Local construction company goes to employee ownership

Pala Group, a local construction company, has converted itself into an employee-owned business. Pala officials say the transfer of ownership was the best way to get the company’s 400-plus employees motivated about improving the firm. Jorge Tarajano, Pala chairman and CEO, says senior management remains unchanged, but an outside member will be added to the board of directors. While large companies such as Procter & Gamble, Sherwin-Williams and Publix Super Markets are owned by employees, Pala says it’s one of the few construction firms on the Gulf Coast to fall under the category.