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Deborah Matthews was not into construction. That was her husband’s thing. He had been a construction superintendent since 1986. She worked in health care.

So when Mark Matthews suggested they start their own construction business in 2000, Deborah was not sure what to think.

“I finally took that leap,” she said. “He’s dreamer. I’m the realist. It’s a nice balance.”

Deborah has not gotten completely away from health care. Many of Pacificmark’s projects have included medical facilities. The company just finished turning a 3,447-square-foot former shopping area in West Linn into a Providence Medical Group clinic.

Other projects in the medical field include remodeling the Legacy Holladay Park Lab and Firewood Clinic.

Pacificmark typically does tenant improvement projects — from massive undertakings like the Providence project to simply replacing doors. Deborah said they focus on commercial projects and don’t do anything in the residential market.

Deborah said at least 87 percent of Pacificmark’s employees are minorities. The company is a member of the National Association of Minority Contractors and Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs.

“We pride ourselves in seeking partnerships on projects,” Deborah said. That pride in partnerships extends to every level, she added.

“We realize that a successful company involves a team that not only includes employees but all individuals who create an integral part of each project, including the owner, architect, subcontractors and suppliers.”