Prime Construction, Prime Handyman, DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen

Burlington, Vt.

Full-service remodeling, handyman, and kitchen/bath installation

11 years in business

2002 volume: $2.5 million

Staff: 6 office, 20 field

Not counting a few sabbaticals here and there, Michael Gervais (right) has been around the remodeling industry a long time. He has worked in commercial as well as residential remodeling, and the companies he now owns and runs -- which include full-service remodeling and handyman companies as well as a kitchen and bath franchise -- run the gamut of residential construction needs in metro Burlington, Vermont, population, 200,000.

Photo: Michael Sipe"I totally love what I do and will be expanding again," he vows.

Gervais, who has long been active in the local builders association, recently set up an apprentice program at his companies, where young people can come in on a part-time basis to learn different aspects of carpentry and other trades. "I am adamant about training," he says.