Photo by Sam Yu Robert J. Deluliis is president of Talon Construction in Frederick. Talon Construction was recently nominiated for a business ethics award. Purchase this photo

"Unfortunately, our industry ranks near the bottom of the list in reputation and perceived ethics," DeIuliis said.

Talon Construction's work will speak for itself, he said. But he's also seizing the opportunity as a contestant in the Frederick County Business Ethics Award to let the public know that the negative labels often associated with renovation firms are inaccurate.

"We viewed this competition as an opportunity to get our story out and let people know that not all home improvement contractors fit the perceived mold of shady characters," DeIuliis said. "Among us are honest, ethical and respectable businesspeople with a true passion for our work and pride in our companies and products."

Talon Construction is proud of the reputation the company has developed in its seven years, DeIuliis said.

"Actions speak louder than words, and we instill the concept in every one of our employees that every person that works here is a salesman for this company. We are measured every day -- before, during and after the sale," DeIuliis said. "We preach honesty and forthrightness and always instruct our crews to do what's right for everybody in a given situation."

Talon Construction is known to make warranty repairs worth many thousands of dollars several years after a project is out of warranty, DeIuliis said.

"It is our name on the job and the referral and reputation is more important than the cost of the repair," he said.

A written bill of customer rights, code of conduct and mission statement guide the company's actions, DeIuliis said.

Talon Construction employs 10 people and had gross revenues of $2.5 million in 2008.

Talon Construction's principals David B. Ivkovich, Paul F. Rosner and DeIuliis have been acquainted for more than 30 years and have been actively involved in the construction industry for the past two decades, DeIuliis said.

"With all our acquired experience, it only made sense to combine efforts and work to establish ourselves as the premier remodeling and home improvement company in Frederick . It's a task we feel we have accomplished," DeIuliis said.

DeIuliis is proud of the fact that the company was recently voted "Best of Frederick " by the readers of Frederick Magazine for the second year in a row.

The company specializes in residential construction services -- new custom homes, additions, remodeling, modular homes and major renovations -- and light commercial tenant fit-out construction.