Gradex was founded in 1995 by Nathan Roach with nothing more than a card table and a phone/answering machine. Since then, it has grown to become the site contractor of choice for many of the area’s owners and general contractors. As a Class A General Engineering contractor in Nevada, we can tackle a wide variety of projects– large and small. We have the people, equipment, and expertise to add value to any project we’re a part of.
Gradex Construction is a Reno based company specializing in complete site work. This includes excavation, grading, underground utilities, asphalt paving, and more. Our mission is to provide complete and competitive bids and proposals to private and public entities.
Dave started in the construction industry at the age of 16 as a freelance drafter. As a student at the University of Nevada Reno, he worked for NDOT on the I580 extension from Reno to Carson City and really developed a love of earthwork. After graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering, he joined Kiewit and worked for the underground division, working on various tunnel projects around the country. From there, Dave joined Turner Construction in Seattle, spending nearly 10 years building the skyline of Seattle and the surrounding area. He specialized in self-perform concrete construction, building some of the tallest and most complex concrete structures in the area. In 2021, Dave joined Gradex Construction and became the President in 2022. Dave values technical prowess and building relationships, which he has impressed on the culture at Gradex.
Barbara has over 20 years of experience working in the Construction Accounting field. She moved to Reno in 2004, starting with Reno Agriculture & Electronics. Reno A&E manufactured traffic control products sold worldwide in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Barbara then worked for D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal from 2011 to 2022 as the Controller and CFO. During her tenure, she managed a growing accounting group, established disciplined GAAP procedures and administered an Employee Stock Ownership Program for the employees. Barbara recently came on board with Gradex Construction Company as the Controller in November 2022 and is looking forward to helping Dave grow the company’s success. Barbara and her husband Steve enjoy hiking and bicycling in the beautiful Washoe Valley and Western Sierras, as well as hobbying in art and music.
Duane has been in the industry for over 30 years. He started at the age of 18 working with Marks Landscape in Orlando, FL on the Disney World AMC Theater. From there, he worked with Granite Construction as a laborer and paver. He dabbled in property management/maintenance for a few years before he joined Gradex. In 1995, he got an opportunity to join a new construction company called Gradex Construction with Nate Roach. Over the last 28 years, Duane has gone from laborer, to General Superintendent. His vast knowledge and experience in all aspects of Gradex’s work, in addition to his non-stop motivation, makes him an asset to the company that few others in the Reno area can rival.
