Before expanding into marine contracting, Todd Thompson of Panhandle Contracting in Shell Point, FL had nearly two decades of experience with environmental projects. Many of these projects were related to initiatives directed by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission based in nearby Tallahassee.
Innovative Technology Driving Seawall Industry Revolution
From his work with marine communities, Todd saw firsthand how the seawall industry is rapidly modernizing. New technologies and engineering techniques are combining to make cheaper and far longer-lasting seawalls, revolutionizing what is possible.
An Opportunity to Modernize an Industry
Todd noticed that few area contractors were capable of quickly and expertly managing the demand for vinyl seawalls. A whole generation of seawalls made of now rotting wood, rusting steel, and expensive rip-rap are failing and new real estate developments open every day.
Todd sensed an opportunity to extend his business into marine contracting and offer professional and reliable support to engineering partners like Everlast Seawalls. He’s now booked months out with projects to help install the next generation of seawalls in his North-Florida area market.
“I come in with bigger guns; I’ve got bigger equipment and better drive tools, and I always stick with a project till it’s complete, usually in only 4-7 days, not 3-4 weeks you’ll see elsewhere. We also can run our operation from our barge which minimizes disruption and is ideal when a building is located close to the seawall and traditional anchoring methods won’t work.”
Todd Thompson, Owner, Panhandle Contracting
The Right Marine Contractor for the Job
We take pride in our network of trusted contractors and distributors that share our commitment to the highest levels of product and service quality. So we were thrilled at the opportunity to work with Todd at Panhandle Contracting on a recent seawall project in the Shell Point community in Wakulla County, FL.
The project features our patented and popular vinyl cap seawall system introduced in early 2016— the first and only such vinyl cap system in the seawall industry.
For this residential shoreline project, Todd had to first remove the existing rip-rap system which took up a great deal of real estate. It also made accessing the beach perilous. He replaced the rip-rap with ESP’s 5.5 vinyl sheet piling and vinyl seawall cap system using 3/16 inch stainless hardware and a 4 x 6 inch wood waler painted to match the seawall.
The end result is a beautiful, lower-profile seawall that protects—and enhances—the homeowner’s property, saved money, and will last 50+ years instead of 20.
Vinyl Seawalls the Modern Material of Choice
Todd is sold on the advantages of vinyl seawall systems.
“I only work with vinyl seawalls. When people ask for wood I show them how the prices are so close and the vinyl wall comes with a 50-yr warranty, so you’re getting a 50-year wall instead of something that will last only 20. And now there’s even a vinyl cap so you don’t have to bring in concrete.”
Todd Thompson, Owner, Panhandle Contracting
A Thank You to Todd Thompson and Our Extended Partner Network
We appreciate that Todd recognizes the advantages of the vinyl seawall system— caps included! We thank him and all our contracting partners for their hard work bringing the bright future of vinyl seawall systems into the here and now with Everlast Synthetic Products.