Veteran-Owned Construction Firm Is Changing How Complex Building Repairs Are Delivered

POWELL, Ohio: A visible crack, water stain, or deteriorating section of masonry may appear to be a straightforward repair. However, the underlying cause can involve structural movement, moisture intrusion, aging materials, or other conditions that require careful evaluation. The Curatola Group approaches these challenges by bringing engineering, specialty construction, and historic preservation together within one coordinated organization.

Founded by U.S. Navy veteran Justin Curatola, the Powell-based company was built around a practical philosophy: understand the problem before attempting to fix it. That principle guides its work on commercial, industrial, municipal, institutional, healthcare, educational, and historic properties throughout Ohio.

“Too many buildings are repaired based on assumptions instead of engineering and building science,” Curatola said. “Our responsibility is to identify the root cause, develop the right solution, and complete the work correctly the first time.”

Connecting Engineering and Construction

The Curatola Group provides construction management, specialty masonry restoration, concrete rehabilitation, waterproofing, structural repair, emergency stabilization, controlled demolition, and historic preservation services. By coordinating these capabilities, the company seeks to give building owners a more consistent process from the initial evaluation through project completion.

Property owners often work with separate engineers, contractors, consultants, and specialty trades when addressing complex building conditions. The Curatola Group’s model is designed to improve communication among those disciplines and help ensure that repair plans reflect both technical requirements and the practical realities of construction.

Dax Clapsaddle, P.E., supports this approach through structural engineering expertise. His role includes evaluating complex building failures, contributing to forensic investigations, developing repair designs, and providing engineering oversight during construction.

“We believe engineering and construction should work together, not in separate silos,” Curatola said. “When engineers and builders collaborate from the beginning, owners receive better information, make better decisions, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.”

The company applies this coordinated approach to structural stabilization, building envelope repairs, waterproofing, chimney and façade restoration, concrete rehabilitation, emergency response, and other specialized repair projects. Each assignment begins with an evaluation of the building’s condition, allowing the team to consider the source of the problem before recommending a course of action.

Preserving Buildings and Their History

Historic preservation has become an important part of The Curatola Group’s work. Older buildings can present challenges involving original materials, aging construction methods, structural deterioration, and previous repairs that may no longer perform as intended.

Rather than automatically recommending replacement when deterioration is identified, the company considers whether original materials can be preserved or repaired. Its approach is intended to respect a building’s architectural character while addressing structural integrity, safety, and long-term performance.

“We’re not simply restoring buildings,” Curatola said. “We’re preserving the craftsmanship, engineering, and history that future generations deserve to inherit.”

This work can require close coordination among engineers, restoration specialists, construction professionals, property owners, and community stakeholders. For schools, churches, municipalities, and other institutions, preserving an existing structure may also help maintain a physical connection to the people and events that shaped the surrounding community.

Building a Culture of Accountability

According to the company, The Curatola Group has grown by investing in its team, developing long-term client relationships, and maintaining disciplined operational standards. Its leadership emphasizes technical knowledge, clear communication, and accountability throughout each stage of a project.

Curatola’s military background has also influenced the company’s culture. The organization places importance on preparation, responsibility, teamwork, and following through on commitments. These principles shape how its teams assess building conditions, coordinate repairs, and communicate with clients facing difficult property decisions.

The company’s focus is not simply on completing individual construction tasks. Its broader objective is to help owners better understand their buildings, evaluate available repair options, and make informed decisions about structures that may represent significant financial, operational, or historical value.

Looking ahead, The Curatola Group plans to continue developing its engineering-first model while serving clients throughout Ohio and the broader Midwest. The company intends to expand carefully while maintaining its focus on technical expertise, preservation, and coordinated project delivery.

“Our goal has never been to become the biggest contractor,” Curatola said. “Our goal is to become the most trusted partner for owners facing difficult structural and restoration challenges. Every project is an opportunity to preserve a building, protect an investment, and strengthen a community.”

About The Curatola Group

The Curatola Group is a veteran-owned construction and engineering organization headquartered in Powell, Ohio. Through its integrated companies, the organization provides structural engineering coordination, general contracting, construction management, specialty masonry restoration, historic preservation, waterproofing, structural repair, concrete rehabilitation, emergency stabilization, and building restoration services for commercial, industrial, institutional, municipal, and historic properties.

To learn more, visit The Curatola Group’s website or follow The Curatola Group and Curatola Masonry on LinkedIn. Additional updates are available through Curatola Masonry on Facebook. Readers may also connect with founder Justin Curatola on LinkedIn or Facebook.

For Curatola Masonry inquiries, call (614) 313-6642 or email Justin@CuratolaMasonry.com.