Despite a political science degree with the focus on public administration, he found himself taking a construction job shortly after college — and has never looked back. B. Reid Construction evolved from a framing business he originally started in 1980. Today, the company builds custom homes around the area “between the three bridges” (Tacoma Narrows, Hood Canal and Agate Pass).

Out of four brothers whose entrepreneurial family included a grandfather who was a millionaire restaurateur, three ended up with their own businesses. Brad Reid, actually, ended up with two. Nearly three years ago, he felt compelled to buy Pete’s Jersey Subs in Manette, a deli shop he really enjoyed that was up for sale.

Renamed “Kate’s Jersey Subs” after the name of his wife, Kathleen, the shop feeds Reid’s entrepreneurial spirit even more. But it’s the construction business that helps him enjoy his life.

“I love that I get to do what I want when I want,” he says. “Usually that just means work but there is a difference between life making you work and going to work as part of life. My work draws me out of bed, it keeps me motivated.”

B. Reid Construction builds about five to eight higher-end custom or spec homes a year. Reid has five employees, and at one time had 18 but downsized to keep things more manageable.

“Four projects at a time is perfect for me,” he says.

In his early days as a laborer, Reid entered the industry when no one was building homes — interest rates were at 16 percent. So everyone was building apartments. “I had fear of heights and ended up sheeting roofs every day,” he says. “I didn’t know a thing, I was bad at it, and (the danger) scared me.”

Kathleen Reid has been an equal partner in the business, helping with things like landscaping and painting in the early days. They make decisions together and are both actively involved with the construction company and the deli.

B. Reid Construction works with a Realtor to find its spec properties, and Reid finds that he has to be on top of the market.

“You certainly have to look harder for a piece of property. It’s out there, but it’s almost a full-time job anymore,” he says.

Reid says he is amazed by how much they have to charge for a house due to escalating costs, and finds that what he does carries a big responsibility. “We are responsible for a lot of people’s lives,” he says.

Reid acknowledges that the building industry is always evolving, but he likes learning. “Things are always changing — you never know everything and you keep learning,” he says.

The company stays competitive by setting itself apart, trying to offer unique homes and services. B. Reid Construction’s homes won in their price categories both years of entering the Parade of Homes.

“We’ve always tried to do something just a bit different,” he says. “We think we take that ‘extra step.’”.