name. I used it as a door-opener to get started," says Miller, who changed the company's name to Brasfield & Gorrie in 1967, choosing to keep the "Brasfield" even though Thomas Brasfield has never been directly associated with the firm.

"Ask anyone and they'll tell you the same thing: B&G has been successful because of Miller Gorrie and the good ethics he has ingrained in the company's culture," says Van L. Richey, president of the American Cast Iron Pipe Co. "The company conducts itself with the highest integrity, just as he does." Richey has worked with B&G for more than 20 years on projects totaling more than $200 million, including four current jobs.

Though clients and employees may sing Miller's praises, he gives the credit to his people. "Our people are talented, resourceful and willing to adapt to take advantage of whatever opportunities there are. They are the company's greatest assets and the reason we are here today after 50 years," he says.

As for the future of B&G, Jim holds the reins now, but he remains committed to his father's vision and helping the company see its 100th anniversary. "We're always exploring new market sectors, but our focus is pretty much the same as it was 50 years ago—to build strong working relationships that support sustainable growth."