All Seasons Construction

Mark Corrallo: A Seasoned Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

OAKLAND — When Mark Corrallo purchased a construction firm in 2007, he didn’t have any hands-on experience in the trades. However, given the tempestuous conditions he’d soon be navigating, the background he did have proved to be a far more valuable asset. “Prior to purchasing All Seasons Construction, I was a business broker, which means I facilitated the buying and selling of businesses,” he explains. “All Seasons Construction was one of the businesses that came across my desk, but after looking at it more closely, I decided to purchase it myself. I didn’t have any experience in the construction industry, but it looked like a good business opportunity, so I decided to take a shot at running my own company.”

In hindsight, Mark’s decision to purchase a construction business couldn’t have been more ill-timed: Within a year, the U.S. would slide into the worst economic recession it had seen since the Great Depression. However, while the downturn left many construction firms floundering in its wake, Mark’s business acumen helped him keep his company not just afloat but swimming forward. “By adapting to the economic conditions, I was able to keep my crews busy throughout the recession,” he says. “Since purchasing All Seasons Construction a decade ago, I’ve managed to triple its revenue, so I’d say things have gone pretty well.”

Today, Mark says his favorite part of his job is receiving positive feedback from his clients. “I like hearing from customers that they had a good experience with my guys. I’m the first person they meet, but once the actual work begins, their experience is mainly with my crew and foremen, so I’m always glad to hear they received the level of service and quality I promised at the beginning.”

A resident of Alamo (where he lives with his wife, Hui Ling, and son, Jaedi), Mark spends his time outside of work engaged in a variety of interests, from classic cars to sports. “I’m a classic car enthusiast, and I have a collection of about a dozen English, Italian, and American models,” he says. “I spend way too much time buying, selling and reading about cars. I also like playing pickup basketball and following the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants.” Additionally, Mark enjoys going to the beach, taking bike rides and skiing at Tahoe with his family.

In regard to a professional philosophy, Mark espouses the importance of providing a high level of quality. “I think most people would rather pay $12 for a great cheeseburger than $8 for a lousy one,” he explains. “By the same token, we provide a very high level of service, but we’re certainly not the cheapest company out there. I’ve kept my crews busy for the past decade not by being the cheapest, but by being very good and taking care of our clients. That formula seems to work well, so I’m sticking with it.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Mark says he’d devote more time and energy toward his automotive avocation. “I would probably be more active with my classic car hobby. In general, I’m less interested in showing my cars than in the horse-trading aspect, so I’d probably be buying and selling more high-value cars.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first car?
A: A 1971 Ford Mustang Fastback.

Q: What’s your dream car?
A: I’ve owned almost every one of my dream cars. I guess the one that has remained out of reach is the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Those are in the seven-figure range and I’m not sure I’ll ever be a seven-figure guy.

Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose?
A: The guitar. I play a little already, but I’d like to be better at it.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Pistachio nuts.

Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted?
A: Surfing the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii.