Company History | Folan Waterproofing & Construction Co., Inc.

Established in 1969

Folan was established in 1969 by the late Patrick J Folan and his wife Noreen. Patrick J. Folan was born and educated in England and served in the British Army and Merchant Marines. After migrating to the US, he worked as a Journeyman Stone Mason and Bricklayer in the greater Boston area. He was a past member of the Bricklayer and Allied Craftsman Union for over forty years and was active nationally as Sealant Waterproofers and Restoration Institute member.

Photo: Late Patrick J. and Noreen Folan

Patrick J. Folan - Prudential Tower Balcony

Setting the Foundation

After establishing Folan with his wife Noreen he initially focused on the restoration and waterproofing of brick and stone churches and public buildings in and around Boston. Under his leadership the company grew significantly from a self-employed husband and wife shop to a flourishing first class operation.

Photo: Patrick J. Folan - Prudential Tower Balcony

Continuing the Legacy

Patrick and Noreen’s integrity, hard work and dedication to the company did not diminish their commitment to their family. Seeing their parents lead inspired their children Noreen P. Folan, Patrick H. Folan and MaryEllen Card to continue to grow Folan to the flourishing business it is today.

Photo: MaryEllen Card

Passion for the Craft

The late Patrick H. Folan was a Trustee for the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3 in Boston, where he was also a proud member for over 43 years. Patrick had served as past President for the Mason Contractors Association and was on the Honorary Committee for the Clergy Health & Retirement Trust. Like his sister Noreen, Patrick also held numerous Construction Industry licenses and was an active member of several Professional Organizations.

Photo: Patrick H. Folan

Queen of the Waterproofers

The late Noreen P. Folan was the first woman to fulfill journeyman status as a waterproofer mason member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman and was a proud member for over 33 years. Noreen was also the first woman to ever chair and negotiate a union contract with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Local 3. She formally served as a board member for the Mason Contractors Association, Women in Construction and was a member of the SWRI and held numerous certifications and licenses.

Photo: Late Noreen P. Folan

Patrick J Folan III, Debbie Folan (mother of Patrick, Aimee, Holly & wife of the late Patrick H. Folan), Aimee Foley & Holly Folan

A Family Legacy: Third Generation Owners with Diverse Expertise

Following in the footsteps of their grandparents and parents, the business has now been proudly transitioned to the third generation. Each of the current owners brings their own diverse experience.

Three of the late Patrick H. Folan’s children have taken on lead roles in the business. Prior to joining Folan, Holly had worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Boston & London for over 14 years and is a CPA. She now leads the finance function of Folan, and is the driver of strategic initiatives such as Folan’s participation in various women industry groups. Her sister Aimee and brother Patrick J., both started their careers in the field having gone through the Local 3 apprenticeship program. Aimee plays a critical role in the office on the procurement and project management side of the business. Patrick leads Folan’s business development efforts and is in charge of the field operations to ensure successful completion of all projects.

Photo: Patrick J Folan III, Debbie Folan (mother of Patrick, Aimee, Holly & wife of the late Patrick H. Folan), Aimee Foley & Holly Folan