Founders Tom and Carole Butler begin their own construction work.

After spending several years working alongside his uncle, Thomas decided it was time to break out on his own. He knew he had skills, knowledge of construction, the ability to work with all types of clients, tradesmen, and a solid sense of calculated risk. With his wife, Carole, by his side and a strong bond of trust between them, the two took a leap of faith and started their own construction firm, CAB Construction. Their operations began in a small, converted garage, which they turned into an office. Tom handled construction activities, and Carole took care of the books and banking. Thomas made many contacts, and the work started flowing in.

Thomas R. Butler, Inc. is founded in the Central Valley.

Business was brisk, and the need to move to the next step had become apparent. The converted office was no longer feasible, so they decided to open a new office and employ field and office staff to handle the expanded duties. The name Thomas R. Butler, Incorporated, was established. The business name had become recognizable in the community. Thomas R. Butler, Incorporated had become known for quality, integrity, fairness, and good construction value for outside clients and investors.

The company expands into larger commercial and development projects.  

Early in Thomas’s career, he realized the importance of connection. He established his presence in the local Building Industry Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Thomas also served on many other industry boards to benefit the industry. He stayed connected, both locally and at the state level, with politicians, policymakers, and industry, not just to serve his own interests but to serve the industry as a whole.  

The Butler family continues growing the business while maintaining a family-first culture.

A new generation of Butlers was on the horizon. Sons Scott, Greg, and Stephen had all spent time working for the company and were showing interest and potential to join Thomas R. Butler, Incorporated. After the three boys completed their education at Fresno State University, they came aboard one by one. With tongue in cheek and a true sense of pride, Thomas was heard telling people, "I sent these boys off to college to get a good education and find a career, but they all came back to work with me."

The third generation of Butler leadership joins the company.

The 2000s: welcomed the third generation of Butlers. Scott’s son Ryan and Stephen's son Michael both joined the firm after completing their education at Fresno Pacific University and Fresno State University. Thomas R. Butler Incorporated also expanded its office staff to include Genoveva in accounting and Aleeza as an administrative specialist. Many hands can do many things. The team is strong and ambitious. The future is bright, and Thomas R. Butler Incorporated should continue to be a construction leader for many years to come.

More than fifty years of building throughout the Central Valley taught the Butler family that a company's legacy is measured by more than the structures it completes. In 2017, that belief took shape as the Butler Family Foundation, created to reinvest in the communities that helped Thomas R. Butler, Inc. grow into what it is today.

Since its founding, the Foundation has partnered with organizations across the region and around the country, now supporting more than 20 nonprofits dedicated to healthcare access, education, and local community initiatives. Through this work, the Butler family continues to show that their commitment to the Central Valley reaches well beyond the job site.