Popham Construction
If not for wet basements, Popham Construction might never have come to pass.
Born in Evansville and raised till the 8th grade where he then moved to Sellersburg, Indiana, Pete began his professional career as a high school history teacher at Silver Creek Junior High in Sellersburg and also Henryville High School in Henryville, Indiana, just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. But Pete’s father, E.O. Popham, needed some help running his pest control and basement waterproofing business in Evansville, and in 1977 hired Pete to help manage the business.
Because summers in the Tri-State can run toward hot and dry, basement waterproofing in the Tri-State can be a tough sell in the drier months. In 1978, Pete decided to take a chance and line up some construction work to cover the gap between the wetter months. With the help of a very experienced carpenter, Pete took on additional projects.
Pete found that the Tri-State was eager for a reliable, detail-oriented contractor to handle remodels and home additions as well as commercial projects. As Popham Construction began to gain momentum, he employed carpenters and tradesmen experienced in both residential and light commercial work, and the company’s reputation began to grow. Wife Debbie joined the company in 1983 as Vice President, handling accounts payable for the company and solidifying Popham Construction as a quality-oriented family business.
Off the job site, Pete takes pleasure in his hobbies. A flying enthusiast, he earned his private pilot’s license in 2000 and also sits on the Board of Directors for the Evansville Airport Authority. He is a member of the Tri-State Better Business Bureau’s Board of Directors and in 2013 was honored by the BBB for his more than 20 years of service on their Board of Directors. He also enjoys golf and collecting old cars.
Although he maintains an active life outside of work, Pete lists working as one of his hobbies. Even after more than thirty years in the construction business, he continues to find enjoyment in the construction process, meeting clients and working with them to develop their vision for their homes. “I love to work with homeowners in helping to bring their ideas to life,” he says. “I’m invited into their most private space, their home, and asked to improve it and help make it more personal. No two are the same. I’m honored to be part of the process.”
